It’s hard to believe that we are coming to the end of not only the year, but also the decade! 2020 is just around the corner. How do you plan on celebrating? Do you have a babysitter and you are heading out without the kids, or are you looking for something to do as a family? We definitely lean towards the family events, so I have been compiling a list of some great options for celebrating New Year’s Eve with the kids.

Hogman-eh! Party

The Scottish Society of Ottawa invites all families to celebrate the New Year Scottish style at the Hogman-eh! Party. It takes place at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne from 5 pm to 1 am. It is a free event and there is lots for the kids to do: face painting, balloons, Disney princesses, story telling, and an early New Year’s balloon drop at 7 pm (to celebrate New Year’s in Scotland) amongst other fun activities. There will be food vendors for families to pick up a bite to eat and lots of great music and at midnight there will be fireworks! This is THE place to ring in 2029 as a family.

Holiday Magic at the Museums

The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum has special programming over this holiday season including during the day on New Year’s Eve. Visitors can also enjoy the 4th annual gingerbread house village which will be on display for viewing and judging. Head to the demonstration kitchen to learn how to make a holiday breakfast casserole and warm up with a homemade cranberry spice beverage. Don’t forget to stop by the light garden and get creative making a beautiful themed winter lantern. Open from 9:30 am – 4:00 pm.

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is also open during the day on New Year’s Eve with their own seasonal programming. Little ones will love using their imaginations in a space adventure, or listening to a Christmas-themed story that celebrates a legendary Inuk bush pilot, Johnny May. Climb aboard a “rocket” and travel to an imaginary planet, then explore the universe from the comfort of the museum in the Planetarium.

Parliament Hill Light Show

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the Northern Lights show at Parliament Hill, then this New Year’s Eve could be a great time. Grab a hot chocolate and head to the hill starting at 5:30 pm there will be a beautiful lights capes show that runs 11 minutes long on a continual loop. It goes until midnight.

Magic of Lights

Just west of Ottawa you can enjoy the Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks. It is a 2 km drive-through holiday light display featuring nearly one million LED lights. Open daily from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, it will be open New Year’s Eve. Buy your tickets online ahead of time, $20 a car.

Alight at Night

If you are up for a bit of a drive then you can always head to the beautiful Alight at Night display at Upper Canada Village. My family spent last New Year’s Eve here and it was so beautiful! The 1860’s heritage village is adorned with nearly one million lights, horse-drawn wagon rides, a life size Toy Train and even a carousel. The village will be open from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm on New Year’s Eve, and there are a few different dining options available for dinner, dessert and drinks.

Glow Ottawa

Last I checked there are still tickets available for New Year’s Eve at Glow Ottawa at the EY Centre. Glow is a huge indoor holiday light festival. It’s incredibly “instagram worthy” with lots of gorgeous light displays, playground for kids, a small train ride and alcoholic drinks for the parents…

Hunter’s NYE 2020 for Wee Ones

If you are looking for a fun event early in the day for your little ones, check out this Monkey Rock music event at Hunter’s Public House. The event runs from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm and you must buy tickets ahead of time. There will be face painting, sparkling juice, lots of Monkey Rock music and countdown and balloon drop at 1 pm.

Boston Pizza Kids NYE Party

Say Hello to 2020 at a reasonable hour at the Barrhaven Boston Pizza. There will be a lunch countdown at 2:00 pm, and another countdown at dinner at 5:00 pm. Each party will be complete with fun New Year’s themed activities, noise makers & hats for the kids as well as a countdown all together in our dining room. These parties are free to attend, the only cost is the cost of food & drink – no tickets necessary.

Pineview Kids NYE Celebration

Pineview Community Hub at 1700 Blair Rd is holding a family event from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on NYE. It is free admission with dancing, colouring, crafts, games, and NYE countdowns every hour. Snacks are available for purchase.

Mt. Pakenham Fireworks

If you love the idea or ringing in 2020 with your family on the slopes, you should head to Mt.Pakenham. You can enjoy 2-for-1 lift passes & rental equipment as well as crafts, live music, an early 6pm countdown and fireworks!

Kichesippi Beer Family NYE Party

This family friendly party takes place at Kichesippi Beer at 2265 Robertson Rd from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The band goes on at 6 pm and the countdown at 7 pm. It is $10 at the door for kids which includes grilled cheese and a pop. Free admission for adults.

Skating Around Ottawa

Going skating as a family can be a wonderful NYE activity. There are a number of refrigerated ice rinks open around the city. The Sens Rink next to City Hall is open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, skate rentals and sharpening services are available on site. The rink at Lansdowne is open from 6:00 am – 11:00 pm, but skate rentals are not available. The Rideau Hall Ice Rink is open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on December 31st. It’s free and there is a heritage building where you can change into your skating attire.