For London youngsters, the New Year has already begun.
The London Children’s Museum held a countdown at noon Wednesday, 12 hours ahead of schedule, but the kids don't mind.
Here's a look at what's going on as well as what is open and closed during the holiday.
At Victoria Park, the New Year will be ringing in at midnight with fireworks. The festivities begin at 6 p.m., including music by headliners Platinum Blonde, skating and children's fireworks at 9 p.m.
If you are hosting a party and need some beverages, the Beer Store and LCBO outlets are closing at 6 p.m. They will also be closed New Year's Day.
The malls are closing New Year's Eve at 5 p.m. and many grocery stores are shutting down at 6 p.m.
The two locations of the Real Canadian Superstore in London are both open until 8 p.m.
If you’re in need of some medication or toiletries, some Shoppers Drug Mart locations are open till 10 p.m. Wednesday and a couple are open until midnight.
All drug stores and grocery stores will be closed on New Year’s Day.
Of course there’s no mail delivery Thursday. Library branches will be closed New Year's Day and so will city hall.
City administration offices will re-open from the holiday break on Friday.
London Transit will offer complimentary bus rides, for both conventional and specialized services, between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. for New Year's Eve revellers. Buses will operate on a holiday schedule Thursday.
And if you can’t drive home after your night on the town, you don’t have to worry about your car being towed or ticketed, at least in municipal lots.
The city says parking will be extended free in all of its lots until Thursday at 1 p.m.
There are 19 municipal lots downtown, on Richmond Row and in the Old East Village.
