New Year’s Eve Celebration

Celebrate New Year’s Eve downtown Brantford on Thursday, December 31, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. to midnight.

The evening begins in Harmony Square starting at 7:00 p.m. with a FREE DJ Skate Party (weather permitting). Bundle up and bring your ice-skates and where a live DJ will be spinning festive tunes into the New Year.  Please check Harmony Square's Facebook page for skate cancellations should they occur. 

Enjoy free live musical entertainment at the historic Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts (88 Dalhousie Street). The free concert kicks off with opening remarks at 9:00 p.m. followed by innovative illusions with charismatic performing artist Christian Mascia, then our headliner Practically Hip takes the stage, Canada’s number one Tragically Hip tribute band. Doors open at 8:00 p.m.

Attendees can also receive a free party favour and keepsake photo in the photo booth sponsored by TD Bank Group, located in the Main Lobby. Then across the street, the evening concludes with a spectacular firework display in Harmony Square (89 Dalhousie Street) at midnight. 

About the performing artists

Christian Mascia, from Hamilton Ontario, is a rising star in the world of magic, captivating audiences across Canada and beyond with his innovative illusions and charismatic stage presence.

Practically Hip Established in Southern Ontario in 1997, Practically Hip has been performing the music its members love for over 20 years. The band members are not only professional musicians and performers, but they are also super fans who have seen over 75 Tragically Hip concerts!  As true and dedicated fans, they can be note-perfect on all the songs, while adding the jams and electric performance elements audiences are looking for. This is truly what has made the Practically Hip the busiest, most sought after and number one Tragically Hip tribute band in Canada!

Temporary road closures

The following streets will be closed for Brantford’s New Year’s Eve Celebration: 

• Dalhousie Street between Market Street to Queen Street will be closed beginning at 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2026 until 1:00 a.m. on Friday, January 1, 2027
• Colborne Street between Queen and Bain Streets will be closed beginning at 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2026 until 1:00 a.m. on Friday, January 1, 2027
• Hill Street and Water/Wharfe Street from Icomm Drive to Bain Street will be closed beginning at 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Friday, January 1, 2027

Construction details can be found at www.Brantford.ca/DowntownDetours. Detour routes will be signed to accommodate vehicular traffic.

Parking and Transit

Brantford Transit

Free transit services will be available on New Year’s Eve to and from the event from 9:00 p.m. on December 31 to 1:00 a.m. on January 1. Consider using Brantford Transit to get to our event. The main Transit Terminal is located on 64 Darling Street, just steps from Harmony Square and across from the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts. You can find routes and schedules at Brantford.ca/Transit.

Sponsors

Each year, Brantford’s New Year’s Eve Celebration attracts an estimated 2500 visitors of all ages to our busy downtown core!

To become a sponsor and help support this free event for the community fill out the online application link below. In you have any questions please email us at harmonysquare@brantford.ca or call 519-759-4150 ext. 5074.