Where to Celebrate the New Year in Old Montreal

The historical richness of Old Montreal lends its own special depth to New Year’s celebrations, transporting us into the past while at the same time inviting us to embrace the future. So get dressed in your very best, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the historic quarter’s vibrant energy as we kick off 2024 with a host of places that are simply perfect for ringing in the new year.

Dance until the wee hours

If you’re one of those people for whom New Year’s Eve rhymes with dancing, you will be thrilled by what’s going on at some of the best party spots the neighbourhood has to offer. At Bord’elle, you are cordially invited to break out your finest 1920s threads and toast the arrival of 2024 in full Gatsby style. This splendid night brimming with elegance, effervescence and burlesque performances is sure to make for a countdown to remember.

Experience the last exhilarating moments of 2023 at the Auberge Saint-Gabriel, with their very special evening, euphorie minuit. Joy, opulence, love and passion mingle with haute cuisine in the extraordinary setting of this legendary Old Montreal landmark. We’re talking a whirlwind of sparks with the people you love, everyone getting down to the sounds of DJ Forrest, Tali Rose, Tommy Kimpton and other special guests as midnight approaches.

Enter a world of glamour at La Voûte, where an event inspired by the movie Babylon will have you immersed in the Hollywood of the 1920s, with its forever-inspiring glitter and stars. This legend of Montreal nightlife continues to outdo itself on the decor front, enveloping patrons in its elegantly vintage accents, art deco architecture and dazzling light fixtures. As midnight draws closer, gather around and raise a glass to bid a bubbly welcome to a whole new year.

A New Year’s Eve in the sun

If you’re not counting down to 2024 with your feet in the sand this year, but you really want to get away from it all, Old Montreal will not let you down. Salsa, bachata, reggaeton; should you be looking to shake off the old year to the wonderful rhythm of Latin music, the heat will be turned all the way up at Lola Lola Lolita bar on December 31st. To cool yourself down a little, we recommend the Sunrise, an exotic cocktail of the fruity kind featuring Grand Marnier and then some.

What would you say to living it up Tiki bar-style, in a place where Thai flavours meet the shores of Hawaii to say “no thanks” to that mean Montreal cold? If the answer is “yes”, head directly to The Farsides. Let your taste buds take a jet plane with the dozen or so revisited classic cocktails on offer here, inspired by dreams of Pacific islands far, far away. A special shout out goes to the sweet hazelnut flavour of their PBJ Mai Tai, made with Monkeenuts peanut butter whiskey, orgeat syrup, strawberries, lime and Angostura bitters. Need we say more?

Gourmet festivities

To celebrate New Year’s as tastefully as can be – emphasis on “taste” – what better way than to attend the NYE Grand Ball at the Hôtel William Gray? Put on your most festive outfit and come spend a luxurious soirée in this historic building dating back to the 18th century. The four-course meal, the appetizers served all throughout the evening and that glass of champagne to toast 2024 will have you good and wowed before you hit the dance floor. So as not to worry about the return home, take advantage of the hotel’s New Year’s Experience package, which includes a ticket for the evening as well as a discounted overnight stay.

The Hôtel Place d’Armes likewise invites you to make your very first memories of the year in their luxurious establishment with Minuit argenté, a splendid opportunity to dress up in your most beautiful silver attire and dance the night away beneath the light of the disco ball moon. The 5-service dinner held before the dancing begins, featuring Wagyu beef carpaccio, filet mignon, prosciutto-wrapped figs and foie gras cromesquis, will set the table for what is sure to be a dazzling celebration.

Your first day of the year in Old Montreal

After bearing joyous witness to the last minutes of 2023, it’s time to recharge your batteries for that very first day of January. Head straight to Venice for brunch, and be sure not to miss out on our favourite dish on the menu: avocado toast with feta, radish, eggs and coriander.

Once fully refuelled, come stretch out your legs at the Old Port Skating Rink between 1pm and 5pm, where the Tissés Serrés group will be warming up the crowds with some traditional dance. In need of a hot beverage on the go? Stop by Café Olimpico, a true Montreal institution beloved for its outstanding coffees and Italian pastries, or head on over to Inevitable to sample not only their coffee (also outstanding), but a delectable menu featuring fresh, organic products.

Take it from us: there is simply no better way to start off your year than in a magical place like Old Montreal.

Photos: Sara Megan - La Voûte - Bord’elle

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