Calgarians looking to welcome 2026 have a sparkling array of events to choose from, with the city's newly revitalized Eau Claire Plaza serving as the centerpiece for downtown celebrations. The redesigned public space, which opened in July 2025, will host a major New Year's Eve party featuring fireworks, live entertainment, and a vibrant dance party.
Downtown Festivities and Fireworks Display
The shift to Eau Claire Plaza from previous years provides significantly more room for both performers and spectators. The celebration kicks off at 8 p.m. on December 31 with live entertainment, local food trucks, and an outdoor skating and dance party. Attendees can also enter to win prizes, including a one-night stay at the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire.
Entertainment will be spread between the plaza and the adjacent Prince's Island Park, with stilt walkers roaming between the two venues. The main event, a fireworks show launched from Prince's Island Park, is scheduled for 12:15 a.m. on January 1, 2026. The spectacle can be viewed from both Eau Claire Plaza and the park, offering ample viewing space, and will also be available via a live stream for those celebrating at home.
Family-Friendly Activities Across the City
For families and those seeking daytime fun, several venues are hosting early celebrations. Telus Spark Science Centre is throwing a "Noon Year's Eve" party starting at 11 a.m. on December 31, complete with Cirque de la Nuit performers, a DJ dance party, an appearance by Queen Elsa, and a noon countdown featuring a balloon drop and confetti cannons.
Several Calgary Public Library branches, including Central, Country Hills, and Fish Creek, will host family-friendly New Year's Eve events from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Fish Creek). Activities include a special storytime, a family DJ dance party, and a mock midnight countdown.
Additionally, the Young Hearts Old Souls 2026 New Year Gala offers a community-focused event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Fish Creek Recreation Centre, featuring a potluck, talent show, and interactive games with seniors from the Happy 50+ Association.
What's Open for New Year's Day
Calgary continues the celebration into New Year's Day with free public ice skating sessions. Residents can glide into the new year at three locations: Optimist/George Blundun Arenas, Rose Kohn/Jimmie Condon Arenas, and Shouldice Arena. Sessions are offered from 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and again from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. on January 1.
The transformation of Eau Claire Plaza into a hub for this year's celebration underscores its design as a flexible, accessible event space for all Calgarians. With options ranging from a massive downtown countdown to intimate library parties and free recreational activities, the city provides numerous ways to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026.
