New Year’s Eve celebrations this year in Halifax is going to look a little different.

The Halifax Regional Municipality says for the first time ever, the event will take place at the Emera Oval at the Halifax Commons, instead of Grand Parade.

Music begins at 11pm with Music Nova Scotia 2023 Entertainer of the Year winner Rankin MacInnis as the headliner.

Other musical highlights will include Lindsay Misiner and a Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop, performed by DJs Okay TK and Grimrock, along with breakdancers, emcees and more. Celebrations will conclude with a fireworks show and DJ.

A free family skate also begins at 10pm to midnight. Free equipment rentals, including skates and helmets, will be available – along with select adaptive equipment. Valid ID is required for all rentals. There will be an additional skate from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and a countdown and fireworks display at 9 p.m. for families with young children.

Grand Parade is now a designated location for those experiencing homelessness.

The Remembrance Day ceremony was also moved to Sullivan’s Pond.