10 things to do in Montreal today: Tuesday, December 31

Today is far from a regular Tuesday because it’s only, you know, THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR.

You probably already have plans for the evening, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a pre-midnight plan to make sure you’re having the best New Year’s Eve day ever.

• See also:
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  • 2011 Stanley Cup riot photo of couple kissing makes CNN’s 100 photos of the decade

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts – Miracle at the Museum

What: The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is getting into the spirit of giving by allowing free access to the general public to its permanent collections and discovery exhibitions.

The deal is part of the museum’s Miracle at the Museum promotion. It kicked off last weekend and lasts until January 5, 2020.

Check out the website for a full list of exhibitions.

When: From now until January 5, 2020
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 1380 Sherbrooke Ouest
Price: Free

Merry Montreal

What: Merry Montreal concludes its week-long run today, hosting a slew of free events to kick your NYE spirit into high gear.

Along with the Old Port’s historical cachet, restaurants, boutiques and renowned hotels, Merry Montreal features the Nordic Place, Music on the Docks, and a massive New Year’s Eve bash (one of the only free New Year’s Eve events in the city) to cap it all off.

The Nordic Square features DJs, live theatre, a band, interactive installations, and a winter beer garden. Local artists will be performing on stage to keep you entertained while a giant fire keeps you warm (the alcohol will help too).

When: Tuesday, December 31
Time: Various times
Where: Montreal’s Old Port
Price: Free

Natrel Skating Rink

What: The Natrel Skating Rink in Old Montreal is now open to the public, offering some real nice ice. If you’re brave enough to tackle the cold, strap on some skates and get moving.

Known for its outstanding quality of ice, excellent facilities, and breathtaking views of the city and the Saint Lawrence River, this is the place to go skating in Montreal.

When: Tuesday, December 31
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Natrel Skating Rink, Bonsecours Basin
Price: $5.22 for kids six – 12; $7.83 general admission, free for kids under six

Luminothérapie

What: Place des Festivals is lit.

The Quartier des Spectacles’ public square is hosting the 10th edition of Luminothérapie through Pop!, a celebration of five fantastical creatures that aim to light up the city during the dark days of winter.

Because if anything can lighten up our bleak winter, it’s Luminothérapie, Quebec’s largest temporary public art installation.

When: From now until January 26, 2020
Time: 12 to 11 pm
Where: Place des Festivals
Price: Free

Imagine Van Gogh

What: Montreal has been coated with an exhibition of the works of Vincent Van Gogh, the Dutch post-impressionist painter who is among the most famous figures in the history of the art world.

The exhibition, Imagine Van Gogh, which opened last week, takes guests through the world of colours and emotions of Van Gogh’s works through gigantic murals and an immersive soundtrack.

When: Tuesday, December 31
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Arsenal Contemporary Art Contemporain
Price: $26 – $36, available online

Illumi Cavalia

What: The dark days of winter need to be brightened up a touch, and that’s where Cavalia’s Illumi comes in.

Check out a world of magical, captivating, and gorgeous lights in an extraordinary outdoor show created from thousands of light sculptures, characters, and designs.

When: Tuesday, December 31
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Illumi Cavalia — 2805 Boulevard du Souvenir, Laval
Price: $14.50 – $18.50, available online

Fontaine boréale

What: Considering the holidays are usually associated with snow and ice, it might be time for a little element change.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Christmas fountain known as “Fontaine boréale” has returned to the complexe Desjardins for the holiday season.

The immersive and multi-sensory experience features the Complexe Desjardin’s Grande-Place water fountain, completely decked out in the Christmas spirit.

Every hour, the fountain lights and shoots up to the shopping mall’s ceiling, accompanied by music, lights, and special effects.

When: Tuesday, December 31
Time: Every hour from 4 to 10 pm
Where: Complexe Desjardins, 150 rue Ste. Catherine Ouest
Price: Free

Scotiabank Cheapie Tuesday Movie Night

What: Scotiabank offers $7 general admission tickets every Tuesday at their downtown location and today is no different.

It’s been a great month for movies, especially for under $10. Check out Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Jumanji: The Next Level, Playmobil: The Movie, Spies in Disguise, Bombshell, Cats, Uncut Gems, Black Christmases, and so much more.

They also have deals on snack combos. Can you honestly say no to that popcorn smell?

When: Tuesday, December 31
Time: Varies depending on selection
Where: 977 Rue Saint-Catherine Ouest
Price: General admission starts at $7

Pente à Neige

What: No offence, Mont Tremblant, but we might hit the slopes a bit closer to home today as La Pente à Neige has constructed a man-made ski hill at Parc Ignace-Bourget.

The third edition of the urban hill opens this weekend and it’s big enough for up to 250 people along with a mini slope that can accommodate up to 50 mini-skiers.

The hill welcomes skiers, snowboarders, tubers, and sledders of any age and features a cozy heated yurt, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and music. Guests can bring their own equipment, or it can be rented on site.

The slope is 300 metres long and has professionals on site to teach people proper skiing/snowboarding/falling down techniques.

When: Tuesday, December 31
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Parc Ignace-Bourget — 6101 Avenue de Montmagny
Price: Various pricing, details available online

Time Out Market Montréal: Bye Bye 2019

What: Fill up on some of Montreal’s best grub before you douse yourselves in champagne.

The Eaton Centre’s gorgeous new market will have performances by Robert Robert and Chevy Van, plus drink specials.

When: Tuesday, December 31
Time: 6 pm to 2 am
Where: Eaton Centre
Price: Free admission