Celebrate New Year's Eve in superhero style in Kitchener, family fun in Waterloo

If you want to kick off 2017 with a Bang!, Kaboom! or Sploink!, you're in luck the New Year's Eve party at KitchenerCity Hall is an evening for superhero fans of all ages.

"Probably about four years ago we started themeing the event we started with a 70s Disco Night, we had Star Wars last year, and the response has just been over the top, so this year we decided to go with superheroes, capitalize on all the new movies that are coming out," Jeff Young, manager of special events for the city, told CBC News.

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There will be live music, a Toy Con with collectible and comic vendors, crafts for children, retro arcade games in the city hall rotunda, cosplayers, ice skating and a chance to have your photo taken with superheroes including Wonder Woman and Brampton Batman with his Batmobile.

The evening will cap off with a special countdown, Young said. The city has partnered with Christie Digital to do a light display projected onto city hall.

Young would not reveal any details about the display, but said it will be one people won't want to miss.

The party kicks off at 6 p.m. and ends after the countdown at 12 a.m. Jan. 1.

Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

Family fun in Waterloo

Free public skating at Albert McCormick Community Centre, outdoor skating at Waterloo Public Square along with children's activities and entertainment will be part of the festivities in Waterloo.

There will even be an early countdown at 9 p.m. with a "fireworks without fireworks" display.

"Grab your hats and mittens and be prepared to have fun," said Josh Bean, festivals and events co-ordinator for the city.

Family skates in Cambridge

Strap on the skates and hit the ice at the Hespeler Memorial Arena at 640 Ellis Rd., Cambridge, for this free event. To accommodate everyone, there are three different skate times - 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Those hoping to skate at a particular time can pick up a wristband, starting at 4:45 p.m.

There will also be crafts, games, a photo booth and a bouncy castle.

Get around with free bus rides

Grand River Transit will be providing free bus rides from 6 p.m. to end of service.

Extra trips have been added, extending service on the following routes for New Year's Eve only:1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 51, 52, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 62, and 200 iXpress.

Downtown Guelph is a busy place on New Year's Eve and people will be able to get to and from the restaurants and bars safely and for free there as well.

As part of a deal with Sleeman Breweries, Guelph Transit buses will be free from 7 p.m. to 2:15 a.m. throughout the city.

John Sleeman said it's important for his company to offer free rides on a night when alcohol is typically consumed.

"We would like to remind everyone to plan wisely," Sleeman said in a city press release."If you're going to be drinking, please don't drive."