With the holidays nearly in the rear-view mirror, there’s just one more event on the docket – and it’s an event that Toronto does exceptionally well.
Every New Year’s Eve, Toronto takes all its massive amounts of energy – its creative drive, its pent-up holiday frustrations, its desire to dance the night away – and channels it into a series of unforgettable parties. From the multitudinous house parties dotting the GTA, to public spectacles, to Toronto’s vibrant nightlife and sophisticated restaurant events, you’re never far from a NYE party in the Six.
The hardest part is choosing your own adventure. In this article, let Harvey Kalles Real Estate be your guide. As the top realtors in Toronto, we’ve celebrated this city from top to bottom, and can recommend a few of our favourite ways to ring in the new year.
Start the Year Off with a Banger: Live Music Venues and Nightclubs
You’re never too old to party the night away on New Year’s Eve. If you can keep up with the younger generations, clubs like Bar 244, Barcode, Black Pearl and Casablanca host thumping, disco-ball-lit ragers as loud as they are sweaty. (You can find a more complete list of club bashes here).
Alternatively, if you prefer your tunes bumping from a stacked amp rather than a DJ booth, you can find NYE parties at various venues with live music. Jazz clubs like Jazz Bistro, The Rex, The Reservoir Lounge and Grossman’s Tavern all host their own swinging New Year’s Eve parties. Meanwhile, rock mainstays like the Horseshoe Tavern, Lee’s Palace and Dakota Tavern crank their amps to 11 for the holiday.
Public Affairs: Joining the Masses for an Outdoor NYE
If you prefer to stretch your legs, get some fresh air and ring in the occasion with civic-minded strangers, opt for an outdoor New Year’s Eve. At one time, you could visit Ontario Place to ring in the new year, but (as far as we can tell) there’s nothing official happening there this year. Instead, you’ll have to beeline it for the heart of the city.
Taking its cue from the famous Times Square festivities in New York, Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square and Nathan Phillips Square host similar public spectacles. Per Destination Ontario, you’ll find “free live music, ice skating, food and drinks trucks, and an Instagram-worthy fireworks display that starts at midnight.” It’s a family-friendly alternative to the exclusive club parties – provided you can keep the kids awake past midnight.
A Night at the Museum: NYE @ ROM
Ever wish you could ring in the new year among dinosaur bones and post-modern architecture? You’re in luck. As part of its popular “ROM After Dark” series, the Royal Ontario Museum hosts a December 31st soiree in its hallowed halls.
The event features live music, food and drinks, visual art installations and a few yet-undisclosed surprises. Best of all, you’re free to roam the exhibits as you count down the hours and minutes.
Ring the New Year In: Hosting an Unforgettable Party
If we at Harvey Kalles had the privilege of finding you a dream home this past year, chances are you won’t want to leave this December 31st. You’ll want to show it off.
And there’s no better way to show off your home than an unforgettable NYE bash. A couple of years ago, we wrote a hack-filled guide to hosting holiday parties, and the tips remain evergreen. We recommend sticking to a catchy yet minimal theme, optimizing your space for traffic flow, and implementing effective time management strategies for a stress-free day-of. Read more at the link.
Cruise into January: The Jubilee Boat Cruise
Take to the high seas (read: Lake Ontario) this New Year’s Eve for a stunning view of the Toronto skyline, a front-row seat to the fireworks, and some maritime moving and shaking. Because nothing says luxury quite like champagne on a boat.
While several small boat companies operate NYE excursions, the biggest (and certainly the most popular) is the Jubilee Boat Cruise, which charters a large heated yacht from Queens Quay throughout the Toronto Harbour.
The Tasting Menu: An All-Out Night for Toronto’s Restaurant Scene
New Year’s Eve is the occasion for Toronto restaurants to break out their A game. Often, restaurants spare no expense – they pop that tin of caviar, unfurl that gold leaf, sear those prime dry-aged steaks in butter, and shave truffles over everything. Lavishness is the name of the game.
Our recommendation is to choose a restaurant that you normally love and research their NYE menu. The vast majority of eateries offer a decadent prix fixe menu, complete with optional drink pairings and (sometimes) entertainment. Some noteworthy tasting menus in Toronto include Café Boulud, Alo/Aloette, Myth, Wynona and the Drake Hotel. Expect to budget upwards of $250 per person for the finer restaurants.
Quiet Time: Reflections and Resolutions
Finally, it’s perfectly acceptable to celebrate the new year with little more than your thoughts and an optional glass of bubbly.
The end of a year is an ideal time to reflect on the past 12 months and bravely chart a path for the year ahead. If home buying or selling is in your future this year, use the occasion to draft us a message. As Toronto’s leading real estate company, we’re always ready to field your calls about finding a dream home or selling your home. We’ll help you take your real estate resolutions and turn them into a reality with our winning team of real estate experts.
How are you celebrating New Year’s Eve in the Six? Follow our tips and recommendations above for a night to remember. And if you wake up on January 1st eager to talk real estate, drop us a line. (After a much-needed cup of coffee, of course).
Happy New Year to all our existing and soon-to-be clients. We want to extend a word of gratitude for your ongoing trust and collaboration in making us the best real estate company in Toronto.
