2018 is getting the big send-off Monday night, which means Tuesday will be a quiet day around the GTA.
If you're heading out for New Year's Eve, you'll definitely need an umbrella and even a pair of rainboots. Environment Canada is calling for 15 to 25 millimetres of rain starting Monday afternoon and likely tapering off after midnight.
But according to Mark Schuster, a senior meteorologist with Environment Canada, it shouldn't be a washout for fireworks displays.
"It looks like the rain is going to be the most continuous into the afternoon and the early evening," Schuster told NEWSTALK1010 Sunday afternoon. "As we head toward midnight, the rain might become a little bit more periodic so there might be some breaks in there."
It will go down to a low of plus 1 overnight. Areas well to the north of the GTA, such as Barrie, could be at risk of snow or freezing rain.
Toronto is home to a number of events on New Year's Eve:
- New Year's Eve at Nathan Phillips square runs from 8 p.m. until shortly after 12 a.m. It will feature live musical performances, a DJ skating party and a fireworks show as the clock strikes midnight. The family event is free, but is also alcohol-free.
- Toula Ristorante at the Westin Harbour Castle is hosting an early bird lunch as well as a dinner and dance gala. Those who like to start the evening a little later can enjoy a dance-only event with champagne.
- The ROM is hosting two events. One is already sold out, but tickets for the second are still on sale. The event includes dinner and drink tickets, a Toronto-based DJ, a midnight wine toast and access to the ROM's newest exhibition, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
- The Gladstone Hotel is home to the Las Vegastone New Year's Eve Bash. You can probably guess the theme. It gets underway at 9 p.m.
- Mariposa Cruises is holding an event on Lake Ontario boarding from Queen's Quay starting at 8:00 p.m. It includes appetizers, a DJ and a midnight wine toast.
- Casa Loma's New Year's Eve celebration includes a three-course dinner, open bar and live music from Sean Jones. It begins at 7 p.m.
- If you have small children who can't stay up until midnight, start the countdown before noon at a Toronto Public Library branch instead. Children aged 3 to 6 are invited to come with parents and caregivers, and celebrate by doing arts and crafts. Check your local library for event details.
Outside Toronto:
- Mississauga's Celebration Square hosts a free party featuring musical performances by local artists, food trucks and a fireworks display. It gets underway at 8 p.m.
- Brampton hosts outdoor skating, a dance party and family activities at its city hall. Live musical performances featuring headliner Shawn Hook and a fireworks display are being held at Garden Square starting at 8 p.m.
- Ajax Community Centre is home to a Family New Year's Party featuring kid-friendly activities, live entertainment and ice skating from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., with a balloon drop at 9 p.m. Kids under the age of 3 are free, but others will have to pay a small fee.
- The Ajax Convention Centre is hosting a celebration that includes a cocktail hour, four-course meal and a DJ. Tickets are still available.
Free transit:
- The TTC starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 7 a.m. on Jan. 1
- GO Transit starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 until the final train leaves Union at 3:23 a.m. Jan. 1
- MiWay transit starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 4 a.m. on Jan. 1
- Brampton transit starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 1
What's closed on New Year's Day:
- LCBO stores starting at 6 p.m Dec. 31 (some will stay open until 8 p.m.)
- Beer stores starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 31
- Banks, most grocery stores
- Many local malls
What's open on New Year's Day:
- Tourist attractions including the AGO, Casa Loma, CN Tower, The ROM, Ripley's Aquarium, and The Toronto Zoo
- Select malls, including CF Toronto Eaton Centre, CF Vaughan Mills and Square One
- Many restaurants, especially those in tourist-frequented areas
- GO Transit will operate on a holiday schedule, while the TTC will run on a Sunday schedule from 7 a.m. onwards