The time to say good-bye to 2023 and hello to 2024 is quickly approaching and once again Londoners have their pick of places to celebrate.
The biggest bash in the city is the annual New Year’s Eve in the Park presented by WSIB. Thousands are expected to fill Victoria Park for free live entertainment, hot chocolate, and fireworks. The festivities get underway at 7 p.m. on Sunday with local musicians performing at the bandshell. This year's lineup includes children's performer Saidat, family-friendly rockers The Thinking Caps, country roots rock duo Brothers Wilde, Latino musicians Simple Reflections Latin Power, and the Forest City London Music Awards All-Star Band.
“Our focus every year at New Year’s Eve in the Park is to shine the light on local talent,” said Mario Circelli, co-chair of the New Year’s Eve in the Park organizing committee. “We’ve got some of the hottest musicians coming out of the Forest City and it’s so exciting to open an event like this to everyone. Music brings people together in a way that I don't feel anything else does.”
As usual, there will be two fireworks displays. The first for families and children will go at 9 p.m. The second display will alight the night's sky at the stroke of midnight.
Revelers heading to the outdoor event will want to bundle up as Environment Canada is calling for clouds, a 40 per cent chance of flurries, and a low of -4 C on Sunday night.
For families who would rather ring in the new year earlier in the day, the Children's Museum is holding a New Year's Eve Family celebration from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include a live DJ, dancing, and a NYE photo booth, as well as a new year countdown and balloon drop. Cost ranges from $8 to $13.
The London Knights will be playing their last game of 2023 at Budweiser Gardens. The team will be hosting the Flint Firebirds. Puck drop is at 4 p.m.
Toboggan Brewing Co. on Richmond Street is holding a NYE dinner and jazz show. It begins at 6 p.m. and includes a chef-created four-course meal and a performance by Nicole Tan Combo. Tickets are $150 per person plus tax.
For people in north London, The Rec Room at Masonville Place is hosting its annual New Year's Eve Bash. The night includes food, games, and entertainment. It begins at 8 p.m.
Kachiguda Junction on Queens Avenue is holding a New Year's Eve Bollywood Social at 9 p.m. The night will include a live DJ playing Bollywood dance music, the latest Hindi and Punjabi songs, and 2000s English hits. There will also be a special Champagne toast and Indian appetizers. Cost is $40.
London Music Hall is also hosting a New Year's Eve event. It begins at 9 p.m. with performances by Alex Hawken B2B Jesney, Mat Lunnen B2B Richard K, Alex B2B Taknik, Mikey the Kid B2B K-VIII. Ticket prices begin at $19.50.
London Transit will be offering free transit service from 8 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday.
Those who choose to drive themselves to celebrations can park on-street for free after 6 p.m. All day Monday on-street parking will come at no charge, according to the City of London. As well, there will be bike parking available around Victoria Park on the south side of the bandshell, at the corner of Richmond Street and Central Avenue, along Wellington Street just north of Dufferin Avenue, and outside City Hall under the west overhang. Secure bike lockers can be rented at the north end of Clarence Street beside Victoria Park.
