Brush up on Auld Lang Syne and practice counting down in sync.
From fireworks to polar bear dips, there are many ways to ring in the new year in the Maritimes.
Here’s what’s happening on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day across the region.
Fireworks and free events
Nova Scotia
- Truro - fireworks from the Colchester Legion Stadium parking lot are set to begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. “New Year’s On The Town” will begin at 11 a.m. with multiple recreational and children events around town.
- Sydney - a fireworks show is set for 9 p.m. Tuesday from Open Heath Park.
- Halifax - fireworks are part of the New Year’s Eve events at Grand Parade, which will include live music in front of city hall. Halifax Transit is also offering free, extended service after 6 p.m. Tuesday.
New Brunswick
- Saint John - a New Year’s Eve fireworks presentation is scheduled for 8 p.m. Tuesday from Long Wharf.
- Moncton - there will be two separate firework presentations; an early pre-show at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday and a traditional presentation at midnight, all scheduled as part of “New Year’s Eve Family Fun Fest” events in and around the Avenir Centre. The entire event includes skating, children’s activities, live music, and snacks. Codiac Transpo is also offering free service on select routes after 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
P.E.I.
- Charlottetown - a New Year’s Eve fireworks show is set to begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday from the city’s waterfront. Special events will begin at 4 p.m. under the banner of ‘Capital New Year’ featuring live music, refreshments, and children’s activities.
- Tignish - fireworks will cap off free skating and a scavenger hunt at the Tignish rink between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday.
New Year’s Day levees
Traditional Jan. 1 meet-and-greet gatherings will be held in various communities across the region, hosted by local organizations and groups.
Municipal mayors and councils have announced levees in:
New Brunswick Government House will host its New Year’s Day Levee from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Fredericton.
Nova Scotia Government House will open its doors for a New Year’s Day Levee in Halifax from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
P.E.I. Government House will host its New Year’s Day Levee from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Charlottetown.
P.E.I. Premier Dennis King will also host a premier’s levee at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Polar bear dips and swims
The Mispec Beach Polar Bear Dip near Saint John seems to happen every Jan. 1 with no official organization – people just show up and flock to the water at noon sharp.
On the west side of Saint John, the Bayshore Polar Bear Dip will happen from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with food bank donations being accepted.
A polar bear dip will also be held at Palmer’s Pond in Dorchester, N.B., at 1 p.m.
On P.E.I. a polar bear swim will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Charlottetown Yacht Club.
In Nova Scotia, the Digby Neck Polar Bear Dip begins at 10:30 a.m. from St. Mary’s Bay Beach.
The Dinghy Beach Polar Bear Dip in Pugwash, N.S. will happen at 11 a.m.
In Dartmouth, N.S., the Polar Bear Dip at Lake Banook begins at 12 p.m. from Lions Beach Park.
In Port Morien, N.S., a polar bear dip in support of the Donkin Morien Community Association will happen at 1 p.m., with registration at the Port Moiren Legion.
