If you’re wondering what to do in Edmonton for New Year’s Eve, you’ve got a lot more choices than “pick a random bar and hope for the best.” Downtown has the fun public countdowns, the Oilers are home against Boston, and there are many family-friendly events throughout the day that wrap up before the more spirited celebrations spill out into the streets. Personally I’ll be in bed by about 12:15AM but for those that want to fight for your right to party, I got you.
Top 5 New Year’s Eve events in Edmonton
1) Oilers vs. Bruins at Rogers Place
Where: Rogers Place (ICE District), 10220 104 Ave NW (Rogers Place)
When: Doors listed 6:30 pm; game listed 7:30–10:30 pm (Rogers Place)
Cost: Ticketed; pricing varies by seat and resale market (Ticketmaster)
Poking around online there are still tons of resale tickets available for purchase at reasonable-for-an-NHL-game prices.
Best way to get there:
LRT is the easiest. Rogers Place recommends taking the Capital Line to Bay/Enterprise Square and walking a few blocks north; they also list nearby stops including MacEwan, Churchill, Central, and Corona. (Rogers Place)
Parking (what to know):
Event parking is available in surrounding lots/parkades and some lots allow you to reserve a spot in advance online. (Rogers Place)
If you’re using City of Edmonton paid parking downtown, the City posts specific evening rates and a “Rogers Place event nights” rate window on their parking rates page. (edmonton.ca)
Pro Tip:
Arrive early and enjoy a meal before the game at any of the several restaurants attached to Edmonton Tower and Bell Tower including Boston Pizza and Canadian Brewhouse, then pop over to the game via the indoor pedways. If you do it right, you can park and make it to your seat in Rogers Place without ever going outside.
2) New Year’s Eve @ ICE District Plaza (free, but space is limited - no ticket required)
Where: ICE District Plaza, 10360 102 St NW (ICE District)
When: Starts 6:00 pm; runs late (ICE District lists programming into the night) (ICE District)
Cost: Free (space is limited—arrive early) (ICE District)
Best way to get there:
See #1
Parking (what to know):
No really, it’s all listed under #1 :o)
3) City of Edmonton Downtown Festival & Fireworks at Churchill Square (free with not one but TWO fireworks shows)
Where: City Hall / Sir Winston Churchill Square / City Hall Plaza (edmonton.ca)
When: Programming 6:00 pm–midnight; fireworks at 8:00 pm and midnight (edmonton.ca)
Cost: Free (edmonton.ca)
Best way to get there:
LRT to Churchill Station is the simplest (you’re basically there when you exit).
If you’re driving in from outside downtown, consider Park & Ride to avoid the downtown crunch. (edmonton.ca)
Parking (what to know):
Downtown parking fills up fast on NYE. Plan for paid lots/parkades and walk a few blocks. Remember, there is also an Oilers game so downtown will be hoppin’
Important heads-up: downtown NYE programming can affect traffic patterns, and ETS notes road closures/detours around Churchill Square. (edmonton.ca)
The Edmonton Downtown Business Association notes the Library parkade won’t be open for the event, so don’t count on it. (Edmonton Downtown)
The Citadel is also hosting their own viewing party, so I wouldn’t count on that parkade either. Arrive early, get a rideshare there, or plan to be on the struggle-bus
4) TELUS World of Science: “Noon Year’s Eve” (family-friendly, earlier in the day)
Where: TELUS World of Science – Edmonton, 11211 142 St NW (TELUS World of Science)
When: 12:00 pm demo on Dec 31 (they also run it Jan 1) (TELUS World of Science)
Cost: Included with Science Centre General Admission (Adult $24.95 / Child $19.95 / Senior $21.95 / Family $75.95, plus GST noted) (TELUS World of Science)
Best way to get there:
Easy drive from most of the city; it’s also transit-accessible depending on where you’re coming from.
The LRT does not go to the Telus World of Science, but it’s on several major bus routes, so public transit is an option. If parking at Westmount, be sure to keep an eye out for parking restrictions, as the mall is private property.
Parking (what to know):
They have on-site visitor parking. A local event listing notes free parking, but as always, follow posted signs when you arrive. (To Do Canada)
5) West Edmonton Mall – World Waterpark “New Year’s Eve Beach Ball” (indoors, full evening event)
First things first, the above image is not the Waterpark, though it’s close. Don’t swim here unless you want to start 2026 with a new and exciting rash :o)
Where: World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 St NW (West Edmonton Mall)
When: 6:00 pm–12:00 am (West Edmonton Mall)
Cost: Ticketed. WEM’s ticket portal lists $89 for individual admission (other ticket types may be available). (West Edmonton Mall Tickets)
Best way to get there:
Driving is usually the easiest for WEM, especially for families.
There is still construction along 87 Avenue which will cause backups along 170 Street and 178 Street, so plan to arrive a bit earlier than you normally would if you’re driving.
Parking (what to know):
WEM has extensive surface lots around multiple entrances and does not allow overnight parking. (West Edmonton Mall)
If you want a “no-hassle” arrival, WEM also offers valet parking at Entrance 50 (fees apply). (West Edmonton Mall)
Getting home safely
If you’re going downtown, I’d highly recommend just not bringing a car. Even with a designated driver, there will be 18 000+ Oilers fans in various stages of sobriety plus several thousand partygoers crammed into an area still rife with construction, lane closures, windrows, snow and general congestion. Rideshare providers can become quickly overwhelmed, which then leads to some rather aggressive surge pricing.
But don’t despair - ETS is here!
ETS (Transit): free after 6 pm & extended late-night service
ETS states that from 6:00 pm until end of service, transit is free (buses, LRT, and DATS), with extended service on some routes and LRT lines until approximately 3:00 am. (edmonton.ca)
Also: ETS flags detours/closures around Churchill Square, so give yourself extra time. (edmonton.ca)
FAQ
Is the Churchill Square New Year’s Eve event free?
Yes—City of Edmonton lists it as free. (edmonton.ca)
Are there fireworks at both 8 pm and midnight downtown?
Yes—City of Edmonton lists fireworks at 8 pm and midnight. (edmonton.ca)
What time is Oilers vs. Bruins on Dec 31?
Rogers Place’s event calendar lists 7:30–10:30 pm (with doors listed at 6:30 pm). (Rogers Place)
Is transit really free on New Year’s Eve?
ETS states rides are free from 6 pm until end of service, with late-night extensions on some routes/LRT lines to about 3 am. (edmonton.ca)
Can I park at West Edmonton Mall overnight if I’m out late?
No—WEM states there is no overnight parking. (West Edmonton Mall)
If you want, tell me which part of the city you’re coming from (west end, south, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, etc.) and I’ll recommend the single easiest option + the cleanest “get there / get home” plan for your area. I’m available via email at mike@pabianrealty.ca, or call/text 780-232-2064.
