Old Montreal reveals full details for Grand Minuit New Year’s Eve event

The Old Port of Montreal is bringing back a large-scale New Year’s Eve celebration with Grand Minuit, now fully unveiled as part of this year’s Old Montreal: History & Magic winter campaign.

Multicolore — the producer behind Montreal’s year-end festivities since 2024 — is preparing a free, open-air show for Dec. 31 at Jacques-Cartier Quay and Place Jacques-Cartier.

After drawing nearly 100,000 people last year, this second edition promises live performances, immersive stage design, surprise moments and a unified midnight countdown.

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Campaign launches with winter programming across Old Montreal

The SDC Vieux-Montréal officially launched its Old Montreal: History & Magic promotional campaign on Dec. 1, with support from the City of Montreal.

The initiative aims to highlight winter attractions throughout the historic district, from illuminated routes and festive events to local businesses offering seasonal experiences.

Nearly 30 locations across Old Montreal will feature the neighbourhood’s signature holiday lighting.

Redesigned Winter Rest Areas with fire pits and Adirondack chairs will be introduced in January, while a new Saint-Paul West Winter Station will open in the Old Customs House square, offering fire pits, luminous décor, music, storytelling sessions and a free marshmallow bar on Saturdays.

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Holiday activities and attractions throughout December

Seasonal programming includes the return of the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan on Nov. 29, featuring live entertainment, elves, food trucks and Santa meet-and-greets.

Other highlights include:

• Bar Miracle back on Saint-Paul Street East for a Christmas-themed experience
• A “Vintage Christmas” transformation at the Secrets speakeasy
• Holiday tea experiences at Bar à Beurre and Paparmane
• The photogenic Ruelle Pepin winter décor
• Workshops at Maison Pepin, Mtl Flower Co., Bevo Pizzeria and Ateliers & Saveurs, including wreath-making, mixology and culinary classes
• Winterized dining in heated domes at the William Gray Winter Terrasse, Auberge Saint-Gabriel and Bateau-Mouche

Cultural offerings include Christmas concerts by the Choralies at the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and the Orchestre Métropolitain performing Bach’s Christmas Oratorio at the Notre-Dame Basilica.

The Basilica will also host Christmas mass on Dec. 24 and 25.

Family programming ranges from Pointe-à-Callière’s Holidays on the Point activities — including the free show Christmas Around the World! — to outdoor holiday displays at Place Royale and activities at Château Ramezay.

Guidatour will offer Christmas-themed guided tours and a holiday scavenger hunt, while the PHI Holiday Pop-Up will feature local artists and creators.

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Winter events continuing into 2025

The winter calendar includes the 18th edition of Igloofest, running Jan. 15 to Feb. 7, and a major expansion at Bota Bota spa-sur-l’eau as it marks its 15th anniversary.

Ongoing seasonal attractions — including the Cercle polaire light installation, La Grande Roue’s Christmas tree and Bateau-Mouche’s winter domes — will remain in place.

Food vendors such as BeaverTails, La Boîte à crêpes, La Cabane à chichi and Simard Pizzéria will offer winter treats throughout the season.