The new year is right around the corner, and with it comes all the early closures and holiday hours that could derail your plans in Montreal.
Whether you’re figuring out New Year’s Eve hours for last-minute errands, wondering what’s open on New Year’s Day in Montreal for a supply run, or just looking for things to do in Montreal over the holidays, planning ahead is key.
New Year’s Day — January 1, 2025 — lands on a Wednesday this year, and it’s a federal and statutory holiday across Canada, meaning most places in Montreal will be closed for the day. But don’t stress! A handful of grocery stores, shops and attractions will still be open to help you out, and we dug around to find all of them so you don’t have to.
Meanwhile, New Year’s Eve isn’t an official holiday, but lots of spots around Montreal are shutting their doors early. We’ve rounded up all the details on shortened hours to make sure you’re not left scrambling while stocking up for your get-together.
From grocery and liquor stores to malls, public transit, government services and attractions, here’s everything you need to know about what’s open and closed — or closing early — in Montreal on December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025, including info on the SAQ, Maxi, IGA, the STM, Services Québec and more.
Grocery stores
December 31 (New Year’s Eve):
- Costco: All locations across Greater Montreal will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Provigo & Maxi: Most Provigo locations will close early at 5 p.m. Maxi’s holiday hours are not posted on its website, but they are likely to be similar to its sister company’s hours.
- Metro & Super C: Most locations will be open until 5 p.m. You can check the Metro and Super C websites for your local store’s hours.
- IGA: Most locations will be open until 5 p.m. You can check the IGA website for your local store’s hours.
- Walmart: All locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Public markets: Atwater, Jean-Talon and Maisonneuve markets will be open until 5 p.m.
January 1 (New Year’s Day): Most major grocery chains will be closed on New Year’s Day. However, here are a few places you can go if you need something on the holiday:
- Provigo at 1275, av. des Canadiens de Montréal will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Pharmacies: Many pharmacies, especially larger chains like Pharmaprix and Jean Coutu, will be open with reduced hours on New Year’s Day. Holiday hours are often not posted on the website, so it’s a good idea to call your local store before heading out.
- Depanneurs: Many depanneurs and corner stores in Montreal stay open on New Year’s Day for last-minute essentials. You may want to call your local store to confirm their hours.
- Aisle 24: All locations of this cashierless grocery chain are open 24/7, all year round. You’ll just need to download the app and create a profile in order to unlock the door.
Liquor stores
Most SAQ locations will close early at 5 p.m. on December 31 and reopen at 1 p.m. on January 2. While the SAQ isn’t open on New Year’s Day, many depanneurs will be open, selling beer and wine.
Shopping malls
Most major shopping centres in Greater Montreal — including Galeries d’Anjou, Place Versailles and more — will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 31 and closed on January 1.
Services
STM: On the night of December 31 to January 1, the STM will extend its hours of operation on lines 1 (Green), 2 (Orange) and 4 (Yellow), with service running until at least 2:30 a.m. on all three lines. Last-train times will vary by station, and you can find them all on the STM’s website here. Line 5 (Blue) will run on its usual weekday schedule.
Canada Post: Canada Post is closed on national, provincial and territorial holidays. That means there is no collection or delivery of mail happening on New Year’s Day.
Banks: All banks are closed on New Year’s Day.
Service Canada: Closed on New Year’s Day.
Services Québec: Closed December 31 to January 2, inclusive.
Things to do
Public markets: Place Jacques-Cartier Market will be open on December 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and on January 1 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Mont-Royal Neighbourhood Market will also be open both days from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Atwater, Jean-Talon and Maisonneuve markets will be open until 5 p.m. on December 31, but closed on January 1 and 2.
Espace pour la vie museums: All five properties will be open both days, with some modified hours. The Biodome, Biosphere, Insectarium and Planetarium will be open on January 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. The Planetarium will be open on December 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the other three will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Botanical Garden’s outdoor spaces are open every day during the holidays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Skating rinks: The Bleu Blanc Bouge rinks at Parc de la Confédération (CDN-NDG), Parc Le Carignan and Parc Willibrord (Verdun) will be open both days with varying schedules. The Old Port skating rink will also be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. all throughout the holidays.
Cinemas: Most cinemas, especially larger chains like Cineplex, are open all throughout the holidays, including New Year’s Day.
Igloofest NYE: From 8 p.m. December 31 to 2 a.m. January 1, Igloofest is putting on a free outdoor show at Quai Jacques-Cartier in the Old Port. There will be eight artists performing, and it’s the perfect spot to catch the fireworks and ring in 2025 in style!
Happy New Year, Montreal!
