Celebrate New Year’s Eve with music, skating, fireworks in Brantford

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Brantford residents are invited to ring in 2026 at the city’s New Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec. 31.  

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Enjoy free live music, a photo booth and party favours at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts (88 Dalhousie St.) followed by a dazzling firework display across the street in Harmony Square.  

A DJ Skate Party featuring seasonal tunes will be held at the Harmony Square outdoor rink from 7 p.m. to midnight, weather permitting. 

There will be free hot chocolate provided by Tim Hortons and samosas, spring rolls and chai-tea provided by Rangoli Indian Restaurant, while supplies last. 

“I am pleased to welcome residents to come together and join the festivities at this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration,” says Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis. “On behalf of the City of Brantford councillors and myself, we extend our warmest wishes for a safe and joyous holiday season.” 

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Doors open at 8 p.m. for a free concert at the Sanderson Centre with opening remarks at 9 p.m., followed by a performance by David Bowie tribute artist, Steve McPhail. Queen’s Court takes the stage just after 10 p.m. performing a tribute to Queen, featuring Brantford’s Sean Hauk as Freddie Mercury. 

Attendees can get free party favours and a keepsake photo in the photo booth located in the main lobby, sponsored by The Works and TD Bank Group. 

The fireworks will start at midnight in Harmony Square. 

Paid parking is available downtown on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 at the Municipal Market Centre Parkade (59 Icomm Dr.), Municipal Lot No.3 (Darling Street) and free on-street parking is available after 6 p.m.  

Free Brantford Transit and Brantford Lift are available on New Year’s Eve from 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.  

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Temporary street closures 

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

• Dalhousie Street between Market to Queen streets beginning at 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. 

• Colborne Street between Queen and Bain streets beginning at 11 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. 

• Hill Street and Water/Wharfe Street from Icomm Drive to Bain Street beginning at 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. 

Construction is now underway on Phase 1 of the Downtown Revitalization Project, with crews replacing aging underground water, sewer, and utility infrastructure on Brant Avenue, Icomm Drive, Hill Street, Dalhousie Street, and Colborne Street. Detour routes will be signed to accommodate vehicular traffic. 

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