Grand Minuit: Montrealers prepare to welcome the New Year
Posted December 31, 2025 8:45 pm.
Last Updated December 31, 2025 10:08 pm.
Montrealers are gathering at the Old Port to ring in 2026 as Le Grand Minuit turns New Year’s Eve into a night of music, lights, and winter fun.
Crowds of all ages are enjoying the festive atmosphere, with families, friends, and visitors exploring light displays, taking photos, and enjoying the sights and sounds.
“It was freezing yesterday, but today I felt that it’s New Year’s night, and I would love to see people around,” said one attendee. “I saw that a lot of people are going to be here today. That’s why I’m here. That’s so fun.”
Visitors from outside the city are also making the trip. “We came to Montreal to just enjoy the New Year’s celebration. It’s our first time here, so it’s fun,” said a woman visiting from Toronto. “We saw it on TikTok and thought, why not? It looks pretty fun, and people told us to come here, so we’re here. Montreal is beautiful.”
When asked what she was most excited to see, she said, “I think just the fireworks. I heard that there are fireworks, so that’s exciting.”
Another attendee said the night marked a fresh start. “I just moved to Montreal, so it’s our first New Year here,” she said.
Performances by Quebec artists
Music is a big part of the celebration, with Quebec artists performing throughout the night. The free event on Quai Jacques-Cartier features The Brooks, Patrick Watson, Klô Pelgag, Pierre Kwenders, Shah Frank, Sarahmée, Naya Ali, and Boogat. Everyone is welcome as the energy builds toward the midnight countdown.
Artistic director Brigitte Poupart has created a program that mixes live music, light installations, and interactive elements leading up to midnight.
For many attendees, the performances and shared experience are the highlight. “Just the music and the bands and the people mainly,” said a woman visiting from the United States. “Just being out and about, even when it’s really cold. It’s pretty great.”
Evening highlights
Doors opened at 7:30 p.m. with Tupi Collective kicking off the evening at 8 p.m. Qualité Motel performed at 9 p.m., and a medley of Quebec music icons took the stage at 10:30 p.m., celebrating the province’s musical diversity.
For some, the buildup to midnight is just as important as the countdown itself. “I want to be in a big group of people and count down into the New Year because I’ve never done that before,” said one attendee. “So I’m looking forward to that.”
“We love the city of Montreal, and this seemed like a really awesome thing to do for New Year’s, so really excited to be here.”
Countdown and midnight fireworks
When the clock strikes midnight, fireworks will light up the sky, sending 2025 out and welcoming 2026.
After the countdown, High Klassified and DJ Nana Zen will keep the party going into the early morning hours.
Families gathered close to the stage to take in the moment together. “We’re going to celebrate New Year’s,” said a young girl attending the event with her mother.
Her mom explained their choice to celebrate at the Old Port. “We live downtown, and last year we celebrated the fireworks farther away. Now we wanted to be close to the stage, and this will be part of the ambiance.”
When asked what makes the event special, she said, “We’re looking forward to just enjoying the energy of the crowd and the celebration of the New Year.”
Contest and local prizes
A Quebec-focused contest is also running during the event, offering $6,000 in prizes. These include travel credits, wellness packages, and local experiences. Entries close on Dec. 31, with the winner announced on Jan. 1, 2026.
For younger attendees, the night is simply about having fun together. “It’s the New Year, and I wanted to just celebrate with my family,” said one girl.
Her friend added, “Yeah, we get to party it up. It’s fun, you know?”
