Eight ways to ring in the New Year in the Quartier des Spectacles

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The end of 2023 is almost upon us. Celebrate in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, which offers a variety of indoor and outdoor options that are as festive as they are entertaining! Here are 8 inviting suggestions for couples, families and groups of friends.

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Luminothérapie
Sainte-Catherine St. W.
4 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Thanks to Luminothérapie’s dazzling 14^th edition, a nighttime stroll in the Quartier comes with plenty of delightful surprises and discoveries. The route along Sainte-Catherine Street West comprises six new cosmos-themed luminous works. On the 31st, they’ll all by lit up extra-late, until 1 a.m. Here’s a fine way to welcome the New Year in a warm, glittering setting.

The rink
Esplanade Tranquille skating rink
7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Why not spend this special evening gliding on the ice? The refrigerated rink on Esplanade Tranquille will stay open until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, and the DJs of Patins Platines will provide a soundtrack to get you dancing in your skates! DJ Kelly will set the mood with a hot playlist of hits from the 90sand 00s, while Nana Zen will skaters’ warm hearts – and feet! – with sizzling Afro-Caribbean beats.

Noël dans le parc
Place Émilie-Gamelin 
4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The 30^th edition of the Noël dans le parc festival will host its traditional New Year’s gathering, the Veillée du jour de l’An d’la Place Émilie Gamelin, starring a diverse line-up of live bands. Rock out with Les frères Lemay and groove to world-music fusion specialists Les Tireux d’roches, then dance the night away with the traditional Québécois sounds of Nicolas Pellerin et les Grands Hurleurs and the energetic electronic beats of Élémât!

The Great Montreal Christmas Market
Place des Festivals 
6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Great Montreal Christmas Market is a refreshing presence on Place des Festivals, creating an enchanting and picturesque winter wonderland with some 40 artisans’ cabins. And for the big night, the magical village will be transformed into a huge dance floor. The layout will be rearranged to make way for cabin-bars and food trucks, as well as two large stages for the entertainers who will keep the crowd dancing all night!

Indoors

Le Balcon
463 Sainte-Catherine St. W.
6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Le Balcon, the chic cabaret adjoining St. James United Church, is putting on a big New Year’s party for everyone who loves soul, pop and disco. Opt for the dinner-show package to enjoy a scrumptious festive menu, or just come for the show. From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., the Freddie James Project will provide the tunes. To close out the night, DJ Cynful will keep the revellers dancing until the house lights come on!

L’Abreuvoir
403 Ontario St. East
9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

This Ontario Street bar will hold a New Year’s party on the theme of the classic TV show Miami Vice! Dig out your favourite pastel suits and dresses and come to L’Abreuvoir for a fabulous 80s-flavoured bash! There’s limited space at this event, which will include three different zones and several special promotions.

Club Soda
1225 Saint-Laurent Blvd.
8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Event organizers Les 2 Pierrots are back with their second annual Holiday party at Club Soda. Naturally, music will be the heart of the festive evening that’s sure to appeal to every adult. Gilbert Lauzon, Serge Lachapelle and the Dany Pouliot band will perform to get the crowd dancing and ring in the New Year on an upbeat note.

Le Bordel
312 Ontario St. East
5 p.m. to 3 a.m. (multiple 80-minute slots)

How about changing years with some laughs? The famous comedy club Le Bordel invites you to its New Year’s show. The tried-and-true format includes an electrifying 80-minute show with at least five francophone comics who will have you roaring in the cozy space. It is possible to eat at the venue before the show.