New Year’s Eve in Canada
New Year’s Eve is here! There are many traditions all around the world for the holiday. Here is some information about New Year’s Eve in Canada.
Canada, like many other countries, loves to celebrate the New Year. On New Year’s Eve, just as the clock strikes midnight, people burst into applause at the passing of an old year and the start of a new one. There are often parties, and activities such as fireworks with a statuary holiday on January 1st.
There are a few specific traditions for New Years in Canada. One particular tradition in many communities, is the Polar Bear Swim. The Polar Bear Swim is an event held during the winter where participants enter a body of water despite the low temperature. In Vancouver, B.C. they have been doing their annual polar bear swim since 1920! Communities all over Canada do this with up to a thousand people participating. Another tradition is the New Year’s resolutions; where we create a list of promises or changes for the better that we’d like to accomplish in the New Year. Of course, they aren’t always followed but it can be a great time for reflection. And it’s always fun to learn what people’s resolutions are!
There are a variety of ways to celebrate across Canada. From beautiful and rocking concerts to grand parties, galas, comedy shows and family activities with fireworks across Canada, there is always something to attend. And of course you can always host your own party! Or if you prefer a quiet night in, there are many excellent shows and presentations on TV that you can listen to as you curl-up all comfortable and warm.
New Year’s Eve is a great holiday all about endings and new beginnings. It’s a time to have fun, reflect on the past year and anticipate the coming year.
Get more information about events all across Canada: www.todocanada.ca/new-years-eve-canada
Prepared by: Kristy-Lu Desrosiers, JSS Facilitator, Ontario
