Lethbridge residents had different options to say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026

It’s New Year’s Eve, and everyone is getting ready to celebrate.

Lethbridge residents are finding different ways to usher in 2026.

New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year for bars and restaurants.

Hudson’s is once again hosting its annual party.

This year’s theme is “Glitter After Dark.”

“We’re going to be decked out in glitter. We have a glitter feature menu, drinks, a countdown platter, and then we’ll have our DJ (and) dancing starting up at 9:30 p.m., right until 2 a.m.,” said Jesse Dixon, Hudson’s Lethbridge manager.

“We do a big countdown celebration.”

The addition of the Canadian World Juniors game also means more sales.

Tickets are available at the door.

Dixon says his best advice is to arrive early.

“Full capacity with a bit of a lineup. The earlier people get here, the better. We’ll usually line up around 10:30 (p.m.) and then it’s first come, first serve after that, if people end up leaving with their tickets,” said Dixon.

Those who are too young to make it to midnight had the chance to celebrate New Year’s early.

The main branch of the Lethbridge Public Library hosted its now-annual Noon Year’s Eve party.

“Ringing in the new year, but a little earlier in the day, especially for those that can’t stay up so late,” said Dax Law with Lethbridge Public Library children’s services.

“So, we have the event out here for all of the kids to celebrate.”

The kids got the full New Year’s experience, complete with a DJ, food and drinks and an early countdown.

The event has become a hit with families who want to make sure their little ones can still get in on the fun.

“(We’ve) had people calling all week just to make sure they’re able to make it, and we had a really good turnout here today, so we’re really excited,” said Law.

For those celebrating late, Lethbridge police are reminding you not to drink and drive and to instead plan for a safe ride home.