Barrie's New Year's Eve celebration, a staple since 1998, has a new home and new hours.
According to a city staff report, the event is moving from the area of Collier Street and Mulcaster Street near City Hall to Meridian Place downtown.
"With its stunning waterfront backdrop and ideal setting in the heart of our vibrant downtown, the venue offers even more opportunity to showcase the energy and spirit of local businesses," the report states.
The celebration will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 9 p.m., capped off with a fireworks finale at Heritage Park, rather than ringing in the New Year at midnight.
The report says the time is being adjusted to better reflect Barrie's family-friendly character and make it easier for everyone to come together and kick off the New Year in style.
"Attendance over the past two years shows that our largest crowds gather for the early evening festivities, a clear sign that families appreciate having a welcoming place to start their celebrations."
Activities:
- inflatables
- interactive games
- button making
- roaming and busker performances
- bonfire warming zone
- food trucks, and more
Schedule:
- 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - activities and vendors open
- 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. - live music
- 7:50 p.m. to 8:55 p.m. - headline entertainment ( to be finalized Dec. 5)
- 8:55 p.m. - greetings from dignitaries
- 9:00 p.m. - fireworks finale from Heritage Park
Barrie Transit service will be free on New Year's Eve starting at 5 p.m., and all routes will operate until 3 a.m. Extended schedules will be available at https://www.myridebarrie.ca/.
Downtown parking is free after 5 p.m. and available within walking distance, including the Collier Street Parkade.
There will be road closures to accommodate the event:
Simcoe Street (Bayfield to Dunlop/Mulcaster) will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, from 2 to 11 p.m. Emergency services will have access to respond within the closure, but not to travel through. There will be local traffic only for access to Lakeshore Mews and Heritage Parking Lots.
