Say hello to 2016: What’s open and closed New Year’s in Toronto

Are you ready to party like it’s 1999? You know you can’t have a New Year’s Eve without mentioning this classic Prince song.

Whether you are having a bash at your place or going out on the town, everyone will be partying in their own way. But remember: please don’t drink and drive. Make sure it is a safe New Year for everyone.

 

As you prepare for the big night, we have your need-to-know information like mall, LCBO and Beer Store hours, transit options and designated driver services, all gathered in one place.

If you haven’t made plans for Dec. 31 yet, below are some events around town to help you usher in the new year.

And then, once the partying is over and you are back to reality on New Year’s Day, keep in mind that not everything is closed. Some malls are open, and many of the city’s tourist attractions are welcoming you with open arms.

Not everything is sunshine and roses, as TTC riders can also expect a fare hike in January. Cash fares are going up 25 cents and the price of a token is rising 10 cents.

Transit

TTC
Dec. 31: Weekday service, with free service starting at 7 p.m. and running until 7 a.m. on Jan. 1. Subway and most bus and streetcar service is extended until around 4 a.m. on Jan. 1. Click here for more information.
Jan. 1: Sunday service schedule (subways start at 9 a.m.)

 

GO Transit
Dec. 31: Early homebound service (Check the GO website for schedule details). It is also offering free rides after 7 p.m. with special train service leaving Union Station after the countdown.
Jan. 1: Sunday schedule schedule

Other GTA transit
Some GTA transit services are also offering free rides starting at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Click on the links below for more information:

• VIVA/YRT
• Mississauga Transit
• Brampton Transit

Designated driver services

Below are some designated driver services across the GTA:

• GTA Designated Drivers
• Drink and Dial
• Keys To Us
• Designated Drivers Against Drinking Drivers
• Operation Red Nose

 

 

Shopping

Bramalea City Centre
Dec. 31: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Jan. 1: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Eaton Centre
Dec. 31: 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 1: noon – 5 p.m.

Dufferin Mall
Dec. 31: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 1: Closed

Fairview Mall
Dec. 31: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Jan. 1: Closed

Pacific Mall
The mall is open 365 days a year.

The Promenade
Dec. 31: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Jan. 1: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Scarborough Town Centre
Dec. 31: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Jan. 1: Closed

 

Sherway Gardens
Dec. 31: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Jan. 1: Closed.

Shops at Don Mills
Dec. 31: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Jan. 1: Closed

Square One
Dec. 31: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Jan. 1: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Vaughan Mills
Dec. 31: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Jan. 1: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Yorkdale Mall
Dec. 31: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Jan. 1: Closed

LCBO/Beer Stores

LCBO
Dec. 31: All stores will open at regular hours and close at 6 p.m. Click here to check hours at your local LCBO.
Jan. 1: Closed

The Beer Store
Dec. 31: All stores will open at regular hours and close at 6 p.m. Click here to check hours at your local store.
Jan. 1: Closed

 

Grocery/drug stores

Sobeys
Dec. 31: Most stores will be open from 12 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click here to check the hours at your local store.
Jan. 1: Bay Street location (777 Bay Street) 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Loblaws
Dec. 31: Most stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Click here to check the hours at your local store.
Jan. 1: Closed

Longo’s
Dec. 31: Most stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Click here to check the hours at your local store.
Jan. 1: Closed

Shoppers Drug Mart
Most stores are open on New Year’s Day. Click here to check the hours at your local store.

Note: Call your local grocery or drug store for their holiday hours before heading out.

Tourist attractions

Toronto Zoo
Dec. 31: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 1: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Royal Ontario Museum
Dec. 31: 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Jan. 1: 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

 

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Dec. 31: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Jan. 1: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Casa Loma
Dec. 31: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Jan. 1: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ontario Science Centre
Dec. 31: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Jan. 1: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

AGO
Dec. 31: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Jan. 1: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Government offices

Dec. 31: Most banks and other government offices open until the early afternoon
Jan. 1: Closed (no mail delivery)

Toronto Public Library

Dec. 31: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jan. 1: Closed

Toronto garbage collection

Jan. 1: No collection (All collections pushed forward one day. Click here for more information.)

 

City of Toronto recreation centres

Dec. 31: Community recreation centres will close at 4 p.m., except those with scheduled permits.
Jan. 1: Closed

Events

The biggest party night of the year has something for everyone from clubbers to athletes. Below are our top picks to ring in 2016.

New Year’s Eve at Nathan Phillips Square
Ring in the new year at Nathan Phillips Square with an outdoor skating and dance party, the largest in Toronto.

 

Produced by the City of Toronto, the event starts at 8 p.m. and features music by DJs Starting From Scratch, MelBoogie and P-Plus. There will also be performances from Zero Gravity Circus and a fireworks display.

Some side streets near the square will have traffic restrictions from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Majestic New Year’s Eve 2016
One Toronto’s most famous hotels, Fairmont Royal York, is hosting a huge party, with three rooms offering a wide variety of live music and much more. There’s a dinner option as well.

Majestic NYE 2015 at Fairmont Royal York presented by FAME Media from FAME Media on Vimeo.

Down-town Abbey
It’s an Edwardian-party with a modern twist in Parkdale. The Gladstone Hotel is hosting a huge cocktail party with live music and DJ sets, with each room decorated by a local artist. You’re urged to wear your “Downton” best to win a prize, and fascinators are encouraged!

House party in Little Italy
If you’re looking for something more low key, how about a simple house party? 159 Manning Ave. is the site of a regular New Year’s Eve party where tickets are just $15 with specific “chill out zones,” and even a coat check.

Bravissimo Opera’s Greatest Hits
Ring in the new year on a very high note by listening to some of the country’s best singers perform opera’s greatest compositions at Roy Thomson Hall.

Backed by a full orchestra, they’ll be performing works from La Traviata, Aida, Carmen and Rigoletto. The concert wraps up before 10 p.m., so you still have time to ring in the new year.

 

Midnight run in Liberty Village
For the sporty types who don’t want to face a hangover on Jan. 1, you can be part of a big running party through Liberty Village.

It’s the fifth annual MyNextRace.com’s Midnight Run, which swaps out shots for strides. After the race, you can warm up with a celebratory glass of sparkling wine or beer and some hot food, and continue to feel the endorphins until 3 a.m. The Fort York Food Bank is this year’s charity partner. Click here for the course map.