Grand New Year’s Eve Festivities to Close out Montreal’s 375th Anniversary Celebration
by Richard D'Ambrosio /
Montreal will ring out a year of events celebrating its 375th anniversary with a grand New Year’s gala that includes free feasts, concerts and other cultural activities.
Hosted by the Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary, “La Finale in Old Montréal,” will begin at noon on Dec. 31, with a first come, first serve, free-of-charge feast at the two-story, domed public market, Marché Bonsecours, from noon to 6 p.m. It will feature storytellers, street entertainers (traditional songs and music, circus acts) indoors and outdoors throughout the day.
Starting at 6 p.m., the 375th Finale will make its way to the Old Port with Merry Montréal! DJ Sabrina Sabotage will be warming up the crowds as they await the return of Mes Aïeux to the stage. Hosted by Garou, the concert will also feature Daniel Bélanger, Vincent Vallières, Laurence Nerbonne, DJ KXO, Pierre Kwenders and Les Deuxluxes.
Down by the river, there will be a New Year's Eve party starting at 9 p.m. at the Jacques-Cartier Quay – simulcast at the Clock Tower Quay and Place Jacques-Cartier, capped by a fireworks and illumination show over the Jacques Cartier Bridge at midnight. The site will be turned into a huge illuminated dance floor open to 2 a.m.
The events are sponsored by Merry Montreal, a non-profit organization created in 2013 to offer Montrealers free and festive activities during the holiday season.