Meet the people who braved the cold in Montreal for New Year's celebrations

Last night's polar temperatures didn't stop about 150,000 brave, brave partygoersfrom descending on Montreal's Old Port to ring in 2018.

An extreme cold warning that has not relented for the past few days was still very much in effect, with windchill values that made it feel like nearly40.

But Montreal was one of the few Canadian cities along with Quebec City not to cancel its outdoor New Year's Eve celebrations.

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The bash started with DJs playing tunes at6 p.m., then the musical acts took the stage onQuai-Jacques-Cartier at 9 p.m.

They included DJ KXO, Garou, Vincent Vallires, Daniel Blanger, Les Deuxluxes andMesAeux. The singers and band members were bundled up, donning warm hats, mits and boots that matched their outfits.

DJ Magic Stan took over after that, keeping the ones-and-twos warm until 2 a.m. DJ Champion et ses G-Strings had been scheduled for the gig, but cancelled because of a broken piece of equipment, according to the Society for the Celebrations ofMontral's375thAnniversary.

The party also marked an end to the city's 375th anniversary celebrations.

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RedaBraada, left, and Nadir Kahn, right, put their warmest clothes several layers and headed to the Old Port Sunday evening, ready to endure the cold until 2018 arrived.

Kahn had a few tips for others who want to spend time outdoors, despite the glacial weather. He advised people towear layers, goinside "periodically."

He added, "This is the most important if you live in Canada:you have to be tough and have a positive attitude."

"No matter what, you're going to freeze, so you just have to have fun and, obviously, make sure you're keeping your extremities warm."

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He and Braadaweren't surprised Montreal went against the grain by not cancelling its festivities.

"People are always going to go out, no matter what. That's just kind of how we are," Kahn said.

"It's really cool. It's really beautiful," said Carlos Gutierrez, right, who'd ventured out with his partner, Mariluz. "But it's cold," he conceded.

"I think Montreal is prepared," for this weather, said MariluzGutierrez.

The couple said they were planning on sticking it out until midnight and would warm up by walking around, and grabbing some hot beverages.

Lisa Margolis, left, and Edward Albert, right, came all the way from sunny and warm Los Angeles to celebrate the New Year in our chilly Montreal.

"We're not used to the cold," Margolis said, laughing. "We thought, 'OK,' we'll figure it out.'"

Albert and Margolis said they were coping with lots of hot tea and wine.

"Montreal is hardy. Go Montreal!" Albert said.

Simon Lachance and Julie Siroisdidn't just celebrate the New Year buttook the opportunity tomark their six-month anniversaryas a couple.

"We wanted to celebratebig time," Lachancesaid. "They give you food and they've got fires everywhere, and when the party's going to start, everything's going to warm up for sure," Lachance said, adding the couple planned to stay for the countdown.

"You only live once, so go get dressed, go outside and have fun!"