Montréal's winter festivals shine bright
Montréal’s festival scene doesn’t cool down once the snow flies…au contraire! It only heats up, with a full calendar of events designed to warm your heart – and your toes! Culture, sports, gastronomy or arts: an avalanche of exciting activities runs from December to March, all fun and interesting ways to celebrate winter – day or night - in Montréal.
December holiday magic
The Great Christmas Market (from November 22 to December 30, 2024)
Once again, the Great Christmas Market returns to light up the Place des Festivals with its charming log cabins and twinkly lights. Grab a delicious mug of hot wine and head out to explore the wares of over forty local and regional artisans, perfect for finding that special something for the special someone on your list, while enjoying free on-site entertainment.
LUMINO (from November 28, 2024 to March 9, 2025)
For the 15th year running, the Quartier des Spectacles will light up with a dazzling array of interactive installations and never-before-seen video projections. LUMINO, formerly known as Luminothérapie, invites everyone to reconnect with their inner child. This vibrant, artistic celebration of winter showcases the work of over 20 diverse artists. Sainte-Catherine Street, the many Quartier des Spectacles façades, and the Esplanade tranquille skating rink, where you can experience the new "Au bord du lac Tranquille" activity where a fascinating marine world awakens under your feet, will become your playground from late November to early March.
Hobby Festival (December 7 and 8, 2024)
For the first time this year, this new festival is coming to the Palais des congrès de Montréal on December 7 and 8! Organized by the team behind Comiccon, this must-attend event will delight collectors with 30,000 square feet of exhibition space, over 125 booths, and a multitude of treasures to discover, including autographed items, unique collections such as hockey, baseball, and basketball cards, rare items, and much more. Attendees will also have the chance to meet players from the Habs like Samuel Montembeault, Kaiden Guhle, as well as sports legends including Andrei Markov, Chris Nilan, and former Expos players like F.P. Santangelo.
Santa’s Kingdom (November 23, 2024 to December 24, 2024)
If you are looking to meet the REAL Santa Claus, look no further than in the Complexe Desjardins! Complete with tiny train, merry-go-round, face painting, live entertainment and a multimedia fountain extravaganza, there’s tons of wonder and delight for everyone!
Christmas in the Park (December 6 to 31, 2024)
This year, Christmas is coming to a Park near you! Relocating from Parc Émilie-Gamelin, Christmas in the Park will be set up on the Parterre of the Quartier des Spectacles, right across from the Maison symphonique. From December 6 to 31, feel the magic of the holidays with a variety of shows, storytelling and fun activities. The festival will also bring festive cheer to Parc des Compagnons-de-Saint-Laurent and Parc Lahaie in the Plateau-Mont-Royal.
Mon Beau Sapin (December 7, 2024)
Once again this year, Mont-Royal Avenue transforms into a true winter wonderland. With Mon Beau Sapin (formerly Noël sur l’Avenue), enjoy the seasonal lights and music while you shop or explore one of the many restaurants, all while being serenaded by choirs and musical ensembles. Festive animations, family-friendly activities, and artistic installations will decorate the avenue like a beautifully lit Christmas tree.
SOUS ZERO (December 29 to 31, 2024)
SOUS ZERO is free, it's new, and it's much more than a festival! From December 29 to 31, Place Jacques-Cartier will come alive from 1 p.m. with activities for the whole family, while the evenings will be filled with musical performances that will warm up the winter. A festive moment not to be missed!
January and February festivities
Igloofest (January 16 to February 8, 2025)
An outdoor music festival unlike any other, Igloofest is back again this year with a red-hot lineup the likes of Michael Bibi, Claptone, Zeds Dead, Bon Entendeur, Apashe and many more. Throw on your fav one-piece snowsuit and dance with thousands of hip-hop and electronic music fans on the Old's Port's Jacques-Cartier pier every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.
Poutine Week (February 1 to 7, 2025)
The name says it all: an entire week dedicated to our national comfort food, to fill your belly and your heart! Sauce, fries and cheese curds headline this stellar menu of tied-and-true classics and daring variations. Local chefs will use this festival as a chance to showcase unique, one-of-a-kind recipes created just for the occasion. Don’t miss it!
MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE (February 27 to March 9, 2025)
Experience Montréal's biggest winter festival, MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE. A delightful seasonal event that combines gourmet food and drink events with arts, culture and exciting outdoor activities, you’ll see Montréal in a whole new light! Foodies will enjoy themed restaurant meals, workshops by guest chefs and more. Outdoors, listen to live music, ride a Ferris wheel and ice slides, watch playful video projections and warm up with food and drink, too. Nighthawks will revel in the jubilant Nuit Blanche: a citywide all-nighter celebration of art, culture and urban life happening the night of March 1.
Annual Winterworks Festival (annually in February)
Formerly known as the Wildside Festival, this annual English-language theatre festival presents thought-provoking contemporary theatre by local and independent artists. A showcase for new and daring theatrical productions at the historic Centaur Theatre in Old Montréal, it provides a true exploratory playground for artists, while offering the public a unique opportunity to discover bold and relevant works that break away from conventional theatre.
March revelry
Festival de Casteliers (March 3 to 9, 2025)
The art of puppetry is a world waiting to be explored. At the Festival des Casteliers, audiences of all ages will be enchanted by a captivating lineup of performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities celebrating puppetry, brought to life by innovative companies from Montréal and around the world.
Cabane Panache (March 20 to 23, 2025)
Just in time for sugar shack season, the Cabane Panache invites you to celebrate maple in all its glory right in downtown Montréal. Join the celebration on Verdun’s vibrant Wellington Street with lively concerts, energetic traditional dances, and plenty of family-friendly activities to honour our delicious national treasure.
Old Montréal’s Happening Gourmand (annually in March)
Oh boy, do we ever love to eat well in Montréal! Old Montréal’s Happening Gourmand is but one of the many opportunities to do so across the city. For this 16th edition, Old Montréal’s to chefs have crafted hearty fixed-price menus for the occasion, all at a price that's easy on the wallet. Dinner or brunch? Why not enjoy both?
Original article in French by Valérie Dorion, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.
Valérie Dorion
In love with words and Montreal, Valérie writes for various media and companies and creates colorful, original, but always relevant content. A true foodie and traveler, she likes to be on the lookout for anything new in terms of gastronomy and activities. On a daily basis, you'll probably find her on her laptop at the latest local coffee shop, writing or looking for the latest hot spots.