The City of Windsor is getting ready to ring in the new year with an outdoor bash at the new downtown skating rink. The city is hosting a free New Year’s Eve celebration at the City Hall Square rink from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino says the event includes skating, free hot chocolate from Tim Hortons and food trucks. “It’s free, so you don’t have to stay up late on New Year’s Eve to ring in the new year; you can come out at 6 p.m.,” says Agostino. “We’ll be out there; I’ll be out there skating. Bring the kids even if they’ve never tried it before. I’ve seen so many people on that ice that have never done it before that absolutely fall in love with doing it.” He says skaters and non-skaters can come out and enjoy the event. “There’s a lot of people I see that have been coming there just to see what it’s all about and not necessarily skate but sit on the benches and hang out,” he says. “We’re going to have some warmers out there too, so there will be a little bit of heat. We’ll have some of those propane fire warmers that will be out there, so people can relax at some tables and hang out.” There will be free skate lending from All Saints’ Anglican Church as well as giveaways from Tim Hortons and Adventure Bay. The city will also be handing out glow sticks to help illuminate the night. LaSalle The town will host its annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show Wednesday evening at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex at 2121 Laurier Parkway. LaSalle’s manager of culture and recreation, Scott Bisson, said the approximately 14 minute show begins at 7:30 p.m. “It’s a great way for families to ring in the new year and having it a little bit earlier in the evening can make sure that families with young ones can come out and celebrate as well, and all of us get to ring in the new year with family and look forward to great 2026,” he said. The fireworks will be launched from behind the outdoor pavilion, near the splash pad, making them visible from any parking lot on-site. Bisson recommended people come out early. “We do have lots of parking lots at the Vollmer, but, we do recommend hopefully everyone is here early and on site by say 7:15 p.m. so that everyone in place and ready to do. We are working with LaSalle police and some security to make sure that everyone is parking in a safe manor,” said Bisson. The Vollmer Centre will be close at 3 p.m. Wednesday and remain closed during the event. Portable toilets will be available in parking lots 1, 2, 3, and 7. Essex The Town of Essex will be hosting a ‘Noon Years Eve’ celebration. Residents can ring out 2025 and welcome 2026 in a kid-friendly way with a midday celebration that will include face painting, crafts, carnival-style games, New Year’s photo op and a balloon drop at 12 p.m.
