One of the world’s best New Year’s Eve spots is 3 hours from Montreal and it’s winter magic

If you’re in Montreal and are feeling the itch to celebrate New Year’s Eve somewhere beyond your usual party circuit, you’re in luck—one of the world’s best NYE destinations is just a three-hour drive away.

A new ranking from Conde Nast Traveller has included Quebec City among its top places in the world to spend New Year’s Eve, giving props to the city’s “French flavour” and four-night-long Toboggan festival.

Instead of booking a trip to Europe, CNT says to skip the flight and head to Quebec City, “where the epicentre of New Year’s Eve revelry unfolds along the bar- and restaurant-lined Grande Allée.”

Ranked 6th out of 20 spots, Quebec City followed iconic NYE destinations like New York City, Sydney, and Rome but beat hotspots like London (U.K.), Paris, Tokyo, and even Walt Disney World.

The experts at CNT specifically mentioned Quebec City’s iconic winter festival, Toboggan, which takes place each year from December 28 to 31. The NYE bash has become a must-do for both locals and tourists, with fireworks, live music, heated terraces, and so much more, all set among Quebec City’s European-style cobblestone streets and historic architecture.

And don’t worry if you expect to be short on money after the holidays; Toboggan is totally free!

Pretty much as soon as Christmas is over, Grande Allée, Quebec City’s central party hub, transforms into a glowing winter village filled with outdoor bars, restaurants, and stages blasting everything from classic tunes to electro beats.

For four nights, the entire street transforms into an open-air nightclub with live music, DJ sets, and enough festive lights to make you forget that January is just around the corner.

You won’t have to worry about the December chill either, as you’ll find heated terraces, outdoor fireplaces, and winter cocktails to keep things cozy while you dance the night away.

For anyone really wanting to get into the winter spirit, CNT suggests Slide 1884, a nearby toboggan ride that’s been around for over a century. Located just a short walk from Château Frontenac, it’s the perfect way to add an extra thrill to your NYE celebration.

The real action happens on December 31, when Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale lights up with a huge New Year’s Eve show. The energy builds all night with performances ranging from traditional Québécois tunes to pop and electronic music.

As midnight hits, the crowd comes together under a sky full of fireworks to ring in the new year against the stunning backdrop of Old Quebec’s historic architecture.

And, with every building lit up for the holidays, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of a Hallmark movie. Plus, if you’re coming from Montreal, getting there is a three-hour-ish drive, and you can easily turn it into a winter road trip.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.