New Year's Eve events and New Year's Day closures in London

Victoria Park's New Year's Eve starts 7 p.m. (kids' program, 8 p.m. fireworks); free London Transit from 8 p.m. Jan. 1 sees malls, banks, LCBO and many city services closed.

Here's what to expect in London for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day: family and adult events in Victoria Park, extended transit service on Dec. 31, and widespread closures on Jan. 1. New Year's Eve events The annual celebration in Victoria Park begins at 7 p.m. with children’s performers, free hot chocolate and an early countdown with fireworks at 8 p.m. A later program for adults starts around 8:30 p.m., with food trucks, live local performers and a second fireworks display at midnight. Other venues across the city — including locations such as 100 Kellogg Lane — are also hosting celebrations. Transit and getting home London Transit is offering free service from 8 p.m. until the end of service on New Year's Eve, and hours are extended to help people get home safely after midnight. On Jan. 1 the London Transit Commission runs a holiday schedule; the downtown ticket office will be closed. Holiday schedules and real-time route tracking are available on the LTC Routes & Schedules pages. Shopping and alcohol sales Masonville Place and White Oaks Mall will be closed on New Year's Day. Most major grocery chains will also be closed. LCBO locations are closed on the holiday, most Beer Store outlets are closed, and some Wine Rack locations remain open. City and government services All government offices, including ServiceOntario and city hall services, are closed on New Year's Day. Garbage collection is cancelled on Jan. 1 and regular collection shifts one day later (if your pickup is scheduled for Jan. 1 it will occur on Jan. 2, and similarly Jan. 2 pickups move to Jan. 3). A few practical suggestions If you need cash or banking transactions, complete them before New Year's Day since major banks will be closed. Check London Transit’s holiday schedule and real-time tracking if you plan to use public transit late on Dec. 31. Confirm hours with any store, restaurant or venue you plan to visit on Jan. 1, and plan for a one-day delay in garbage collection if your service falls on the holiday.