Quebec City turns 400 in 2008, and you can boogie on a floating dance floor under le clair de lune ‘til fireworks meet the dawn.

Go big or go home! That's Quebec's enduring mantra when it comes to throwing a memorable bash. The coolest kid on the Canadian playground, la belle province played host to the world during a wildly successful World's Fair in 1967 and summer Olympics in 1976. Now the welcome mat is out again as the photogenic capital, Québec City, prepares to celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2008.

Beginning on New Year's Eve, the historic walled city -- the cradle of French culture in Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- will light the fuse of 10 months of dynamite performances, exhibitions, sports events and parades. The $90 million birthday bash gets underway with a spectacular fireworks display at Place D'Youville on December 31, 2007, and ends with a performance by world-renowned Cirque du Soleil at the 12th annual Francophone Summit on October 19, 2008.

In between, there's fun for every taste and every season. Cheer on a favourite team at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships or warm up with a hug from jocular Bonhomme at the ever-popular Mr. Christie's Carnaval de Québec. Come summer, cool down at an exhibit of Louvre treasures at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Quebec, or boogie the night away under a full moon on a floating dance floor during Chemin qui marche (The Moving Path) festivities on the banks of the St. Lawrence River on August 15, 2008. Ah, la vie!

www.myquebec2008.com