Ah, the stress of New Year’s Eve plans! What to do? Where to go? Who to go there with? Every year young professionals across the country ask themselves the biggest year end question….what’s your New Year’s plan? A lot of us leave the city seeking bigger and better or perhaps just some rays of sun to inject us with some Vitamin D for the New Year. But for most of us that are staying behind, Quebec offers a plentitude of awesome options in Montreal and outside for every type of taste and mood. Here are some of our notable New Year’s picks:
Quays Skating Rink
If taking it easy, perhaps with your loved one, family or a few close friends is your ideal NYE this year, we suggest starting off your night at the Quays Skating Rink. With incredible views of Old Montreal and great music alongside special lighting to keep you entertained, why not skate under the stars with a cup of hot cocoa and watch the fireworks – you have till 1am!
New Year’s Eve Grand Ball in the Old Port
If being active doesn’t tickle your fancy, catch a ride on Old Montreal’s horse-drawn carriage watching the beautifully decorated streets and Christmas trees while getting a little lesson in history along the way.
After some skating good times or a relaxing time in the carriage, hop over to the New Year’s Eve Grand Party open to everyone free of charge. The New Year’s Eve Grand Ball celebration is the most popular activity of the Old Montreal’s Extravaganza Festival. Tens of thousands of people from not only Quebec but also all over the world celebrate the coming of the New Year on Place Jacques-Cartier with traditional folk music, fireworks and free outdoor shows. What a way to bring in the New Year! For all info visit them here.
Craving a big feast on this special night in a trendy setting full of party people? You are in luck there are quite a few shindigs around town that are making their menus the main focus of the night.
Globe Restaurant New Year’s Eve Celebration
Globe Restaurant is doing a big food night for NYE with sommelier Simon Duval sharing his knowledge and unrelenting passion as he makes his recommendations for each course. It’s a menu highlighted by many Globe staple dishes including a selection of charcuteries, tartars, main courses, including their famous Gaspar’s piglet, and even a new take on their cheese & apple course. You will have to be there to taste this unique palette, truly a feast for the eyes and soul. All of this will be accompanied to the beats of DJ Zo, while the awaited countdown will be surrounded bubbly flowing and a chic crowd cheering and dancing the night away. For info call them at (514) 284-38234.
Reveillon 2013 NYE Band Rock & Pop Live at Taverne Gaspar
Our friends at Taverne Gaspar are ringing in the New Year with a live rock band and a delicious four-course menu all for a very affordable price with no shortcuts taken. Overlooking the Saint-Lawrence River, Taverne Gaspar is conveniently located on De La Commune Street, right next to the Auberge du Vieux-Port, housing a very cozy and perfect for winter like vibe. The Chef offers accessible and comforting cuisine inspired by British gastro pubs with French and Quebecois accents and their NYE menu highlights this with a bit of extra spice added. Some things you can expect on their menu include bone marrow stuffed with truffled potatoes, AAA grilled filet mignon with Anna potatoes and red wine sauce, duck foie gras terrine with granny smith apple and fig chutney and a smothering molten chocolate cake layered with vanilla ice cream and pistachio crème anglaise…drool! It’s booking fast so contact them at 514.392.1649 for reservations
Le Cabaret Secret Ball at Koko
For a little crazier night full of table dancing, bottles popping and all the other good things that come along with Montreal’s party kids, we recommend Le Cabaret Secret presented by Big Moe at Koko! The theme this year is Moulin Rouge and cabaret-like accessories are encouraged. Need ideas? Think of feathers, corsets, black ties, top hats and anything else your imaginative heart desires. The great thing about this event is that proceeds will be going to “Dans La Rue,” a Montreal-based organization serving the community’s underprivileged youth. This is a formal event, therefore black tie is mandatory, a great excuse to fancy yourself out to the max! For information on prices and options available, including very generously priced hotel rooms in the gorgeous Opus Hotel with their special promo code, click here.
Black Krystal at Espace des Arts
Montreal’s flagship facility for dance and performance arts, Espace Des Arts located in the heart of the vibrant Quartier des Spectacles, is hosting Black KRYSTAL : New Year’s Eve 2012, a Hype Energized party organized by two girlfriends, Martine Larocque and Emilie Tardif, that wanted to put their own special touch on the New Year. It’s a unique and dynamic space that will be filled with Tam Tam players, professional salsa dancers and a very exceptional Michael Jackson tribute. Black & White attire required! For info click here.
XS Celebration 2013 at the Montreal Forum
Another hot night out ticket in town is the XS Celebration 2013. There is a lot of hype surrounding this night. Why? Because they are set to break the record for the biggest all-inclusive New Year’s event in Montreal history! Hosted by leading annual Montreal New Year’s party hosts Montreal XS and ProducShow (in collaboration with Arena Nightclub), the night will be taking place at the historic hockey landmark The Montreal Forum. Over 5,000 guests are expected for six hours of open bar while enjoying 12 beat-dropping DJs from Montreal and beyond, including DJ Payce, Andrew Pololos, DJ Realism, Royce & Tan, DJ Groove, DJ Vyktor Zaa, and Mister Parker. The layout will be spread over five expansive, themed rooms equipped with 50 bartenders. Other unique features include acrobatics by Montreal’s famous cirque performers, body painting, state of the art laser shows and a very special countdown surprise. For tickets, click here.
If wanting to do a quick get away with your crew of fellow YPs is the plan, we have picked a few great choices happening a short car distance away.
Music Loves Fashion’s Wonderland Celebration at L’Esterel Hotel & Spa
…starting with the first stop at Quebec’s Wonderland! Man and Machine & Playhouse Production presents a three day New Year’s eve celebration, so pack up your bags and get ready for the coolest grown-up slumber party we have yet to experience. Hosted by some of Montreal’s nightlife kings,
this is gearing up to be a weekend of madness and non-stop entertainment including the following over the course of three days: A Mackage Fashion show, a ballroom lingerie/pyjama party, dog sledding, skiing, ice skating, a New Year’s Eve black tie gala and a yummy breakfast club brunch on the last day, just to name a few. This will be truly a weekend that will not soon be forgotten. For tickets and hotel information click here.
NYE in the Mont Tremblant Village
If the drive is taking you all the way up to scenic Tremblant, you can expect nothing short of magic. People travel from all over to world to celebrate New Year’s in Mont Tremblant. A great way to start the New Year is to enjoy the picturesque scenery and celebrate the snow by skiing and then enjoying the fireworks show from the base of the mountain.
Winter Wonderland at Cafe Époque
If your friends are up for a Winter Wonderland themed party, the biggest party in Mont Tremblant will be occupying Cafe Époque. The entire space will be transformed into a mystical wonderland complete with ice sculptures, winter sweets station, ice fairies, indoor snow and fantasy filled décor. The party features are something to really boast about and include the largest balloon drop on the mountain, a free mystical winter photo shoot, free party favours for all guests, and other surprises. All guests are encouraged to dress in white, silver or blue to really complete the theme. Tickets and info available here.
New Beginning at the Quintessence Resort Hotel
For a more romantic or family-oriented night in, book yourself at the stunning Quintessence, one of our Grey Goose Notable spots in Quebec. They will be hosting a classy affair titled New Beginning, offering a plethora of delicious food and drinks. There will be four circular stations with chefs in attendance, an ice volcano with dry ice, a variety of oysters and much much more to satisfy even the pickiest of taste palettes. This will be a pricier evening but highly worth it for the atmosphere, the setting, food and the wonderful crowd in attendance. We suggest staying the night there too, the rooms are quite magnificent!