Whether you want to celebrate in the big city or in a smaller town, and whether you enjoy outdoor activities or you’d prefer to stay nice and warm inside, Alberta’s New Year’s Eve celebrations offer something for everyone. Here are some of the top celebrations happening around the province on December 31st.

New Year’s Eve Downtown Festival and Fireworks, Edmonton

Edmonton certainly knows how to throw a New Year’s Eve party. Every year, the free, family-friendly celebrations begin indoors with a host of activities inside the Federal Building, including live music, crafts, games, and more. The festivities then move outdoors to Capital Plaza, where there are stage performances, ice carving, and fire pits to warm up around. The night ends in a bang with a fireworks display, which is best viewed from Capital Plaza as well.

New Year’s Eve Outdoor Celebration, Calgary

Calgary also holds a free, annual New Year’s Eve party in the heart of the city. The celebrations are centred on Olympic Plaza, where you will find ice sculptures, fire pits, and exciting performers such as fire spinners. Make sure you also bring your skates so you can warm up on the skating rink! The Central Library will be hosting an early count down for kids at 9 pm, while the fireworks display will be held at midnight from the iconic Calgary Tower.

Family New Year’s Eve Celebration, Turner Valley

If you’re going to be south of Calgary this New Year’s, then come join families from across the foothills for celebrations in Turner Valley. The free event is scheduled from 5 pm to 8 pm and will include activities such as ice skating, bonfires, face painting, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a family dance party. The festivities will conclude with a fireworks display that you can take in while sipping on hot chocolate.

New Year’s Eve Party on the Pond, Canmore

Headed further west for the New Year? If you’ll be around the Canmore area, then join the community for the New Year’s Eve Party on the Pond. Celebrate outdoors in true Canmore style by skating under the starry sky while live music plays and sipping some hot chocolate around bonfires. Festivities begin at 5:30 pm and family fireworks will be held at 8 pm.

New Year’s Eve in Banff

Banff is also a happening place to be on New Year’s Eve in the mountains. Come join the revelers along Banff Avenue for skating, marshmallow roasting, Indigenous dances and stories, and more. Downtown Banff becomes a pedestrian-only zone after 7 pm so you can explore with ease, checking out the different restaurants and their special New Year’s Eve menus.

Rocky Mountain New Year’s Eve, Lake Louise

New Year’s celebrations at neighbouring Lake Louise will be taking place at the Lodge of Ten Peaks at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. All ages are welcome to come and enjoy a buffet dinner, a cash bar, night snow tubing, and a dance party until midnight. This is a paid event so be sure to grab your tickets ahead of time.

Say goodbye to 2019 alongside friends and family at a fun event this year. Whether you’re in the Rockies, the foothills, or the prairies, you’re not far from a great New Year’s party in Alberta.