New Year’s Eve Toronto 2023 Celebrations
Published: December 14, 2022
The city of Toronto is ready to light up for New Year’s Eve! Get ready to welcome 2023 with friends, family, and loved ones as we put 2022 behind us. With activities for all ages and budgets, we have plenty of suggestions on how you can celebrate New Year’s Eve in Toronto. UP Express can get you to all your New Year’s Eve festivities safely and quickly – and for free! This year, we offer free rides on UP Express and GO Transit beginning at 7pm until the end of service on December 31, in conjunction with Forty Creek Whisky and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). No ticket or PRESTO payment is required for trips departing after 7pm on New Year’s Eve – simply board the train and relax! UP Express’ service ends prior to midnight on December 31, so be sure to check GO Transit schedules to see how you can continue your journey for free after midnight. Whether you’re celebrating in downtown Toronto, exploring new neighbourhoods, or getting out of town, UP Express is the best way to welcome in 2023. With four convenient stations and comfortable trains featuring free Wi-Fi, roomy seating, and friendly staff, rest assured that you’ll arrive at your destination in time to see the clock strike twelve.
Free Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Fun
New Year’s Eve is fun for the whole family in downtown Toronto! Grab the kids and head to the official City of Toronto New Year’s party with the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square and the return of the annual fireworks display over City Hall at midnight. Just a short walk from UP Express Union Station, bundle up and dress warmly for the spectacular light show, live music, food trucks, ice skating, DJs spinning great tunes, and more, all beginning at 8 p.m. on December 31.
Lace up your skates and hit the rink at Harbourfront Centre, just a short TTC ride from UP Express Union Station. Known for their family-friendly DJ skate nights, it’s free to skate on New Year’s Eve if you bring your own skates. Skate rentals are available for a fee.
Have Some New Year’s Eve Laugh
Friends and couples looking to start 2023 with some laughs can take in a Toronto comedy show! Chuckle your way to the new year with the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza hosted by Steve Patterson at historic Massey Hall, conveniently located within walking distance of UP Express Union Station. Live comedy fans can also check out the line-up at Yuk Yuk’s comedy club, Comedy Bar’s comedy cabaret show, or take in a New Year’s dinner and a show at Absolute Comedy with headliner Kate Davis for additional ways to laugh it up on December 31.
Ring In The New Year In Toronto
For a uniquely Toronto experience, countdown to midnight from atop the CN Tower with stunning views of the skyline, Toronto Islands, and Lake Ontario at the New Year’s Eve cocktail party. Featuring fantastic food options, party favours, and cocktails you can tip back on the dance floor made of glass looking to the city below and what just might be the best view of Toronto’s fireworks displays. Don’t worry about braving Toronto’s winter weather – the CN Tower is accessible via the enclosed SkyWalk directly from UP Express Union Station.
For another uniquely Toronto experience, toast to the new year from on the water. Set sail for your New Year’s Eve party under the night sky on Lake Ontario with a Toronto Harbour cruise. Located a short distance from UP Express Union Station, enjoy the Toronto skyline onboard with a Jubilee Queen waterfront cruise.
Party Like It’s 2023
What’s New Year’s Eve without a party? Parties are back in full swing as Toronto gets ready to welcome in 2023. With a seemingly endless number of bars and nightclubs hosting revelers until the early hours of the morning, pop a bottle of champagne and dance the night away at Toronto hot spots including the Gladstone Hotel, NEST nightclub’s premium dance party, Lee’s Palace and The Dance Cave’s emo New Year’s and more! For a truly unique experience, watch the clock strike twelve at the Royal Ontario Museum’s NYE party countdown event featuring a DJ, food, drinks, and access to the museum’s exhibits after dark.
Celebrate And Give Back
Reflect on the year that has passed in a meaningful way by giving back to the Toronto community. While donations are always welcome at these programs supporting the local community, temporary and on-going volunteer opportunities are needed at a number of organizations.
This New Year’s Eve, volunteer at the Toronto Daily Bread Food Bank and help prepare meals for those living in shelters or pack and sort food donations. With locations throughout Toronto, the Out of the Cold program is in need of volunteers to provide hot meals and drinks as well as clothing donations. Other charitable organizations include Covenant House Toronto which works to support vulnerable youth, while The 519 welcomes year-round volunteers to aid in their mission to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Toronto. Seeking volunteers for seasonal events and kitchen prep for participants, Sistering has spent 40 years supporting at-risk, socially-isolated women and trans people in Toronto who are precariously-housed or homeless.
If you’re feeling particularly brave after a night of celebrating, the annual Toronto Polar Bear Dip is back! On January 1st, join the crowd and brave the frigid waters of Lake Ontario for a good cause, accessible from nearby UP Express Bloor Station. Individuals and teams can register to take the plunge at Sunnyside Beach with fundraising efforts going to the Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. Those who prefer to stay warm and toasty can stay on dry land and donate to support a member of the polar bear club.
Have A Happy New Year
No matter how you choose to celebrate the end of 2022, we’re ready to get you moving in 2023. As we look forward to the new year, make UP Express part of your holiday plans. We’re ready to welcome you onboard our comfortable trains with frequent, safe and convenient service. UP Express can get you from Pearson Airport to Union Station in just 25-minutes with convenient stops at Weston Station and Bloor Station. Avoid holiday parking and traffic delays and keep your trip – and New Year’s Eve celebration – on track with free rides on UP Express and GO Transit beginning at 7pm on December 31. After 7pm, no ticket or PRESTO tap is required – simply board the train to be on your way! UP Express’ service ends before midnight on New Year’s Eve, but connections can be made via GO Transit for free. Be sure to check the train schedules on December 31 before heading out to celebrate 2023.