BEST PLACE TO CELEBRATE NYE 2017 IN TORONTO
TORONTO
WHERE TO GO
BEST PLACE TO CELEBRATE NYE 2017 IN TORONTO
** Fireworks at midnight will cap off a free , all-ages New Year ’ s Eve party at Nathan Phillips Square .
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Several comedy shows will have audiences laughing their way into 2016 . The Second City presents two performances of its mainstage show Click Bait & Switch ( tix $ 55 to $ 65 ) on NYE , with pre-show dinner options and a free glass of champagne to audiences at the later show . Over at Massey Hall , Shaun Majumder hosts the 15th annual New Year ’ s Eve Comedy Extravaganza ( tix $ 39.50 +) featuring eight comedians including headliner Simon B . Cotter and musical entertainment from the Two Headed Ian Dury Tribute Band . At Absolute Comedy , a NYE Spectacular ( tix $ 40 to $ 60 ) features Kate Davis , Sandra Battaglini and host Doug Funk , while those at Bad Dog Theatre ’ s A Galaxy Far Far Away ( tix $ 35 ) will be treated to an improvised Star Wars show , followed by dancing and champagne .
Two events put the spotlight on opera on NYE . Toronto Operetta Theatre presents a gala performance of The Student Prince ( tix $ 145 ) at the Jane Mallett Theatre . Beforehand , enjoy a reception and three-course meal at nearby The Hot House Restaurant & Bar . After the show , guests will be treated to dancing , dessert and a champagne toast at midnight . At Roy Thomson Hall , members of Opera Canada Symphony and Opera Canada Chorus present Bravissimo ! Opera ’ s Greatest Hits ( tix $ 55 to $ 145 ) in concert . Listen to soloists , including Canada ’ s Karina Gauvin and Krisztina Szabó , perform well-loved works from La Traviata , Carmen , Aida and more .
Dwayne Gretzky , local cover-band supergroup , returns to the Danforth Music Hall ( tix $ 20 to $ 45 ) for a fun-filled evening of live music and dancing . Made up of members from July Talk , Born Ruffians and other bands , Dwayne Gretzky plays “ all your dad ’ s favourite songs .” In between sets , guests can continue to party with the help of DJ Lazy Ray .
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Fans of the Dude will want to ring in the new year at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema ( tix $ 17 to $ 21 ), where a screening of the Coen brothers ’ film , The Big Lebowski , will take place at 9:30 p . m . Hosted by comedian Thomas Rivas , the evenwill be followed by a White Russian bar , party favours , a free drink and popcorn and a group countdown .
THEMED RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS
Parkdale ’ s newest Tiki watering hole , The Shameful Tiki room , will host a jungle-themed NYE party . A rockabilly band and DJ will provide musical entertainment throughout the evening , and burlesque dancers Wild Women Dolly Berlin and Marilyn St Evans will also perform . Guests are encouraged to don their best jungle-themed costumes . The best news : there ’ s no cover charge and the kitchen will serve Tiki snacks until 2 a . m .
Toula , the restaurant on the 38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle , will host a James Bond-themed party to ring in the new year . Special prix fixe dinners ( tix $ 80 to $ 150 ) will be served at two seatings , and a party will begin at 10:30 p . m . Tickets to the party are $ 60 , but the chance to don your Bond-worthy tuxedo and order a martini “ shaken , not stirred ” without having the bartender roll his eyes at you ? Priceless .
The Drake Hotel ’ s All That Glitters ( tix $ 25 to $ 125 ) party is ideal for partygoers who don ’ t want to commit too heavily to a theme . Gold body painting , roaming gold sculptures and glitter girls are part of this high-energy party , which includes several different packages from after-midnight admission to a four-course meal with champagne .
With capacity for 3,000 people , the Majestic NYE party ( tix $ 100 to $ 120 ) at the Fairmont Royal York will certainly be one of the city ’ s largest . Three rooms will feature dinner DJ music , including top-40s , mashups and hip-hop . A three-course dinner , wine and live musical performances are all included .
This year ’ s NYE party at the Gladstone Hotel is themed Down-Town Abbey ( tix $ 47 to $ 62 ), a take on the hit BBC TV series Downton Abbey . Guests are encouraged to wear Edwardian-inspired outfits for a costume contest . Performances by live bands and DJs will keep the party going well past midnight .
OUTDOOR EVENTS
Deputy mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong hosts the free , all-ages NYE event at Nathan Phillips Square . Ice skate beneath the stars as festivities get started at 8 p . m . with a DJ Skating Party . Food trucks will provide sustenance on site and live entertainment will continue all evening . At midnight , the countdown is capped off with fireworks .
Harbourfront Centre presents a free , all-ages NYE Skating Party at Natrel Rink by the lake . Festivities , which include DJ music , go from 8 p . m . to 2 a . m .
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