NYE list last updated: Saturday, December 3, 2016
* Photos courtesy of Anthony P. Jones via City of Edmonton Photo Gallery
Happy December! How many of you have put up your holiday decorations? Started listening to Christmas music? Planning how to ring in the New Year? It’s going to be a pretty big one to ring in – 2017 marks Canada’s 150th birthday! The whole year is supposed to be pretty memorable so understandably, kicking it off on New Year’s Eve should be just as memorable.
There are lots of fun things you can do in Edmonton for New Year’s Eve. Here’s my initial list of events. It will be updated throughout December as I find new events and as event information becomes available (or is sent to me!) Check back for updates – I find events are typically announced or flushed out closer to Dec. 31.
Please leave me a comment below, send me an email or tweet me with any events you think should be added to the list!
Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
New Year’s Eve Events in Edmonton for Dec. 31, 2016
New Year’s Eve Edmonton Downtown (Canada 150 Kick-off!)
Time: Evening to midnight
Location: City Hall and Churchill Square
Cost: Free
Details: Five… Four… Three…Two… One… ring in the new year with friends and family in the heart of downtown Edmonton. Snuggle around an open fire, enjoy a warm cup of hot coco and enjoy a gorgeous firework display overtop Sir Winston Churchill Square with the stunning City Hall as a backdrop. Cold, dark winter nights make for the most surreal firework displays. Don’t forget to put fresh batteries in the camera, you will need them for this New Year’s Eve celebration!
Website: New Year’s Eve Edmonton Downtown
Sugar Swing Dance Club: Hope & Glory, a War Time New Year’s Eve Swing Dance
Time: Beginner Swing Dance Lesson starts at 8 p.m. Main event from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Location: Sugar Swing Dance Club, 10019 – 80 Avenue
Cost: $35 members / $40 students / $45 regular
Details: Greet the new year swingin’ at the new Sugar Foot Ballroom! Travel back to the style and class of the late 30’s and early 40’s — when hope and victory countered a world at war. Swing tunes reigned on the radio and in the ballrooms and brought everyone together! Join Sugar Swing as we recreate this vintage era on New Year’s Eve. The party will feature music and dancing from the swing years –Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Lucky Milinder and many more — with a little military flair throughout. Enjoy food, cocktails, and excellent tunes as you celebrate 2016 in true 40’s style!
Website: Sugar Swing Dance Club: Hope & Glory, a War Time New Year’s Eve Swing Dance
Ice Skate at the Legislature
Time: Anytime!
Location: Legislature
Cost: Free
Details: A friend suggested this last year – she goes with a group of friends to skate at the legislature surrounded by the beautiful, lit-up trees, before heading out to either fireworks downtown or back home to ring in the new year. Give it a try!
Edmonton International New Year’s Eve Gala
Time: 7 p.m. to 3 .m.
Location: Fantasyland Hotel, Beverly Hills Ballroom (West Edmonton Mall)
Cost: $160 per person.
Details: A spectacular evening of food, fun and entertainment In support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Red-Carpet Affair. An Amazing Party Atmosphere. Fully Decored Ballroom. Lots Of Prizes. Favours. Complimentary Parking. “The Premier New Year’s Eve Party in Edmonton.”
Website: Edmonton International NYE Gala at the Fantasyland Hotel
Northlands’ Red Carpet New Year’s Eve
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Northlands Park (7410 Borden Park Rd).
Cost: $75 per person
Details: Dress up for the Red Carpet when Hollywood glamour comes to Northlands Park this New Year’s Eve! Your golden ticket will get you access to the Colours Restaurant buffet and entries to $5000 worth of prize draws, as well as live Harness Racing and Casino entertainment. A welcome gift hosted event & games bonus entries into all draws occurring Party in Paddock Theatre, featuring games and a live DJ A Champagne toast to ring in 2017.
Website: Northlands’ Red Carpet New Year’s Eve
World Water Park New Year’s Eve Beach Ball
Time: 6 p.m. to midnight
Location: World Water Park, West Edmonton Mall
Cost: Single $30, Add-on $25, Family of 4 $99 (price increases after Dec 25)
Details:
Website: World Water Park New Year’s Eve Beach Ball
New Year’s Eve Comedy at The Comic Strip
Time: 3 shows – 5:30 p.m, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Location: The Comic Strip (West Edmonton Mall, Bourbon Street)
Cost: Ranges from $28.95 up to $56.95
Details: Celebrate the new year with Andrew Norelli with supporting acts Ryan Short and Ryan Pateson.
Website: New Year’s Eve Comedy at The Comic Strip
New Year’s Eve Special Yuk Yuk’s
Time: Dinner at 8 p.m. Show at 10:30 p.m.
Location: Yuk Yuk’s 13103 Fort Rd NW
Cost: $50 show ticket only, $80 dinner and a show
Details: New Year’s Eve Special at Yuk Yuk’s Stand-up Comedy featuring Tommy Campbell.
Website: New Year’s Eve Special at Yuk Yuk’s
Only in Vegas (Mayfield Dinner Theatre)
Time: Dinner 6 p.m. Showtime 8 p.m.
Location: Mayfield Dinner Theatre
Cost: Depending on seat – $108-$118
Details: What happens in Vegas…also happens at the Mayfield! Our holiday season music review continues to be one of the most popular sell- out shows of the season, and this year we are thrilled to bring you the dazzling city of Las Vegas and the iconic performers that have entertained there. Celebrating all things past and present that Vegas has to offer, Only In Vegas features the great music, comedy and theatrics of “Sin City” – from its early (sketchy) beginnings, to the boom years of the 60’s and 70’s, to present day theatre spectaculars. If it happened in Vegas, there is a good chance it will happen at the Mayfield this holiday season!
Website: Only in Vegas (Mayfield Dinner Theatre)
Night at the Museum of Country Music (Jubilations Dinner Theatre)
Time: Time not listed on website (call 780-484-2424)
Location: Jubilations Dinner Theatre (West Edmonton Mall)
Cost: Cost not listed on website (call 780-484-2424)
Details: Nashville Tennessee is known the world over as the legendary home of Country Music, and at the center of that legend is the Country Music Museum and Hall of Fame. On an average day the museum attracts thousands of visitors… but at night is when the real fun starts!! The locals claim that if you happen to be passing the museum in the wee hours, you can hear the faint sounds of country stars past and present coming to life!! Featuring hit songs from legends like Garth Brooks and Shania Twain, and modern country stars like Keith Urban, and Taylor Swift… join us at Jubilations Dinner Theatre for Night at the Museum of Country Music!
Website: Night at the Museum of Country Music (Jubilations Dinner Theatre)
The Australian Bee Gees Show
Time: 10 p.m.
Location: River Cree Casino
Cost: Tickets start at $29.50
Details: It’s Saturday Night Fever every night with The Australian Bee Gees Show – A Tribute to the Bee Gees. One of the most successful and adored acts in musical history is recreated on the Vegas stage in a 75-minute multi-media concert event. You’ll hear hits like, “Staying Alive,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “Jive Talkin.'” The performers authentic take on the trio’s clothes, style and moves showcase five decades of the Brothers Gibb’s success as rock and disco legends, while audiences groove to their memorable music and are immersed in the disco era. The President of the Bee Gees Fan Club, USA has said, “In my opinion they are the best Bee Gees tribute in the world!” The Las Vegas Review Journal has named them Best Tribute Show for 2015. Join us at the River Cree Resort and Casino for a night that you surely will not forget!
Website: The Australian Bee Gees Show
New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery
Time: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Location: Tom Goodchild’s Moose Factory
Cost: $110
Details: Ring in the New Year with a little…murder! New Year’s Eve themed Murder Mystery during cocktails and dinner with seven professional actors dispersed amongst the guests incognito until…all hell breaks loose. Prize for winning solution, delicious buffet dinner, dancing and a show.
Website: New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery
New Year’s Eve at Fort Edmonton Park
Time: Various seatings
Location: Fort Edmonton Park
Cost: $34.60 up to $57.70 (depending on child, adult, senior) There are also overnight hotel packages.
Details: Experience fine dining with a 1920s ambiance. Join us at the Johnson’s Cafe in the Hotel Selkirk, a quaint place away from the city’s hustle and bustle and right in the heart of Edmonton’s river valley. Let us welcome you into our winter wonderland and enjoy live musical entertainment while you unwind and spend the last hours of the year savouring culinary delights. There are two seatings to choose from. Both include a scrumptious four course meal. Also check out New Year’s Day brunch/events.
Website: New Year’s Eve at Fort Edmonton Park
Annual New Year’s Eve Concert at McDougall Church
Time: 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Location: McDougall Church 10025 101 Street
Cost: Admission with a non-perishable food item or donation to the Edmoton Food Bank.
Details: Performers: Gateway Festival City Fiddlers, Back Porch Swing, Justine Vandergrift Trio, Benjamin Williams, Twin Peaks, Daniel Gervais, Clint Pelletier & Jeremiah McDade, Scott Cook and The Second Chances.Also includes face painting, crafts and balloons for kids.
Website: Annual New Year’s Eve Concert at McDougall Church
Felizaño Latin NYE Masquerade Ball
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel
Cost: Dance only $60 Dinner & Dance $90 (Kids Meal $25) Discounts for groups
Details: Ring in 2017 in an amazing atmosphere with friends, dinner and dance to a live band. With an amazing live band, some of the best DJs in town, delicious dinner, the most beautiful and indeed, the best hotel in Edmonton, and performances from select Edmonton dance schools – why wouldn’t you want to spend New Year’s Eve with us? Dinner | Live Band | Amazing Performancces | Dance | Amazing Evening | you can also book a discounted stay at the hotel
Website: Felizaño Latin NYE Masquerade Ball
** BONUS: Check out my review of the Renaissance Hotel **
Walterdale Theatre’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Walterdale Theatre (10322 83 Avenue)
Cost: $50 Members, $75 Non-Members
Details: The Prince is Having a Ball and You are Invited: The Prince must be engaged before midnight or the family loses the kingdom. Come party with the “royal family”. You might just find yourself engaged!
Website: Walterdale Theatre’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball
The Pride Centre New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Ramada Hotel (11834 Kingsway Ave)
Cost: $50-$60
Details: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style. The Pride Centre is hosting a celebration dinner and dance! Tickets are $50 each ($60 after December 23rd) and include a full buffet dinner, midnight pizza lunch, champagne toast and the evening’s dance as well as New Year’s party favours. Discounted rates at the Ramada (use booking code CGTPCN)
Website: The Pride Centre NYE Dinner & Dance
Opera NUOVA presents My Favourite Things! NYE Sing-A-Long
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: South Pointe Community Centre (11520 Ellerslie Road)
Cost: Kids 14 & Under – Free, Students $15, Adults $25
Details: “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens”, a New Year’s Eve, where you don’t need your mittens! Bring the whole family out for a sing-along evening filled with your favourite music from generations of musical theatre hits – from The Wizard of Oz to Matilda and The Sound of Music to Frozen! Dress up in your favourite character costume or come decked out to ring in 2017. Sung by an amazing cast of NUOVA’s Emerging Artists, you’ll be lead through the songs you, your children and your grandchildren know and love. Learn some easy, line dance style choreography and visit the New Year’s photo booth! Face painters and balloon artists will also be there to help make those magical New Year’s Eve memories and fireworks will cap off the evening, all before midnight!
Website: Opera NUOVA presents My Favourite Things! NYE Sing-A-Long
The Red Piano presents The Emperor’s Ball New Year’s Eve
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: The Red Piano (West Edmonton Mall)
Cost: Show only – $50 Dinner & Show – $165
Details: We are proud to present The Emperor’s Ball New Year’s Eve Party. Join us as we ring in the New Year in style with our famous themed New Year’s Eve party. Dress as your favourite Star Wars character or semi formal (no jeans, jacket and/or tie for gentleman). This event has sold out the last 8 years and this year will be no different. Don’t delay in making your New Year’s Eve plans, call us today at 780.486.7722 to make your reservations!
Website: The Red Piano presents The Emperor’s Ball New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve Party at Blue Chair Cafe
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Blue Chair Cafe 9624 76 Avenue
Cost: $110 per person.
Details: Featuring Borrowed and Blue – a 6-piece Blue Chair House Orchestra, an exquisite five course dinner and open dance floor!
Website: New Year’s Eve Party at Blue Chair Cafe
New Year’s Eve Kitchen Party at Chartier
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: #102 5012 50 Street, Beaumont
Cost: $150 per person.
Details: Join us on Saturday, December 31st as we host our first ever New Years Eve Kitchen Party! This cocktail style event is a 5 hour feast, where you’ll get to graze on hot & cold hors d’oeuvres all night long (instead of eating one giant meal in 2 hours that makes you fall asleep before midnight). We’ll have a meat carvery station, charcuterie boards, a cabane à sucre, and TONS of appetizer versions of our signature dishes served all night long. We’ll have music & fun with Les Bûcherons, and a champagne toast at midnight.
Website: New Year’s Eve Kitchen Party at Chartier
Best of 2016 NYE Brewmaster’s Dinner & Dance
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Craft Beer Market 10013 101A Avenue
Cost: Dance only $15, Dinner & Dance (doesn’t list price – check in store or call)
Details: Ring in 2017 at CRAFT Beer Market by celebrating the best of 2016. We’re offering two great ticket options to welcome the New Year. Tickets include a table for the night, champagne, party favours & a four course Brewmaster’s Dinner featuring the top food & beer pairings from our 2016 Brewmaster’s Dinner series.
Website: Best of 2016 NYE Brewmaster’s Dinner & Dance
* Family Friendly (and free) *
There are a number of fun, family-friendly, and free events in and around the Edmonton area too – check out To Do Canada’s list for events including The Town of Stony Plain’s, Strathcona’s New Year’s Festival, and New Year’s Eve Fireworks in St. Albert.
* Most restaurants have New Year’s Eve special courses for dinner! I can’t list them all here (and many aren’t listed on their websites yet). Call your favourite restaurant to see what they’ve got going on or check out their Facebook Pages. You can also check Open Table’s List of NYE Restaurant Events.
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New Year’s Eve at Home
Host a New Year’s Eve Fondue Party!
Mike and I have hosted fondue parties for past New Year’s Eves that have been a lot of fun. We use several fondue pots and a hot stone grill, had way more food that we needed (that’s always better than not having enough), and capped off the night with board games! Here’s some tips for hosting a fondue party. Some of our favourite games include Saboteur, Rummy-O, Catchphrase, Boss Monster, Settlers of Catan, Telestrations, Wereweolf, and more! Here’s a list of 45 best board games of 2016 you could look at trying. (You could also ring in a board game New Year at one of Edmonton’s board game cafes – Table Top Cafe or The Hexagon Boardgame Cafe)
Fondue alternative: host a home hot pot party instead! Hot pot is like Asian fondue: Here’s everything you need to know to host your own hot pot party.
Home NYE party ideas!
Party City has fantastic New Year’s balloons and you can build a balloon photo backdrop somewhere in your home pretty easily to ensure fun photos all night long! I am all about photos so anytime there are photo opportunities it instantly makes for a better event, lol. Add a novelty polaroid camera and you’re set for fun. See what I made last year!
Write a Letter to your future self on New Year’s Eve!
We did this at our NYE party last year – had everyone write letters to themselves that we later mailed/delivered to them 6 months into the new year (ish). The point of doing it 6 months in is that there’s still half a year for people to course-correct their year if they read the letter and realize things haven’t happened or worked out the way they intended yet.
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Don’t forget about New Year’s Day BRUNCH! or how about a New Year’s Day Open House?
* There’s usually a New Year’s Day brunch (buffet) at most Edmonton hotels! Call around to decide where to go or host your own casual Open House during the day. We also did that last year!
Linda
Follow @lindorkyeg on Snapchat!
