City of Brantford is inviting residents to 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, followed by a dazzling firework display in Harmony Square. Attendees can skate into the New Year at the DJ Skate Party from 7 p.m. to midnight in Harmony Square, weather permitting.
“I am pleased to welcome residents to come together and join the festivities at this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration,” said Kevin Davis, Mayor for the City of Brantford. “On behalf of the City of Brantford Councillors and myself, we extend our warmest wishes for a safe and joyous holiday season.”
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. For those in need of gently used ice-skates, learn more about Brantford’s Community Skate Exchange at www.Brantford.ca/SkateExchange.
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 The Works and TD Bank Group.
After the show, the evening continues across the street in Harmony Square to enjoy a spectacular firework display at midnight to ring in the new year.
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.
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 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.
The City of Brantford is grateful to the following sponsors for their support of this free community event including, J.H. Young Fine Jewellers, Rangoli Indian Restaurant and Bar, Tim Hortons, TD Bank Group, Fabulash Lounge, and West Brant Window World.
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 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 6 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.
