Ottawa’s Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Events

2017 is sure to be a special year for Canada, marking 150 years since confederation. Here in the capital this monumental year will be welcomed in style. Ottawa is offering plenty of family friendly and free options for ringing in the new year. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best.

Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill will be hopping this New Year’s Eve. Starting at 7:00 pm there will be a carillon concert, followed up by a pyromusical fireworks show at 8:17 p.m. (also known as 20:17). After the fireworks, Canadian artists Radio Radio, Brett Kissel and Carly Rae Jepsen will take the stage. There will then be a second fireworks display at midnight. The event is free. For more information, visit https://www.ottawatourism.ca/ottawa2017/signature-2017-events/

Where: Parliament Hill, Ottawa
When: 7:00 pm–1:00 am

City Hall
Ottawa City Hall is hosting its own Sesquicentennial Celebrations (that’s a mouthful!). This early-evening NYE party is another great option for parents and kids. There will be plenty of family-friendly activities as well as free hot dogs and hot chocolate. At 6:15 there will be a lighting of a gas-powered cauldron in Marion Dewar Plaza. The cauldron, is approximately 16 feet high and 13 feet wide and will be located near the memorial fountain next to Laurier Avenue. This event is free.

Where: Ottawa’s City Hall
When: 6:00 pm-8:00 pm

The Canadian Museum of History
This Canadian Museum of History is also a site for Canada’s 150th celebration festivities. The museum’s outdoor plaza will be animated throughout the evening. There will be a fireworks show at 8:17 p.m., and the Parliament Hill national ceremony and shows will be displayed live on two giant screens. There are some ticketed party events going on inside the museum, but those have already been sold out for this year.

Where: The Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau
When: 7:00 pm-midnight

Rick Chiarelli’s Alcohol Free Family New Year’s Eve
It has been voted the “Best Place to be on New Year’s Eve” and it certainly has a lot to offer families. City Councillor Rick Chiarelli has been holding this alcohol-free family event for years, and it draws thousands of people. There are indoor and outdoor activities such as a skating party, sleigh rides, train rides, a bouncy castle, a colouring studio, face painting and a ginger bread house building competition. (I’m getting tired just thinking about all this fun) There is also entertainment with music and magic, and a count-down to the New Year at 10:00 pm with fireworks. For more info on this jam packed event visit http://www.alcoholfreenewyears.com

Where: Ben Franklin Place, Centre Pointe Drive
When: 6:00 pm-10:00 pm

The Hogmanay Celebration at Lansdowne
For a unique New Year’s Event that includes plenty of plaid check out The Scottish Society of Ottawa’s 5th annual Hogmanay Celebration. There will be a KidZone from 5 until 8 pm with face painting, balloon twisting, light spinners, Scottish dancers and crafts. There will also be live music and dancing throughout the evening, and plenty of things to eat. At 7:00 there is a countdown to New Years in Scotland, complete with balloons and singing of Auld Lang Syne, and then at actual midnight – fireworks! Admission is free. For more information on this kilt-friendly celebration check out http://www.thescottishsocietyofottawa.com/hogmanay-2016/

Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park
When: 5:00 pm-midnight