As we say goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017 there are so many special ways to ring in the new year with the family; and with multiple countdowns happening through out the day you can count down to the new year with your little ones and still have them in bed at their regular bedtime.
Ice Castles
The Ice Castles are back and bigger than ever; this makes for a great family activity or for a night out for Mom and Dad.
When: On now | Friday: 3 pm to 10 pm | Saturday: 12 pm to 10 pm | Sunday: 12 pm to 8 pm
Where: Hawrelak Park
Cost: General Admission: $16.95 online or $20 at the door | Children: $12.95 online or $15 at the door | Toddlers (3 and under): FREE
Edmonton Public Library
Every week the Edmonton Public Library offers a variety of activities suitable for the whole family at each branch; you can find what is happening near you here.
When: Ongoing
Where: Various locations (Edmonton)
Cost: FREE
Noon Year’s Eve
Celebrate the New Year with the little ones at TWOSE’s, there will be a NOON year count down, a science experiment that creates fireworks and candy cane liquid nitrogen ice cream! There will also be activities happening all day for the whole family!
When: December 31 + January 1 (Activities happening from 9 am to 8 pm, NOON Year countdown starting at 11:45 am.)
Where: Telus World of Science Edmonton
Cost: Regular Admission Applies
Countdown at the Conservatory
Ring in the New Year in the afternoon at the Muttart Conservatory; there will be fun activities for the family, crafts and live music!
When: December 31 | 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Muttart Conservatory
Cost: Regular Admission Applies
Reel Family Cinema
Metro Cinema invites you to enjoy a film that is captivating to the whole family, this week they are showing: The Wizard of Oz.
When: December 31 | 2 pm
Where: Metro Cinema
Cost: Kids 12 and under are FREE | Adults: regular admission
New Year’s Eve Party
Gymboree Play & Music invites you and yourr little ones to ring in the New Year with games, parachute fun, bubbles and so much more! Note: This event is for children age 0-5 years old.
When: December 31 | 3 to 5 pm
Where: 356 Bulyea Rd
Cost: $20 Child | $15 Sibling | Adults are FREE
New Years Festival
Ring in the new year in Strathcona County with a variety of activities for the family; there will be inflatables, face painting, snow shoeing, fire dancing, roving entertainment, fireworks and more!
When: December 31 | 4 pm to 8 pm
Where: Broadmoor Lake Park, Community Centre and Festival Place
Cost: FREE
Bringing in 2017
Enjoy skating and sledding at this fun family event! There will be hot chocolate, coffee and hotdogs as well as fireworks, friendship wall building and more; find all the details here!
When: December 31 | 4:30 pm to 9 pm
Where: Central Park, Spruce Grove
Cost: FREE
Family Fest
Family Fest is an annual family celebration that rings in the New Year with fireworks, and also provides family activities, sleigh rides, hotdogs and more!
When: December 31 | 6 pm to 9 pm
Where: Heritage Pavilion, Stony Plain
Cost: FREE
Celebrate New Year`s Eve in the Heart of Downtown
Celebrate New Year`s Eve and the celebration of Canada`s 150th year of Confederation (2017) with two amazing fireworks displays and various activities for the family.
When: December 31 | Festivities start at 6 pm and there will be fireworks displays at both 8:30 pm and 12 am
Where: City Hall + Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: FREE (Note: ETS will be offering free rides to and from the celebrations so that you don`t have to worry about parking)
Celebrate with your Community
Many communities around Edmonton are offering free or low cost activities to ring in the new year with families; check with your local community league to see if something is happening in your community. **Please note: some of the activities are only available to members of the hosting community, hence why we don`t list them all here. If you are unsure of the event details we recommend you contact the community league director directly.**
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Join the City of St. Albert in celebrating New Year’s Eve with a fireworks display, hot chocolate will be available as well!
When: December 31 | 8:30 pm to 9 pm
Where: Mission Hill, St. Albert
Cost: FREE
Netflix New Years
Find all the details on a Netflix New Year countdown here!
Lieutenant Governor’s New Year’s Day Levee
Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell and His Honour Doug Mitchell will be greeting members of the public at Government House in Edmonton. “The levee is an opportunity to visit historic Government House, enjoy music and light refreshments and write a postcard of thanks and encouragement to Canadian Forces members serving overseas. To kick off Canada’s special year, all guests will receive Canada 150 pins and have the opportunity to take a Canada 150 photo. Younger visitors can take away a Canada 150 activity kit.”
When: January 1 | 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: 12845 – 102 Avenue
Cost: FREE
New Year’s Day at the Wilderness Centre
Enjoy the first day of the new year at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre; there will be bon fires, snow shoeing, snow sculptures, guided tours and more!
When: January 1 | 1 pm to 4 pm
Where: Township Road 530 and Range Road 212
Cost: Regular Admission Applies
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**Image Courtesy of Shutterstock**