What you need to know for New Year’s Eve in Saskatoon
As 2019 draws to a close, here is everything you need to know about how to celebrate the beginning of a new year on Dec. 31 and what’s happening in Saskatoon on the first statutory holiday of 2020.
HOW TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR
There are countless options for people looking to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next.
Countless bars, pubs and clubs are hosting events on Dec. 31. There are multiple concerts to choose from at venues large and small. Many restaurants are offering special menus for those seeking a tasty meal.
While there is not a public fireworks display this year — unless you count the guy down the street shooting off roman candles at midnight — there are a few events open to the public this year.
Family-friendly New Year’s Eve events include a skating party at the Cameco Meewasin Skating Ring next to the Bessborough (5 p.m.–9 p.m.), and a drive through the BHP Enchanted Forest (5:30 p.m.–10 p.m., $35 per vehicle).
The Saskatoon Public Library also is hosting daytime parties for young children. The events begin at 11:30 a.m. at participating branches and include dancing and crafts.
BUSES ARE FREE
Not surprisingly given the profusion of parties, New Year’s Eve is one of the toughest nights of the year to find a safe ride home. Expect finding a taxi or hailing an Uber to take longer than normal.
To help people get home safely without having to drive, Saskatoon Transit is once again offering free bus service on the year’s biggest night out — an initiative that has been running for decades.
According to the city, bus rides are free until 3 a.m. and can be planned using the Saskatoon Transit mobile app or Google Maps.
WHAT’S OPEN AND CLOSED ON NEW YEAR’S DAY?
New Year’s Day is a statutory holiday and, as such, most government facilities will be closed and services unavailable.
That includes City Hall administrative offices, Saskatoon Transit’s customer service office, the Nutrien Wonderhub, the city’s indoor hockey and skating rinks, and the landfill.
Places that will be open on Jan. 1 include the Remai Modern, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Cosmo Civic Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre and Lawson Civic Centre, Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, the Shaw Centre and the libraries.
City parking at pay stations is free on New Year’s Day.