Montreal's famous nightlife strip is set for an unprecedented New Year's celebration. A record 22 bars and nightclubs on Saint-Laurent Boulevard will operate past the standard 3 a.m. closing time this December 31st, taking part in a special municipal initiative.
La Main Non Stop Project Fuels Extended Festivities
The Société de développement du boulevard Saint-Laurent (SDBSL) confirmed the list of participating businesses on the morning of December 31st. This marks an increase from the 18 venues that stayed open late for last year's celebration. The initiative falls under the "La Main Non Stop" project, a pilot program that allows for prolonged opening hours during specific events.
"This is the second year we’re doing New Year’s," stated Tasha Morizio, executive director of the SDBSL. She noted the organization has now hosted seven other events with extended hours under the same project. For this occasion, participating establishments have the option to remain open until 8 a.m., though many are choosing slightly earlier closing times.
A Boost for a Struggling Nightlife Scene
The extended hours offer a welcome boost for the boulevard's nightlife industry, which has faced significant challenges throughout 2025. Numerous venues have contended with noise complaints, leading to suspended events and temporary closures. This New Year's Eve project is seen as a positive signal of support from city authorities.
Zach Macklovitch, owner of Club École Privée and Apt. 200, welcomed the move. With nearly two decades in the industry, he observed that the initiative shows the city recognizes the value of Montreal's nightlife culture. "There have been times where it feels like the city and the nightlife scene feel at odds with each other," Macklovitch said. He believes embracing this culture can drive tourism and revenue for hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses across Montreal.
Venue Owners Celebrate the Opportunity
Among the participating landmarks is Le Belmont, which plans to keep its doors open until 6 a.m. Owner Alessandro Arciero explained the significant impact of the extra hours. "By extending it those three hours, it’s almost like I’m doing two nights in one in terms of revenue," he said. Arciero, whose club has participated in every late-night opportunity offered by the SDBSL, added that it creates a special experience for patrons. He described the atmosphere between 3 and 6 a.m. as unique, precisely because it's not the norm.
Arciero expressed a desire for the option to stay open all night once a month, while clarifying he does not advocate for nightly extensions due to staff fatigue. Despite a forecasted overnight low of -14°C, he remains confident Montrealers will brave the cold. Recalling his time as a doorman in the 1990s and early 2000s, he noted that New Year's Eve was often the coldest night of the year, yet people still came out. "Montrealers are a pretty hardened bunch," Arciero remarked.
The extended bar hours coincide with expanded public transit for the holiday. The Montreal métro will run until 3 a.m., while the REM light rail system will operate all night, helping revelers get home safely after the extended celebrations on The Main.
