Celebrate New Year's Eve in Brantford
Welcome in 2026 with family and friends at Brantford’s New Year’s Eve Celebration on Wednesday, December 31, 2025! 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 in Harmony Square (89 Dalhousie St.). Attendees can skate into the New Year at the DJ Skate Party from 7 p.m. to midnight in Harmony Square, weather permitting.
Schedule of Events
- The fun begins in Harmony Square in downtown Brantford with a free DJ Skate Party from 7 p.m. until midnight, featuring a live DJ spinning seasonal tunes. Free hot chocolate provided by Tim Hortons and samosas, spring rolls, and chai tea provided by Rangoli Indian Restaurant, while supplies last. Be sure to follow Harmony Square’s Facebook page for updates or cancellations.
- Doors open at 8 p.m. for the free concert at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts with opening remarks at 9 p.m., followed by the live concert with David Bowie tribute artist, Steve McPhail. Queen’s Court takes the stage just after 10 p.m., performing a tribute to Queen. Attendees can also receive free party favours and a keepsake photo in the photo booth located in the main lobby, sponsored by TD Bank Group and Fabulash Lounge.
- After the show, the evening continues across the street in Harmony Square to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at midnight to ring in the new year.
Temporary street 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 Wednesday, December 31, 2025 until 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Colborne Street between Queen and Bain Streets will be closed beginning at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 until 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Hill Street and Water/Wharfe Street from Icomm Drive to Bain Street will be closed beginning at 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026
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. Construction details can be found at www.Brantford.ca/DowntownDetours. Detour routes will be signed to accommodate vehicular traffic.
Getting here
Paid parking is available downtown on December 31 and January 1 at the Municipal Market Centre Parkade (59 Icomm Drive), 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 December 31, 2025, to 1 a.m. on January 1, 2026. The transit main terminal is conveniently located across from the Darling Street entrance of the Sanderson Centre and one block away from Harmony Square. Schedules, routes, and rates are available online at Brantford.ca/Transit.
Where to eat
Residents are encouraged to take the opportunity to enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many local eateries prior to the event. A list of dining options can be found at downtownbrantford.ca. Plan in advance by making a dining reservation before the show.