It’s that time of year again. Plan your New Year’s Eve celebration in the capital of Canada. From family-friendly outings to sporting events, parties, comedy shows and more, there are so many things to do in Ottawa on December 31 — both during the day and at night.
New Year’s Eve specials at Ottawa restaurants
Looking for somewhere to dine on New Year’s Eve? Look no further. Countless Ottawa restaurants and venues are offering special culinary delights to mark the occasion. Please note that many of these options require you to book in advance:
- The elegant, French-inspired Cocotte Bistro in downtown Ottawa is offering a four-course, prix fixe New Year’s Eve menu infused with French flavours. Bon appétit!
- The Fairmont Château Laurier has several dining options for December 31, including afternoon tea at Zoe’s and brunch and dinner buffets at Wilfrid’s. (And yes, these are the names of restaurants in the hotel.)
- The Brookstreet hotel’s Perspectives Restaurant in Kanata will have a special five-course New Year’s Eve dinner. The hotel is also offering a room discount to diners on December 31.
- The New Year’s Eve table d’hôte returns to the stylishly renovated 1 Elgin restaurant at the National Arts Centre. Treat yourself to a memorable evening of fine dining.
- CRAFT Beer Market in Ottawa’s vibrant Glebe neighbourhood is putting on an exclusive three-course dinner and countdown party to help you dine like it’s the last night of 2024.
- Plant-based Astoria Bistro Botanique, a favourite among vegans and omnivores alike, is ringing in the new year with a champagne and sushi special. Reserve a table here.
New Year’s Eve sports and gaming events in Ottawa
The 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship is on until January 5. Catch Canada’s preliminary-round finale against the United States at the Canadian Tire Centre on Dec. 31. It’ll be the first time the two teams have competed on New Year’s Eve since 2017. Secure your tickets here.
Or, catch a broadcast of the game at Fan Fest at Lansdowne Park. This free, family-friendly event is open until midnight on December 31. Stick around to see fireworks light up the sky.
Speaking of hockey, Escape Manor has developed a brand new, hockey-themed scavenger hunt in downtown Ottawa, with some great prizes available. Learn more and register your group here.
New Year’s Eve parties and live music in Ottawa
Many venues including pubs, bars and lounges are hosting New Year’s Eve events in Ottawa.
To start, Ottawa is double-dipping on the Tragically Hip. A Hip New Year at Overflow Brewing Co. will feature live music by Little Bones, a Tragically Hip tribute band, and the Ottawa New Year’s Eve Charity Ball will feature Paul Langlois of the Tragically Hip itself.
Other events include:
- Dancing Through the Decades New Year’s Eve Party at the Rideau Carleton Casino, with the ultimate dance band, Groove Marmalade.
- New Year’s Dinner and Dance Party for Singles at the Ottawa Sheraton Hotel.
- New Year’s Eve Retro Buffet Dinner and Dance at Motel Chelsea with classic rock hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s performed by the Psychedelic Sundaes.
- NYE with Saltina Shaker, Sunshine Glitterchild and Karamilk at Ottawa’s home for drag, the Lookout Bar & Nightclub.
- New Year’s Eve Ottawa Ball at the Preston Event Centre in Ottawa’s charming Little Italy.
- Lowertown Brewery New Year’s Eve Keg Party with a complimentary beer toast at midnight.
- Hogman-eh!, a Canadian twist on the traditional Scottish Hogmanay celebration; people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to enjoy great music, dance, food and drink at the Infinity Convention Centre on Gibford Drive.
- A White Rabbit New Year’s Eve with four-dollar drinks and the best house and tech-house beats pumping until 3:30 am.
- Booch in the New Year, the third annual sober NYE party at Carlington Booch Brewery & Tasting Room.
New Year’s Eve comedy shows in Ottawa
Yuk’s Yuk’s Ottawa West is hosting a special New Year’s Eve dinner and comedy show at Biagio’s. There are both early and late reservation options available.
The same goes for Absolute Comedy in Ottawa’s Little Italy neighbourhood. Catch the New Year’s Eve Spectacular at 7:30 pm or 10:00 pm — dinner, drinks and a show all under one roof!
Holiday activities in Ottawa on New Year’s Eve
With Christmas barely in the rearview, these holiday-related activities can help you keep the festive vibes alive on New Year’s Eve:
- Marvel at the free Winter Lights Across Canada displays throughout downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.
- Head west of Ottawa to Wesley Clover Parks for its Magic of Lights event, a drive-through holiday light display open on the evening of December 31.
- Visit Upper Canada Village, an hour south of downtown Ottawa, for the Alight at Night festival. Stroll through the 1860s heritage village adorned with nearly one million twinkling lights until 8:30 pm on New Year’s Eve.
- Walk through the historic and castle-like Fairmont Château Laurier hotel to see the beautifully decorated Trees of Hope Christmas trees.
- Visit the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park, arguably the most magical spot for holiday cheer in Ottawa. While there, hop aboard the Thursty Pedaler’s Pedaler Express, and 14-passenger party bike that’ll brighten your spirits with spirits. Both group and single seats are available, but book in advance.
Before it’s too late, catch some of the family-friendly Winter Wonders programming at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, the Canada Science and Technology Museum and the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Free with admission, the activities including movie screenings, craft stations, story readings, games, sound demonstrations and more. Learn more about Ottawa’s seven national museums here.
Need more ideas on how to spend NYE in Ottawa?
New Year’s Eve in Ottawa is shaping up to be one for the books. Explore the Ottawa Tourism events calendar to see more events happening on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Canada’s capital region.
