Wondering how to mark New Year’s Eve in Ottawa? Here’s the scoop on all kinds of end-of-the-year parties in Ottawa and beyond, including Eastern Ontario, Gatineau and the wider Outaouais. However you want to enjoy the occasion—with a bit of family fun, a concert, a masquerade party, or even a cooking or yoga class—here are LOTS of ideas for your Ottawa New Year’s Eve 2023!
Hogman-Eh: This is the Scottish Society of Ottawa’a biggest party of the year—in fact, according to the society, it’s the biggest such event outside of Scotland. Modelled on Hogmanay, the traditional New Year’s Eve celebration in Scotland, it features pipers, dancers, bands, food, whisky and more.
Light Up the Night 2024: This party at the Joint at the Rideau Carleton Casino will feature food, giveaways, free casino entry and music by Neon Nostalgic.
New Year’s Eve Comedy Night: This is the 12th annual end-of-the-year comedy night at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Orleans. If you’re keen, I’d buy your tickets ASAP, as it often sells out. This year’s headliners are Jenn Labelle, Leonard Chan and Rob Pue.
A White Rabbit New Year’s Eve: City at Night, an electronic dance music club on Slater Street, has a big celebration planned with headliners Return of the Jaded and DJs Rick Laplante, Tone A, Brink and Zabella.
Bliss NYE ’23: Lez Go, Ottawa’s lesbian+ events group, is throwing this bash at Queen Street Fare downtown. Entertainment will include live music by the Specialists and tunes from DJ Cherry.
LoveRock New Year’s Eve Bash: In Barrhaven, Greenfields Public House is throwing an end-of-the-year party with hits of your life played live by LoveRock. Reservations recommended.
Buffet at Wilfrid’s: At the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, there’s a festive buffet on New Year’s Eve and a posh brunch on New Year’s Day.
Small Fish Presents New Year’s Eve at the Mayfair: Created by queer, femme comedians Maggie Harder and Glenys Marshall, this variety show has been a big hit at Irene’s Pub in the past. This year, it moves down Bank Street to larger digs at the Mayfair Theatre, but it still features performances by dancers, musicians, drag artists, poets and many others from marginalized communities.
A Black and White Formal Affair for Singles: Organized by the Single Gourmet, this swanky event at the Sheraton Ottawa for singles 35 and over features cocktails, a four-course dinner, dancing, champagne at midnight and more.
New Year’s Eve Meditation: You don’t have to see out the New Year with a rowdy party! If you’re looking for something more serene, Sahaja Yoga is offering a free one-hour meditation session online, starting at 8:45pm.
Feathers and Glitter Cabaret: At the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Gatineau-Ottawa, the year will go out in style with a glitzy party complete with a welcome cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, a three-course dinner, live music by Jérémie Trépanier and bubbly.
Casino Lac-Leamy celebrations: The festivities at the casino include live music, a photo op at the main entrance and a midnight countdown. You can add the buffet at Banco for an extra fee. If you book a room at the adjacent Hilton Lac-Leamy or a buffet meal at Arôme for the night of December 31, tickets to the party are included.
The Village House: This Wakefield restaurant is offering an elegant New Year’s Eve menu for dine-in or takeout, including vegetarian options and lots of local products. Choices include mushroom-stuffed cavatelli, maple-and-herb-braised beef short rib, and flourless chocolate torte.
Hammond New Year’s Speakeasy Party: Just past rural Ottawa’s eastern edge, you’ll find the Hammond Golf and Country Club, which is hosting this soirée—featuring live music, canapés, drinks, candy and poutine—to welcome 2024.
Brockville New Year’s Eve Church Concerts: Since 1991, a group of Brockville churches has celebrated the turning of the calendar with a packed night of concerts. This year, the music ranges from classical, funk and Motown to jazz, Broadway standards and rock (one duo favours the music of U2).
Frew Year’s Eve: This all-ages event is actually held on the morning of December 31 at the Ma-te-way Activity Centre in Renfrew. Free activities usually include ice skating, ringette demonstrations, a continental breakfast, giant games and more; I’m waiting for updated information on this year’s festivities.
Urban Angus Steak and Wine: This Arnprior spot is ringing in 2024 with a festive four-course dinner (seatings at 5:30pm and 8pm) and a drag show (starting at 10pm).
Have you found another way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Ottawa and beyond that isn’t mentioned here? Let me know!
Looking for more tips on things to see and do in Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais, northern New York state and beyond? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or order a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your Weekend Getaway Guide.
As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.
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