I know that Hanukkah is barely over and Christmas hasn’t even arrived yet, but if you are like me you are already planning ahead to figure out just what you and yours are going to be doing on the biggest party night of the year; New Year’s Eve.
Obviously in our area there are lots of clubs, pubs and restaurants offering special parties and there are some that will absolutely love spending the last night of 2015 that way, which is great. But what if you really don’t want to spend too much money or you’d like to see the old year old in slightly more low key – and less boozy – way? Or if you want to celebrate the arrival of 2016 as a family with your kids? Then I am happy to tell you that this year our area has more to offer you than ever as Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge are all planning some great New Year’s Eve festivities everyone can enjoy:
Kitchener
This year the New Year’s celebration in Downtown Kitchener is tying in with a theme that is red hot this holiday season; Star Wars!
Dubbed the ‘New Year’s Force Fan Expo’ this event will host a mini Comic Con all of our own, with all kinds of roaming costumed characters to interact with – and cosplaying yourself is seriously encouraged – retro arcade games to play (bring plenty of quarters) and a big toy sale/expo that kids and adults should love. In addition to all of this there will also be ice skating on Carl Zehr Square, face painting and crafts for kids, live music starting at 1030pm, free hot chocolate stations, food vendors and a countdown at midnight of galactic proportions. And yes, admission is free.
Learn more about Kitchener’s New Year celebrations here.
Waterloo
Waterloo’s free family friendly celebration is going to be staged in in the Waterloo Public Square.This event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and there will be free public skating for everyone, Tim Horton’s will be running a free hot chocolate stand, Mad Science will be on hand to dazzle young and old alike with scientific magic and there will also be a live DJ and light show.
Learn more about Waterloo’s New Year celebrations here.
Cambridge
Cambridge will be hosting the Royal Bank Presents the Family New Year’s Eve Party at Hespeler Arena between 5 and 8pm. There will be three free family skate sessions available – 5-6, 6-7 or 7-8pm – but there will also be plenty of off ice fun on tap as well.
In addition to bouncy castles, crafting fun and organised party games IncrediBrent will be performing two magic shows at 6 pm & 7 pm and they’ll be a free photobooth so everyone can take home a visual memento of the night.
Learn more about Cambridge’s New Year celebrations here.