The biggest party in Winnipeg to ring in 2018 will be at The Forks.

The annual New Year’s Eve party on Sunday promises a packed roster of excitement to bid adieu to 2017.

Free festivities begin at 5 p.m. with horse-drawn wagon rides around The Forks site, ball hockey in the Plaza parking lot, snow sculpting, a family DJ dance/skate party and local artist Kal Barteski painting a giant snow wall live in Festival Field, and DJs and art activities all night in The Forks Market. Arctic Glacier Winter Park will be open all day for skating and tobogganing, with skates available for rent from Iceland Skate Rentals in the Market.

A children’s fireworks display at 8 p.m. will welcome the new year a little early, while a midnight fireworks show will provide the big bang. Both displays will be put on by the award-winning Archangel Fireworks.

Other New Year’s Eve parties

Winter’s Eve: A New Year’s Celebration
Where: RBC Convention Centre
Time: 6 p.m.
Cost: $140 per person, or $130 for groups of eight or more

This New Year’s Celebration will feature the beauty and elegance of a glistening winter’s evening in the warmth of the City View Room which will be transformed into a festive wonderland with a little winter carnival flare.

After enjoying a gourmet feast with complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres and a fabulous five-course dining experience, it’ll be time to toast in the New Year as the party kicks off with the ever-popular Ron Paley and his 21-piece band featuring some of Winnipeg’s most notable performers. Dance until 2 a.m. as Ron and his band plays top 40 hits and classic dance tunes.

New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Dinner & Dance
Where: The Fort Garry Hotel
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: $125

New Year’s Eve-themed Murder Mystery during cocktails and dinner with seven professional actors dispersed amongst the guests incognito until all hell breaks loose. Prizes, three-course dinner, dancing (DJ and light show) after dinner. Complimentary noise-makers and hats to kick in the New Year at midnight.

New Year’s Eve Outdoor Workout
Where: Pan Am Boxing Club
Time: 10 a.m.
Cost: $5 donation

The 4th Annual Outdoor Donation workout. Members and newcomers will take their boxing equipment outdoors to participate in a workout held outside on the Pan Am Boxing Club patio area on Arthur Street. This workout is not weather dependent and boxers are asked to dress for the weather elements. Hot chocolate will be provided after the workout for all who attend.

Minimum $5 donation. All proceeds go to Pan Am Place. Charity receipts for donations over $25.

Manitoba Moose vs. San Jose Barracuda
Where: Bell MTS Place
Time: 2 p.m.
Cost: Varies

If you’d rather celebrate in the afternoon, the Manitoba Moose host the San Jose Barracuda for a matinee matchup. It’s also the team’s Shutout Hunger food drive in support of the Manitoba Association of Food Banks and Winnipeg Harvest. Fans attending are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation.

Getting around

Winnipeg Transit and MPI have once again teamed up to offer free bus rides from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Operation Red Nose will make sure you and your vehicle get home safely. Call (204) 947-NOSE (6673).

— with files from the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ