Oshawa Celebrates

Wristbands for swimming will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5:45 p.m., select wristbands from two of the following Fun Swim timeframes, while supplies last:

• 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
• 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.

As an added way to celebrate the new year, the Civic Recreation Complex - Centennial Pool will host a free Public swim on December 31, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To view the complete swim schedule, please visit: Leisure Swimming

Pool admission requirements

General information

• Wristbands are provided for each swim time.
• Regular admission standards and ratios are in place. Please read the swim admission standards below.
• A caregiver is someone 14 years old or over and participating in the water.
• There is a maximum of 2 children per caregiver permitted.

Swim tests

Due to the volume of people at this event, swim tests will not be performed. Swimmers who have earned their Oshawa Swim Test card must show their card or they will be issued the appropriate wristband instead of a green wristband.

Age standards:

Children 6 years old and under:
Children must have a caregiver in the water providing direct supervision and the caregiver must be within arm's reach regardless of the child's swimming ability.

Children 7 to 9 years old without a City of Oshawa Swim Test Pass Card:
Children must have a caregiver in the water providing direct supervision and the caregiver must be within arm's reach.

Children 7 to 9 years old with a City of Oshawa Swim Test Pass Card:
Children may swim in all areas of the pool and they must have active supervision in the water by a caregiver .

Children 10 years old and over:
Children with a City of Oshawa Swim Test Pass Card may swim in all areas of the pool and they must have active supervision in the water.
Children without a City of Oshawa Swim Test Pass Card may swim in the pool, however they must stay in shallow areas only, and they must have active supervision in the water.

Other rules

• All patrons must obey the lifeguards at all times.
• There is no outdoor footwear permitted on the pool deck.
• Proper swimming attire is required.
• For this event, all changerooms will be open and families of the same gender may use their specific changeroom.
• Caregivers may not leave children unaccompanied. This includes in the changeroom, in the pool, on the pool deck, and in the viewing gallery, including unattended infants in strollers or car seats.
• Saving cubicles is not permitted. All items must be removed after changing. Patrons are encouraged to use lockers for their belongings.

Wristbands for skating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5:45 p.m., select wristbands from nine of the following leisure skate timeframes, while supplies last:

• Pad 1 & 4:
  • 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • 7:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
    
    
• Pad 3:
  • 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
  • 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

General information

• Wristbands are available for skating timeslots at each arena entrance door.
• Children 6 years old and under must wear a C.S.A. approved hockey helmet on the ice.
• All skaters are strongly encouraged to wear a C.S.A. approved hockey helmet.
• A caregiver is someone who is 14 years old or over.
• There is a maximum of 3 children per caregiver permitted.

Leisure skating rules

• Be considerate of the rules for the safety and enjoyment of all skaters.
• Respect and follow instructions from skate patrol staff at all times.
• Report all accidents or injuries to skate patrol or arena staff immediately.
• Children 7 years old and under must be accompanied and supervised on the ice by a caregiver.
• Children 8 to 10 years old must be supervised by a caregiver. Caregivers are not required to go on the ice.
• Only skaters wearing skates are permitted on the ice surface.
• Enter onto the ice surface only after the ice resurfacer is off the ice, the doors are closed, and skate patrol staff are on the ice.

The following is not permitted at any time:

• Carrying children while skating on the ice, including baby carriers
• Headsets, phones, and hand-held electronic devices
• Food and drinks
• Strollers (unless used for accessibility purposes), chairs, sleds and toboggans
• Games, tag, rough play, figure skating moves, backward, erratic or excessive speed skating

The following applies to the use of skating aids, accessibility strollers, wheelchairs and ice sledges:

• You must bring your own skating aid. Skating aids are permitted in designated areas.
• Accessibility strollers or wheelchairs are permitted on-ice, however the wheels must be clean.
• Skaters accompanying someone in an accessibility stroller, wheelchair, or an ice sledge must wear skates and be an experienced skater.

BNC Pro-Shop is located in Pad 1, east of the north entrance door. They offer:

• Skate sharpening for $10 per pair of skates
• Skate rental for $10 per pair of skates
• A waiver must be completed at the time of rental by an adult or guardian who is 18 years old or older.

If you have questions or require more information, please contact BNC Pro Shop directly at 416-560-1104.

6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Zoo to You

• A travelling educational experience to both educate and entertain audiences of all ages.
• An interactive experience with 30 animals which may include an American Alligator or Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman, a Burmese Python, Savannah Monitor, Rose Hair Tarantula, Sugar Glider, Chinchilla, Bearded Dragon, Red Eyed Tree Frog and so much more!

Inflatable Fun

• Try a selection inflatables from conquering the summit of the Snowy Mountain climber, testing your skills as you race through the Lane Warrier Rush's obstacle course of rock walls and slide fun, or Toddler Dino World experience.
• Interactive games will capture your heart all night long as you give Buddy's Snowball Toss, Dual Rollerball, Strike and Light and more games a try.

Sensory Rooms: Activity Rooms 2 and 3

• These two spaces are designed to promote the self-regulation of Oshawa Celebrates participants who benefit from a sensory friendly environment. Parental supervision is required.
  
  

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Main Stage Entertainment

• Join CKDO Radio personality Terry Johnson as our event emcee for the evening as he introduces a lively lineup of entertainment straight until 9 p.m.
• Count down the night with the official New Years countdown at 8:45 p.m., celebrating 2025 as we enter 2026!

Join the Oshawa Public Library - Delpark Homes Centre Branch, for a free family-friendly magic show, while tickets last. Capacity limits in effect.

Show times include:

• 6:15 p.m.
• 7:15 p.m.
• 8:15 p.m.

Enter through the Delpark Homes Centre, south entrance to grab your tickets, while supplies last. Stop in and select your show time, grab your tickets and you'll be all set. 

Event parking will be available at the following locations:

• Delpark Homes Centre
• The adjacent Maxwell Heights Secondary School

Durham Region Transit (DRT) bus service is available to the Delpark Homes Centre. For further DRT information, visit durhamregiontransit.com

The City of Oshawa hosts open, free public events. Photographers will be present taking photos and video footage at these events. These images may be used without further notification on City-owned and non-City-owned property, print media, digital media, the Internet, social media sites, media releases and broadcasts. By attending, you consent to such use.