Montreal knows how to throw a New Year’s Eve party, and the biggest one is free. Here’s how to ring in 2027 in Montreal, from Grand Minuit at the Old Port to late-night skating and dinner.
The 2026 lineup and schedule had not been announced yet; details below are based on the 2025 edition.
Grand Minuit at the Old Port
Grand Minuit de Montréal is the city’s big free New Year’s Eve celebration, held on the Quai Jacques-Cartier in the Old Port and Place Jacques-Cartier. Its first edition, on December 31, 2025, featured an all-Quebec lineup of live music, light displays and a collective countdown, followed by fireworks over the St. Lawrence River and DJs until 2 a.m. It’s produced by Multicolore, the team behind Igloofest and Piknic Électronik, with the City of Montréal, Tourisme Montréal and the Old Port.
- When: Thursday, December 31, 2026 (second edition). Last year, the site opened at 7:30 p.m. and the party ran until 2 a.m.
- Where: Quai Jacques-Cartier, Old Port of Montreal
- Price: Free. A paid VIP area with a heated terrace and private bar was also offered last year.
- Metro: Champ-de-Mars or Place-d’Armes
Tip: After midnight, the lines for the metro at Champ-de-Mars can be very long. Walk to Place-d’Armes or further, or leave a little before the end.
Other ways to celebrate
- Skate into the New Year. The Esplanade Tranquille rink in the Quartier des spectacles has stayed open late on New Year’s Eve in past years. Skating guide
- Have a festive dinner. Many restaurants offer prix-fixe New Year’s Eve menus. Book weeks ahead.
- Go dancing. Clubs and bars across the city hold ticketed New Year’s parties, and the Casino de Montréal has hosted its own celebration.
- See the Great Christmas Market. It’s open on December 31 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., so you can stop by before heading to the Old Port. Markets guide
Practical tips
- Dress very warmly. You’ll be outside for hours near the river, where the wind is strong. See Montreal weather in December.
- Take the metro. The STM usually extends service on New Year’s Eve. Check its website for the 2026 schedule.
- Shop early. Stores close at 5 p.m. on December 31 and stay closed on January 1.
