Quebec and Alberta are gearing up to ring in the New Year with spectacular celebrations for 2024. Notable events include the beloved television special "Bye bye 2024" featuring popular hosts such as Claude Legault, Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse, Guylaine Tremblay, and Pierre-Yves Roy-Desmarais. This year's show promises humor and retrospectives on significant events from 2024, airing live on ICI Télé. A tradition among Quebecers since 1969, last year's show drew 4,560,000 viewers, confirming its place as part of the New Year festivities.
The celebration kicks off on December 31, 2024, at 7:00 PM, leading up to midnight when firework displays will light the skies over cities across Alberta. Calgary hosts its annual fireworks event at midnight, set against the stunning backdrop of the Prince's Island Park, which will also feature family-friendly activities and food trucks from 8:00 PM onward. There will be live DJ performances enhancing the celebratory atmosphere, though drivers should be aware of road closures starting at 7:00 PM.
Meanwhile, Edmonton will offer two rounds of fireworks at City Hall and Churchill Square. The early fireworks show at 8:00 PM will pique the interest of those eager to celebrate early, followed by another show at midnight. Indoor events at venues such as the Winspear Centre and Citadel Theatre will complement the outdoor festivities, providing entertainment for concert-goers and theatre enthusiasts alike.
Further festivities extend beyond the two major cities; Fort McMurray hosts daytime celebrations at MacDonald Island Park leading up to the 5:30 PM fireworks, and Red Deer invites families to its community center for daytime winter activities. Grande Prairie will see community performances at Muskoseepi Park, with local artists entertaining families through the evening.
The Quebec festivities will later transition to the much-anticipated retrospective shows starting at 9:30 PM, where Jean-René Dufort, along with MC Gilles and Chantal Lamarre, will provide their satirical takes on the year's significant moments, including highlights from the Olympics, political events, and cultural phenomena.
After the beloved program "Bye bye 2024," ICI Télé will air coverage of the behind-the-scenes fun starting at 12:30 AM on January 1, 2025, allowing fans to see what goes on beyond the cameras.
Overall, 2024 promises to close out with laughter, fireworks, and community spirit as Quebec and Alberta celebrate together. With numerous events directed at families and communities, the New Year’s Eve celebrations are positioned to successfully mark the transition to 2025, preserving the cherished traditions of coming together to reflect on the year past and look forward to the future.