Happy YEG New Year

Stumped on how to celebrate the arrival of 2015? We’ve got a few festive suggestions for a lovely, local New Year’s Eve.

Downtown Festival: Come December 31st, head to Edmonton City Hall at 7 p.m. for the 15th annual New Year’s Eve Downtown event. Free and non-alcoholic, this family-friendly fest includes skating, hay rides and magicians, plus live acts on the main stage from 9:15 p.m. on. Stay for the spectacular fireworks show at midnight. City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Sq., Edmonton, www.edmonton.ca

Muttart Masquerade: If you’d rather not brave the cold for the countdown, why not celebarate early (and, if you like, in costume) at the Muttart Conservatory? From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 31st, the cost of regular admission will gain you access to live music, crafts and hourly midnight countdowns with treats aplenty. You’ll be back home sipping hot chocolate in time for sunset. Muttart Conservatory, 9626-96A St., Edmonton, www.edmonton.ca

Music & Magic: Those looking for a little more glitz and glamour this NYE will find it at the Evening of Music & Magic event, December 31st at the Hotel Selkirk in Fort Edmonton Park. Jazz and swing music pair with a five-course dinner, a performance by magician Ron Pearson and a champagne toast countdown (of course). The cost: $192.50 per person (or up the ante and stay overnight). Hotel Selkirk, 1920’s St., Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton, www.fortedmontonpark.ca

5, 4, 3, 2, 1. —Amy Dillon

Photo by Anthony P. Jones.