The Windsor-Essex region said goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026 with a vibrant array of celebrations on Wednesday night, from family-friendly outdoor fun to elegant midnight galas and dazzling pyrotechnic displays.
Family Festivities at City Hall Square
Hundreds of residents braved the snowy weather to gather at the new City Hall Square ice rink for a special New Year's Eve skate party. The event, a first for the public venue, featured free hot chocolate, popcorn, and skate lending courtesy of All Saints’ Anglican Church, accompanied by a live DJ and food trucks.
Ali Hawi attended with his daughters, Sereen, 7, and Sara, 9. "We’re very excited to be spending New Year’s Eve ice skating," Hawi said. He joked that his children had persuaded him to venture out despite the cold. Looking ahead to 2026, Hawi expressed hopes for more family time and the possibility of finding a new home.
Volunteers like Sue Guo added to the festive spirit, handing out balloons and glow sticks to young skaters as music and lights filled the square.
Elegant Evenings and Nightlife
Across the city, a different kind of revelry was underway. Bars, clubs, and event spaces including Disco Inferno, Ariius Nightclub at Caesars Windsor, and the Water’s Edge Event Centre hosted lively parties.
The Ciociaro Club and the Caboto Club offered more formal gala experiences, complete with dinners and midnight toasts. Christa Froese, 87, was among those celebrating at the Caboto Club, marking her third New Year's Eve at the venue. "I enjoy it so much," Froese told the Windsor Star. "The set-up is marvellous. I always look forward to the food and the drinks, but not too many."
A Grand Finale with Fireworks and Lights
As midnight approached, many residents opted for an explosive send-off to the old year. The municipalities of LaSalle, Lakeshore, and Kingsville hosted public fireworks shows, drawing crowds undeterred by the frigid temperatures.
The region's popular holiday light displays, such as Bright Lights Windsor, Amherstburg River Lights, and the Kingsville Fantasy of Lights, also provided a luminous backdrop for the final night of 2025, with several exhibits continuing into the new year.
The diverse celebrations showcased the community spirit of Windsor-Essex, offering something for everyone to enjoy as the calendar turned to January 1, 2026.
