New Year's Eve Celebration
Ring in the New Year with a vibrant celebration at Waterloo Public Square! Enjoy an evening of ice skating under the stars, accompanied by music from an on-site DJ. Warm up with complimentary hot drinks from Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters, with special offers for early attendees. This free, family-friendly event promises a festive atmosphere to welcome the new year.
What to Expect
Ice skating with DJ music at a public square.
Event Details
Duration
3 hours (New Year's Eve event: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.); 2 hours (Skate Night Date Night: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Uptown Waterloo
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Waterloo
Food & Drink
Hot drinks available from Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters; food trucks may be present for New Year's Eve.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, friends
Vibe
Festive, lively, community-oriented
Energy Level
Low to medium
Budget
FREE
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
High (ice skating is weather-dependent)
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Parking: Free for 2 hours on weekdays, unlimited on evenings and weekends in nearby uptown lots.
- Pets: Pet-friendly (drinking fountain available May-Oct)
Tips & Advice
- Bring your own ice skates as rentals are not available on-site for the New Year's Eve event.
- Arrive early for the New Year's Eve event to be among the first 100 visitors to receive a complimentary hot drink.
- Check the Grand River Transit schedule for ION LRT routes and times to easily reach Waterloo Public Square.
- For Skate Night Date Night events in January and February, check the weekly music playlist themes to plan your visit.
- While skate rentals are not available at Waterloo Public Square, you can borrow skates from the Eastside Branch of Waterloo Public Library at RIM Park.
Special Events & Promotions
- First 100 food truck visitors receive a complimentary hot drink on New Year's Eve.
- First 50 visitors each night at Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters receive a complimentary hot drink during Skate Night Date Night.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours for the ice rink?
The New Year's Eve event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Skate Night Date Night events in January and February run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The outdoor rink is generally open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the winter season, weather permitting.
Are there any food or drink options available?
Yes, Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters will be on-site offering hot drinks, with complimentary options for early visitors on New Year's Eve. Food trucks may also be present.
Is there parking available near Waterloo Public Square?
Yes, there are nearby uptown parking lots that offer free parking for up to 2 hours on weekdays and unlimited parking on evenings and weekends.
Can I rent ice skates at the venue?
No, skate rentals are not available on-site. However, you can borrow skates from the Eastside Branch of Waterloo Public Library at RIM Park.
Is this event suitable for families?
Yes, the New Year's Eve celebration is a free, family-friendly event, offering ice skating and a festive atmosphere for all ages.
More Christmas Events Near Waterloo
More Christmas Events near Waterloo
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.