New Year's Eve in Canada is an exciting time. People across our country celebrate in different ways. It's a time of celebration, reflection, and looking forward to what’s ahead. From coast to coast, we celebrate in unique ways. I'd like to share how Canadians—and others around the world—make this night magical.
Starting with some fun facts:
A Record-Breaking Toast: In 2019, Toronto set a world record with the most people toasting at midnight all at once. More than 30,000 people joined in, showing just how excited the city is to celebrate the new year.
The King's Speech: Some Canadians still watch the New Year’s message on television, a tradition that started in 1957. Now, instead of the Queen, it’s the King who delivers the message. This has become a favorite way for families to look back on the past year and look forward to the new one.
Polar Bear Plunge: Only in Canada would people willingly jump into freezing water in January! This daring tradition happens in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, where participants take an icy dip to start the year with a splash. It’s chilly, refreshing, and definitely unforgettable.
Midnight Kisses: A kiss as the clock strikes twelve is believed to bring good luck and strengthen relationships—a sweet and simple way to start the year.
New Year's celebrations in Canada have a rich history, blending Indigenous traditions with European customs. The calendar we use today, called the Gregorian calendar, was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. Canada, like many countries, officially adopted January 1st as the start of the new year in the late 19th century.
Before this change, different cultures celebrated the new year at various times. Many Indigenous peoples marked the new year with the changing seasons and natural events. European settlers brought their own New Year's traditions, such as making resolutions, which are still popular today.
Canada’s mix of cultures really shows in how we celebrate New Year’s.
Every part of the country has its own way of ringing in the new year, bringing together local traditions, a sense of community, and moments you won’t forget. Here’s how we celebrate from coast to coast—and even beyond!
Quebec:
New Year’s Eve in Quebec brings together fun and tradition in a unique way. In Montreal, the Old Port lights up with fireworks and live music. A big part of the celebration is “Le Réveillon,” an outdoor gathering where people enjoy traditional foods, drinks, and a warm sense of community. You might even spot le Bonhomme Carnaval, the Winter Carnival mascot, adding to the festive mood!
Ontario:
Ontario sure knows how to ring in the New Year! In Toronto, Nathan Phillips Square is the place to be, with live music, an ice rink, and an amazing fireworks show. In Ottawa, families come together for the “New Year’s Eve Gala,” a fun event with ice skating, great music, and a midnight countdown.
West Coast:
Vancouver knows how to throw a party for New Year’s! The “Vancouver New Year’s Eve Celebration” lights up the city with live music, an epic fireworks show over False Creek, and a huge outdoor bash. It’s a mix of culture and community that brings out thousands of people every year.
Atlantic Canada:
Halifax offers an unforgettable experience! The historic waterfront sets the stage for a night of live music, fireworks, and a street party - with a dash of the East Coast charm.
Northern Canada:
New Year’s in Northern Canada is something truly unique. In Whitehorse, Yukon, the celebrations are all about embracing the Arctic magic. Locals dive into winter fun with ice fishing, snowshoeing, and, if they’re lucky, catching the breathtaking Northern Lights. It’s a one-of-a-kind way to ring in the new year while soaking up the beauty of nature.
Cuisine
Food is a big part of New Year's celebrations across Canada. People enjoy special dishes and drinks from coast to coast.
Quebec: Traditional foods like tourtière (a meat pie) and maple syrup desserts are popular. The meal is often accompanied by champagne or sparkling wine.
Ontario: New Year's Eve parties in Ontario often feature a variety of appetizers, including cheese platters, seafood, and finger foods.
West Coast: In Vancouver, seafood is a highlight, with dishes like oysters and crab.
Atlantic Canada: In Halifax, traditional foods like seafood chowder and roast meats are common.
Around the World:
When the clock hits midnight, the new year begins, and the world bursts with excitement.
Whether it’s in busy city streets or quiet countryside spots, the New Year’s vibe is all about fresh starts and good energy.
Sydney, Australia: Sydney is famous for its spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display. It's often one of the first major celebrations to ring in the new year, thanks to its location in the southern hemisphere.
Tokyo, Japan: In Japan, the New Year, or "Shogatsu," is a time for visiting temples and shrines. Many people enjoy "Hatsumode," the first shrine visit of the year, to pray for good fortune.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: In Rio, people celebrate New Year's Eve with a huge beach party. It's a tradition to wear white for good luck and to jump over seven waves for wishes in the new year.
New York City, USA: The iconic ball drop in Times Square has been a New Year's Eve tradition since 1907. The ball, which weighs over 11,000 pounds and is covered in 2,688 Waterford crystals, drops at midnight to mark the start of the new year.
Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh hosts "Hogmanay," a world-famous New Year's celebration that includes street parties, fireworks, and traditional Scottish music. The celebrations can last for several days.
Madrid, Spain: In Spain, it's traditional to eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock. This is believed to bring good luck for each month of the coming year.
Copenhagen, Denmark: In Denmark, people celebrate by jumping off chairs at midnight, symbolizing a leap into the new year and leaving behind bad luck. It's also customary to smash old dishes on friends' doorsteps as a way to bring good luck.
Istanbul, Turkey: In Turkey, many people celebrate New Year's with a feast that includes a variety of special dishes, such as "börek" (a savory pastry) and "kuzu tandır" (roast lamb). It’s also common to make and exchange gifts.
Hong Kong, China: In Hong Kong, the New Year's fireworks show is a major highlight, with the display often featuring a dazzling array of colors and patterns over Victoria Harbour. The city also celebrates with lantern festivals and dragon dances.
South Africa: In Cape Town, people celebrate New Year's with a street parade known as the "Cape Town Minstrel Carnival," where performers in colorful costumes and bands march through the city.
People from all backgrounds come together to enjoy the achievements of the past year and get excited about new opportunities.
For years, ringing in the New Year for us meant dancing the night away, hitting the bars, or hopping between house parties. But as time went on and we had a family of our own, the celebrations evolved.
Now, we cherish staying in and enjoying a cozy night at home, far from the hustle and bustle. We prepare a seafood meal, enjoy some treats and drinks, and get into our pjs early. We try to stay awake until the NY ball drops at midnight. When the new year starts, we exchange hugs and kisses, send warm wishes to family and friends, and then head to bed.
On New Year's Day, we have a big breakfast, go for a nice hike, and spend the rest of the day relaxing. These cozy, joyful moments have become our special celebration tradition.
If you're spending this time of year alone, it is the perfect opportunity to focus on yourself and embrace new beginnings. We all have the power to create a meaningful and fulfilling start to the new year, no matter where we are.
New Year’s Eve is more than a celebration; it’s a moment to reflect on the past and dream about the future. Whether you’re dancing under the fireworks, enjoying a cozy night in, or celebrating solo, this time of year is a chance to reset and recharge.
As the clock strikes midnight, I aim to welcome the new year with an open heart, hope, and excitement.
New beginnings and fresh starts. No matter where you are or how you celebrate, I wish you joy, peace, and many great opportunities in the year ahead.
