Kitchener-Waterloo

Ways to mark New Year's Eve in Waterloo region and Guelph

Say goodbye to 2024 at free events in Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Guelph on Tuesday.

Lots of skating parties planned to celebrate the end of 2024

People gather at night in a park near a river wearing winter coats - there is snow on the ground - and there are fireworks in the sky
People gather to watch fireworks on New Year's Eve in Guelph's Riverside Park on Dec. 31, 2022. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)

Tuesday will mark the end of 2024 and there are several events planned to mark it.

Local restaurants, bars and entertainment venues will be hosting a number of events that may require tickets or reservations.

There are also family friendly events being planned by local municipalities. Below are the details for what you can expect at those events.

Cambridge

Hespeler Arena, 640 Ellis Road.

3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Spend the afternoon ice skating, competing in the inflatable obstacle course, live entertainment, games and more. The event is free.

The arena's concession stand will be open so people can purchase snacks.

New Year's Eve ball drop

Gaslight District, Cambridge

8 p.m. until just after midnight

This free event will be outside at the Gaslight District. Watch together on the big screen as the ball drops at midnight. 

Restaurants and bars at the Gaslight District are also open but tickets or reservations may be required.

Kitchener

City hall

7 p.m. to midnight

This year's theme is Night of Legends. There will be a show featuring tributes to Pink, Madonna, Taylor Swift, Mick Jagger, Blondie and ABBA.

There will also be free hot chocolate, skating on the outside rink, a family-friendly ball drop at 10 p.m. then the New Year's ball drop at midnight.

Waterloo

Waterloo Public Square

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Join the ice skating party on the outdoor rink. There will also be music, crafts and hot apple cider.

Wonders of Winter will also be on in Waterloo Park until 10:30 p.m.

Guelph

Riverside Park

5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Sparkles in the Park, the nightly holiday light display, will still be on. The carousel will be running and at 8 p.m., there will be fireworks. This event is held by the Guelph Rotary Club.