For the last decade the place to be on New Year’s Eve in Montreal, Quebec is the Place Jacques-Cartier, an early 19th century market place in the city’s Vieux Montreal (historic old Montreal) district of the city. Here during the Extravaganza Old Montreal which starts December 4th and ends on December 31st (the Quebecois sure know how to throw a party), the New Year is ushered in at Le Grand Bal du Nouvel An!, an outdoor ball featuring music and at midnight, a fireworks display that lights up the waters of the Fleuve Saint-Laurent (Saint Laurence River).
Think the Canadian version of Times Square, where up to 40,000 people are expected to gather, all dressed for the cold weather and some wearing outlandish hats, in the original city, parts of which date back to the 1600s and just a short walk from the bustling and very modern downtown. The rock band Bernadette will perform in the square which is near such architectural icons as Montreal City Hall, a classic example of the Second Empire style popular under the reign of Napoleon III. Warm up by stopping at one of the nearby cafes and restaurants including the delicious Mondavie, a restaurant, wine bar with live jazz housed in an 18th century stone building with beautiful views of this historic area. The take a horse and carriage ride along the cobbled streets past ancient cathedrals and building bathed in the soft glow of pastel lights.
For more information, call toll free 877-266-5687 #870 or visit www.tourisme-montreal.org/What-To-Do/Events/grand-bal-du-nouvel-an
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