2021 has been a whirlwind year and it’s ending on an equally chaotic, unprecedented note with COVID-19 case counts rising and many in-person events and celebrations being postponed to help slow the spread of the Omicron variant. While it may feel like we are in an episode of Black Mirror, reliving the same horrors of March 2020 over and over again, there is still a lot to celebrate. This past year brought a lot of good, such the roll-out of vaccines, to Britney Spears finally breaking free from her conservatorship and China declaring pandas a no longer endangered species – to name a few.
Whatever you’re celebrating, we’ve got you covered with these five fun and physically distanced New Year’s Eve events that will keep you safe as we ring in what will hopefully be a more precedented 2022.
City of Toronto’s fireworks display
We’ve worked with @TOPublicHealth to plan a safe #NewYearsEve – bringing together music and fireworks for Torontonians to enjoy safely at home via our livestream event.
Find out more at https://t.co/cgxJepTSLp pic.twitter.com/bOwtU3qQo1
— John Tory (@JohnTory) December 29, 2021
The annual firework display that normally takes place at Nathan Phillips Square will be launched from several locations along Toronto’s waterfront this year to limit gatherings in one particular place. Residents from Scarborough to Etobicoke can bundle up and watch in awe as fireworks dance across Lake Ontario – or stay cozy inside and watch the livestream of the whole event instead. The 10 minute fireworks show starts at midnight and there’s even a virtual concert and countdown event live on YouTube starting at 10:30 pm.
The Distillery Winter Village
The Winter Village opened on Nov. 27, and its final night is tonight before turning back into the regular old Distillery District. Perfect for friends and families, The Distillery Winter Village features a curated selection of Toronto’s finest local artisans, shops and restaurants. If you couldn’t find time to schedule in a visit to this Toronto classic, tonight could be the night! Make sure to reserve tickets ahead, as it will surely be a busy evening.
Snow Magic
Snow Magic is a drive through art exhibit and wonderland event on the Ontario Place grounds that you can enjoy from the safety and warmth of your car. This event offers a contactless experience if you choose to keep your windows up, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice celebrations for safety. It runs until the end of January, but if you’re looking for a fun way to close out the new year, tickets are still available to buy for tonight!
Terra Lumina
Experience the immersive world of Terra Lumina at the Toronto Zoo this New Year’s Eve! Vibrant lighting, multimedia effects, animated projections, inspiring storytelling and an original score conjure an immersive future world that shares a message of hope for a brighter tomorrow. How’s that for ringing in 2022 on a positive note?
Rooftop skating at The Porch
SkySKate is back and open for business on Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year skating circles around your friends and family on the rooftop patio of downtown bar, The Porch, taking in the iconic views of Toronto’s skyline. The popular spot has been transformed into a skating rink, serving up smash burgers and drinks ringside for when you inevitably work up an appetite.