Grand Minuit de Montréal: music, fireworks and a festive ring-in for 2026

“Le Grand Minuit de Montréal is Montreal’s New Year’s celebration,” said Delphine Poux, VP of Marketing at Multicolor, as the first edition of the free event brings live performances, a countdown, and more to the Old Port. Adriana Gentile reports.

By Adriana Gentile

Posted December 31, 2025 2:19 pm.

Last Updated December 31, 2025 8:39 pm.

Celebrations are happening all across the city as Montrealers prepare to welcome 2026, with one of the biggest events taking place at the Old Port.

Grand Minuit promises music, fireworks, and a distinctly Quebecois experience for residents and visitors alike.

Promotional poster for Grand Minuit Montreal 2026. (Courtesy: Multicolore)

A winter celebration like no other

Delphine Poux, vice-president of marketing at Multicolore, described Grand Minuit as “Montreal’s New Year’s celebration.”

“You have dropping the ball and you have Times Square in New York, anything that is summer New Year’s Eve in Sydney, and now you have the winter version in Montreal,” she said.

*Overhead view of the Old Port during a past celebration, with fireworks lighting up the sky. (Courtesy: Multicolore)*

Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with the festivities continuing until around 2 a.m., featuring a concert and full evening of performances, visual spectacle, and interactive elements.

“The concert, the show is a big part of it. But of course we have a countdown, we have the fireworks, we have some artistic elements also throughout the evening. And just like a big festivities, everybody joining together and just enjoying a wonderful night,” Poux said.

Star-studded lineup and immersive experience

Grand Minuit will feature Quebec artists, including Patrick Watson, Klô Pelgag, Pierre Kwenders, Shah Frank, Sarahmée, Naya Ali, Boogat, and The Brooks, with a special medley created for the event.

The evening is curated by Brigitte Poupart, who vowed to turn the countdown into “a deeply human, vibrant and unifying moment,” showcasing the city’s diversity and talent.

*Montreal skyline and festive crowd at a previous event in the Old Port. (Courtesy: Multicolore)*

At 8 p.m., Tupi Collective kicks off the evening, followed by Qualité Motel at 9 p.m., featuring Joseph Sarenhes, Anachnid, Shah Frank, and Ya Cetidon.

At 10:30 p.m., the main musical event will see Watson, Pelgag, Kwenders, Sarahmée, Naya Ali, Boogat, and Shah Frank performing together under the musical direction of Alexandre Lapointe and The Brooks.

Poux emphasized the inclusive nature of the celebration.

“We’re going to be lucky enough to see really amazing artists,” she said.

Accessibility and inclusivity

Grand Minuit is free and open to everyone. Families, friends, Montrealers, visitors, and curious onlookers are all welcome.

“Hopefully everybody will just enjoy everything we put together,” Poux said.

Promotional poster for Grand Minuit Montreal 2026. (Courtesy: Multicolore)

Midnight fireworks and beyond

At the stroke of midnight, fireworks will light up the Old Port skyline, followed by a set from High Klassified and special guests, before DJ Nana Zen keeps the festivities going until 2 a.m.

“We really hope to have approximately 80,000 people just joining in, doing the countdown and just wishing everybody a happy new year,” Poux said.

*Fireworks light up the Old Port during a previous celebration in Montreal. (Courtesy: Multicolore)*

A contest to kick off the year

Grand Minuit is also launching a Quebec-focused contest, offering prizes valued at $6,000. The prize package includes local experiences, travel credits, gift cards, yoga classes, and season passes to Igloofest and Piknic Électronik. Residents can enter by submitting their 2026 New Year’s resolution before Dec. 31.

“We have big events during the summer and we were missing that little, you know, oomph celebration during winter. So it was really important for us to be part of it,” Poux added.