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 somefree activities the whole family can enjoy on New Year's Eve.

1. Parliament Hill Party

This New Year's Eve will usher inCanada's 150th birthday, and there's no better place to help launchoursesquicentennial year than Parliament Hill. The celebrations start at7:00 p.m.witha Peace Tower Carillon concert.Ottawa's own JulieNesrallahwill singofthe national anthem.Fireworks and live music begin at 8:17 p.m., also known as 20:17 (get it?). You'll be able toget a great view of the fireworks at various locations onboth sides of the Ottawa River, including the Canadian Museum of History and Major's Hill Park.

Canadian starsincluding Brett Kissel and Carly Rae Jepsentake the stage until midnight when the sky will be illuminated witha 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 Hogmanayat 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 inthe Canadian New Year. Admission is free. Expect numerousrenditions of Auld Lang Syne. For more information, visit the Hogman-eh! website.

3. City Hall Countdown to 2017

There is no city in Canada making as big a deal of 2017 as Ottawa. So it makes sense that there are plenty of festivities planned at Ottawa CityHall. The activities start at 5:30 p.m. with a barbecue (free hot dogs while quantities last, as well as coffee and hot chocolate). Watch the lighting of the five-metre high 2017 cauldron in Marion DewarPlaza while skating on the Rink of Dreams, and then help form a human chain through downtown Ottawa.For more information, visit Ottawa 2017'swebsite.

4. Rick Chiarelli'sCentrepointeparty

For the past quarter-century, College ward Coun.Rick Chiarelli has been hosting a family-friendly, alcohol-free New Year's Eve party. This year is no different, and the 26thedition of the Centrepointeget-togetherstarts at 6 p.m. at Ben Franklin Place. There will be sleigh rides, skating and live entertainment, with fireworks at 10 p.m.For more information, visit the Rick Chiarelli Alcohol-Free New Year's website.