New Year’s Eve festivities set for Nathan Phillips Square

As most Torontonians are making plans for ringing in 2020 with aplomb, Toronto’s biggest annual New Year’s Party is all set for welcoming the next decade. All eyes will be on Nathan Phillips Square at 100 Queen St. W, as the clock strikes midnight and the City of Toronto has a big party planned with musical performances, DJs and fireworks beginning at 9pm on Tuesday, December 31. Admission is free to this all-ages, alcohol-free event.

“There is no better place to ring in the New Year in Toronto than at Nathan Phillips Square. said Toronto Mayor John Tory in the official City of Toronto announcement. “This annual, free and family-friendly celebration has become a staple in our city filled with live music, fireworks and a skating party. I encourage residents and visitors to head to Nathan Phillips Square on December 31st to ring in the New Year and the new decade!” 

So what exactly does the City have in store? Here is quick rundown or everything on the schedule.

The New Year’s Eve celebration will feature: 

• a skating party, sponsored by Tim Hortons®, with DJ Nana Zen who brings alternative hip-hop and Caribbean culture to her unique live mixes. 
• Juno nominated cellist and composer Cris Derksen, who intertwines the traditional and contemporary with new school electronics to create genre-defying music. 
• globally distinguished, Juno nominated, vocalist and musical visionary Zaki Ibrahim, who blends retro R&B vibes with electronics to create and futuristic soul through her headline performance. 
• a fireworks display from the towers of Toronto City Hall at midnight. 

The City is also committed to creating this an an accessible event. Accessible viewing areas and an ASL interpreter will be on site for all to enjoy this special evening. Full program details for New Year’s Eve at Nathan Phillips Square are available at toronto.ca/newyearseve. 

Here is the Main Stage Schedule for New Year’s Eve:

8:50 p.m. – Traditional Welcome by Elder Cat Criger

Cat Criger is an Indigenous Elder, Traditional Teacher and Knowledge Keeper. He is from the Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan, as well as having some German and English ancestry. Presently Cat holds the position of Indigenous Advisor and is steward of the Indigenous Centre at the University of Toronto Mississauga Campus.

9 p.m. – DJ Skating Party with Nana Zen  sponsored by Tim Hortons

While staying true to alternative hip-hop subculture and deeply rooted in her Caribbean background, Nana Zen is creating a soothing yet energetic atmosphere with unique live mixes.

10 p.m. – Cris Derksen  

Juno-nominated classically-trained cellist and composer braids the traditional and contemporary, weaving her classical background and Indigenous ancestry together with new school electronics to create genre-defying music.

10:45 p.m. – Nana Zen  

While staying true to alternative hip-hop subculture and deeply rooted in her Caribbean background, Nana Zen is creating a particularly soothing yet energetic atmosphere with unique live mixes.

11:05 p.m. – Zaki Ibrahim  

From Vancouver to South Africa to Toronto, Zaki Ibrahim’s music is futuristic soul at its best, blending retro R&B vibes with electronic production that will take you out of this world.

Also, if you are headed to Toronto’s biggest celebration be sure to catch the FireGuy  who creates performances to entertain people of all ages. He juggles and eats fire, spins LED light wands and performs on skates at 8:35 p.m. – Ice Rink in Nathan Phillips Square at 9:30 p.m., and on Bay Street at –10:30 p.m. 

For more information visit toronto.ca.