The best spots to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Montreal – and catch the fireworks
Posted December 31, 2024 9:30 am.
Last Updated December 31, 2024 3:00 pm.
Montreal is the place to be for big events, and ringing in the new year is no different.
Between downtown and the Old Port, there is no shortage of activities to take part in on New Year’s Eve.
CityNews caught up with content creator Karolina Jez for her top picks for the night of – and even one for the next day.
This year, midnight fireworks are back at the Old Port on New Year’s Eve.
“That’s the biggest news. Everyone’s so happy,” Jez said.
“And in conjunction to that, Igloofest is teaming up with them for a free Igloofest New Year’s Eve party outdoors, DJs, entertainment going till 2 a.m.”
Jez also says there are several restaurants in the Old Port that can turn any Dec. 31 into a New Year’s Eve to remember.
“If I had to pick, I would choose Mama C, the new Greek restaurant in the Nelligan Hotel. Amazing,” she said. “If you want jazz music, Modavie is going to have live entertainment. Or you can go to a fancier French-inspired Brasserie 701.
“If you want to keep partying into the night, Kaytranada – my most listened to Spotify artist – is playing New Year’s Eve in Montreal. I don’t think this has ever happened before, so it’s huge.”
For those looking for a little “glitz and ritz,” as Jez puts it, look no further than the Madhatter Ball at Marcus Restaurant in the Four Seasons.
“There’s going to be a delicious three-course menu,” Jez said. “There’s a few different seatings, so you can have an early night or a late night. And then after that, there’s magicians, entertainment, dancing, and a little bit of a dress code. So you have to wear a fun top hat or a silver outfit because it is a quarter of the century. How much fun.”
If you’d like to literally slide into the New Year — Montreal also has rinks ready for you!
The Esplanade Tranquille skating rink in the Quartier des Spectacles is open until 1 a.m. and free for all.
“At midnight, join us for a collective audio countdown that will mark the arrival of the new year,” they wrote on their website. “A perfect opportunity to experience a unique moment of sliding and celebration together!”
The Old Port rink is also open until 1 a.m. — tickets need to be purchased in advance on their website.
And if anyone is hoping to extend the party into New Year’s Day, the Montreal influencer and photographer has a suggestion for them, too.
“The day after, I know people are tired, but I did this with my mom last year. And it’s the 29th year that this concert has been going on. It’s ‘Salute to Vienna’ and it takes place in Place des Arts. Wow.
“It’s European singers, ballroom dancers, ballet dancers, all celebrating the classical music of Strauss. It is such a beautiful tradition. It’s a wonderful, beautiful way to welcome 2025. And it’s for all ages.”
