Downtown Moncton is expected to be a busy spot to ring in the New Year.

Festivities are planned once again on December 31 as a part of the New Year’s Eve Family Fun Fest.

Estimates last year were upwards of 20,000 people, and this year it’s expected to be even bigger and better.

“It’s a fourth annual already, and just an amazing event in Moncton not to miss,” Spokesperson Marty Kingston said.

The Moncton Wildcats will be in action at the Avenir Centre as they take on the Charlottetown Islanders. That game is now sold out.

Outside, the family activities get underway at 2 pm, with fireworks, fundraising, barbecues, food trucks and live music.

Temperatures for New Year’s Eve are expected to be around -11 degrees Celsius, with a wind chill around -16, but there will also be warming centres set up in the downtown.

“It’s really a fun filled day. The great thing about it is that you can do things during the day, and it doesn’t have to be concentrated in the evening. Several great groups are playing in the afternoon, just tremendous entertainment,” Kingston added.

“So really, you can make a day of it and pick your time of day to be there. The adults will probably hang out a little longer and try to ring in 2026 at midnight with a spectacular fireworks display.”

There will also be a second fireworks display held at 7:15 pm for the kids.

A full schedule can be found on the City of Moncton website.

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