Early New Year’s Eve countdowns, fireworks to ring in 2026 across the Maritimes

With New Year's Eve quickly approaching, here's a look at events and fireworks that are happening across the region.

It will feel like midnight across the Maritimes all New Year’s Eve, with early countdowns and fireworks scheduled across the region.

Amherst

A New Year’s Eve fireworks show is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Amherst Stadium.

A hot chocolate social will begin at 5 p.m., with an Amherst Jr. A Ramblers game at 2 p.m.

Charlottetown

Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve over Port Charlottetown.

The fireworks are part of the city’s ‘Capital New Year’ event at Founders’ Food Hall and Market, which begins at 4 p.m., featuring ice sculpture demonstrations, face painting, a photo booth, fire pits, and entertainment from The Absolute Losers, Iconix: Pop Hits from Past to Present, and DJ Josh Hood.

Halifax

The city’s free annual New Year’s Eve celebration at Grand Parade will include fireworks at midnight. Live performances from Skratch Bastid, Lane Hall, and JupiterReign will begin at 11 p.m.

Halifax Transit will offer free, extended service starting at 6 p.m. on New Years Eve.

Moncton

Moncton will have two separate firework presentations at the fourth annual ‘New Year’s Eve Family Fun Fest’ event at Downtown Place, next to the Avenir Centre.

The first “family friendly” fireworks show at 7:15 p.m. will be followed by a second fireworks presentation at midnight.

New Year’s Eve activities at Downtown Place will begin at 2 p.m., with food, public skating, and live entertainment, including Signal Hill, Tcheu Misère, Big Bad Party Band, Reform School, Colleen Evelyn, Spoiled Rotten, Mike Pendergast, Mr. Mark, Mike Pendergast.

The Moncton Wildcats will face off against the Charlottetown Islanders at the Avenir Centre at 4 p.m., with a meet-and-greet between players and fans in the Avenir Centre lobby at 7 p.m.

Codiac Transpo will offer free New Year’s Eve service from 5:30 p.m. to 2:40 a.m. on select routes around Greater Moncton.

Saint John

Fireworks are scheduled to go off from Long Wharf on New Year’s Eve at 8 p.m., weather permitting.

The city says if fireworks are cancelled on New Year’s Eve, the event will be rescheduled for New Year’s Day at the same time and location. The city says it will share the status of fireworks on Dec. 31 at 12 p.m. noon, and again at 6 p.m. for final confirmation.

Summerside

New Year’s Eve activities are scheduled at the Summerside Dome, starting at 4 p.m. with games, food, and an early countdown.

Sydney

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is marking its 30th anniversary with a free New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Sydney, which will include a drone show over Sydney Harbour at 8:45 p.m., and a fireworks display at midnight.

Activities, carnival rides, food, and music have been scheduled across multiple indoor and outdoor venues. Live entertainment is scheduled to include: Jimmy Rankin, Heritage African Drummers, WAM-PUM, Nicole Ariana, Emma Stevens, Adam Baldwin, The Town Heroes, Matt Minglewood, Duncan Wells, Carmen Giorno’s Magic Show, and Maritime Marionettes. The event will also include a live broadcast of the World Junior Hockey Championship.

Transit Cape Breton will offer free rides on New Year’s Eve starting at 5 p.m., with an additional trip at 12:30 a.m. departing from the George Street and Pitt Street bus hub. Parking is available at Open Hearth Park and Centre 200, with shuttle service running continuously to transport people to and from the downtown.

Truro

New Year’s Eve fireworks are scheduled to go off at 7:30 p.m. from the Colchester Legion Stadium Parking Lot at 14 Lorne Street.

‘New Year’s Eve on the Town 2025’ has events scheduled throughout the day, including a free skating, swimming, and a ticketed event for children.

Port Hawkesbury

A fireworks display is scheduled for New Year’s Eve at 5:45 p.m. at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, with a free skating and family activities beginning earlier at 2 p.m.