David Haselwood | Fun, free family events for New Year's Eve

You've probably been so busy counting down the days until Christmas that you didn't realize the new year is almost upon us. With 2017 peeking its head around the corner, here are some free activities the whole family can enjoy on New Year's Eve.

1. Parliament Hill Party

This New Year's Eve will usher in Canada's 150th birthday, and there's no better place to help launch our sesquicentennial year than Parliament Hill. The celebrations start at 7:00 p.m. with a Peace Tower Carillon concert. Ottawa's own Julie Nesrallah will sing of the national anthem. Fireworks and live music begin at 8:17 p.m., also known as 20:17 (get it?). You'll be able to get a great view of the fireworks at various locations on both sides of the Ottawa River, including the Canadian Museum of History and Major's Hill Park.

Canadian stars including Brett Kissel and Carly Rae Jepsen take the stage until midnight when the sky will be illuminated with a second round of fireworks. For more information, visit the Canadian Heritage website.

2. Hogman-eh!

The Scottish Society of Ottawa is throwing its fifth annual Hogmanay at Lansdowne's Aberdeen Pavilion. Hogmanay is what the Scots call New Year's Eve, and Ottawa's version will include music (with headliners, The Barra MacNeils), dancing, skating, food and drink, and activities for children. There will be two countdowns: one at the family-friendly hour of 7 p.m. to countdown with the folks Scotland, and another at midnight to ring in the Canadian New Year. Admission is free. Expect

David Haselwood | Making plans for New Year's Eve/Day?

New Year’s Eve Parties on Ice, features food and drinks in the Lodge, live music, games and entertainment and fireworks, 5 to 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, tickets $30 for spectators; skater tickets sold out. (215) 922-2FUN. www.delawareriverwaterfront.com. Delaware Riverfront, 121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks, 6 p.m. and midnight Saturday. (215) 922-2FUN. www.delawareriverwaterfront.com. Delaware Riverfront, 121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.

Crew team makes Christmas merry for families

New Year’s Eve Celebration: Annual First Night at the Beach, offers a variety of entertainment for families and individuals; 80 entertainment programs at central locations including Magician Chad Juros, ice skating, Give and Take Jugglers,Jungle John, Horse Play Game Show, fabulous Grease Band, fireworks at midnight, weather permitting, and more; admission buttons come with program book listing entertainment and locations, parking and jitney service, 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday, admission buttons $20. (609) 399-1412. www.firstnightocnj.com. Buttons also available at the Ocean City Welcome Center, Route 52 Causeway, Ocean City and Downtown Gillian’s inside Staintons, 810 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. Various locations, Ocean City.

New Year’s Eve Ghost Tour, presented by Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, for ages 13 and older only, ring in the New Year with a candlelight Ghost Tour of a haunted Society Hill mansion; discover intriguing tales of mystery and ghosts of infamous resolutions that haunt the Powel House, tours run every hour for about one hour, 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, tickets $22, advance ticket purchase required. (215) 413-1997. www.ghosttour.com. Powel House, 244 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia.

NYE Live! Philadelphia 2017, for ages 21 and older, includes access to NBC Sports Arena, Broad Street Bullies, 1100 Social, PBR Bar & Grill and Victory Beer Hall, five-hour premium open bar, food buffet, live entertainment including split decision and Champagne toast at midnight, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, tickets $120 in advance; may be higher at the door. www.xfinitylive.com. www.nye-live.com/philadelphia. XFINITY Live!, 1100 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia.

David Haselwood | Best Places To Celebrate New Year Eve