Guide to winter festivals in Montréal
Winter Festivals and events
From November to March, Montreal comes alive as an open-air stage, where winter festivals set the pace of the season. Music, food, art and outdoor adventures take over the city, showcasing Montreal’s reputation as a hotspot for unforgettable events.
These festivals offer something for everyone, day or night, turning the chilly season into the perfect reason to get out, explore and celebrate winter like never before.
January and February: essential Montréal winter happenings
Igloofest
MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
Igloofest
Dates: January 15 to February 7, 2026
Neighbourhood: Old Port of Montréal, Jacques-Cartier Quay
Type of experience: music, party, winter evenings
Every winter, Igloofest transforms the Jacques-Cartier Quay into a massive outdoor dance floor. Internationally renowned DJs, an electrifying atmosphere and flamboyant winter outfits set the stage for heating up those cold January and February nights. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, thousands of festivalgoers gather in the heart of Montréal’s Old Port to move to the beat of electro and hip-hop music, warm drink in hand.
Winterworks Theatre Festival
Dates: every February
Neighbourhood: downtown Montréal
Type of experience: theatre, live performance, emerging artists
Formerly known as the Wildside Festival, WinterWorks is an English-language theatre festival dedicated to independent creation. Presented by Centaur Theatre, the event showcases local artists and provides a space for the exploration of bold, contemporary and socially engaged works. It offers a unique opportunity to discover theatre off the beaten path and to explore new voices from Montréal’s theatre scene.
MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
Dates: February 27 to March 7, 2026
Neighbourhood: Quartier des spectacles and downtown
Type of experience: gastronomy, arts, winter activities, culture
As the city’s largest winter festival, MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE celebrates winter in all its glory. Gastronomy, the arts and outdoor activities come together in a rich and accessible program. Thematic dinners, workshops led by guest chefs, ice slides, a giant Ferris wheel and luminous projections transform the Quartier des spectacles into a vast winter playground. The festival’s highlight remains the iconic Nuit blanche All-Nighter, which, on the night of February 28, keeps museums, exhibitions and cultural venues humming until the wee hours.
Poutine Week
Dates: February 1 to 7, 2026
Neighbourhoods: several Montréal restaurants
Type of experience: gastronomy, foodie delights
For a full week, Montréal celebrates its iconic dish with Poutine Week. Gravy, fries and cheese curds are, of course, on the menu, but it’s also the perfect time to sample a wide range of poutine creations, from classic to as bold as you dare. Restaurants across the city take part in the festival by unveiling original recipes created especially for the occasion.
March: sweet seasonal delights
Casteliers
Cabane Panache
Old Montréal’s Happening Gourmand
Dates: from March 6 to 29, 2026
Neighbourhood: Old Montréal
Type of experience: gastronomy, gourmet experiences
Every March, the Happening Gourmand in Old Montréal sets the table to celebrate local gastronomy. For the occasion, top restaurateurs in Old Montréal prepare hearty prix-fixe menus at wallet-friendly prices. Dinner or brunch? Why not both?
Festival de Casteliers
Dates: March 4 to 8, 2026
Neighbourhood: Outremont and other cultural venues
Type of experience: live performance, puppets, family
The Festival de Casteliers showcases the art of puppetry with a rich and accessible programme. Shows, exhibitions and creative activities invite young and old to discover works by up-and-coming troupes from Montréal and abroad.
Cabane Panache
Dates: every March
Neighbourhood: Verdun, Promenade Wellington
Type of experience: gastronomy, music, traditions, family
When the sap starts to run, Cabane Panache invites you to savour the maple-infused delights of sugar shack season in the heart of the city. Verdun’s vibrant Promenade Wellington comes alive with the festivities, featuring concerts, lively traditional dances and numerous family-friendly activities to celebrate our delicious national treasure
December: Holiday magic
The Great Christmas Market
Lumino
Dates: November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Neighbourhood: Place des Festivals, Quartier des spectacles
Type of experience: gastronomy, arts and crafts, family
Come winter, the Great Christmas Market lights up the Place des Festivals, transforming the Quartier des Spectacles with its charming wooden chalets and magical lights. With a cup of mulled wine in hand, visitors can explore over 40 local and regional artisans, stock up on gifts and enjoy a lineup of free activities and entertainment for all ages.
LUMINO
Dates: November 27, 2025 to March 8, 2026
Neighbourhood: Quartier des spectacles
Type of experience: art, light installations, family
For a16th year running, LUMINO transforms the Quartier des Spectacles into a vast open-air trail of light art. This festive artistic event invites visitors to celebrate winter while discovering the work of around twenty artists across a variety of disciplines.
Among this year’s highlights, Montreal studio mirari, designer of the Canada Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, will present Climat intérieur. French studio TILT will showcase Anemonia and Shadows, two installations that are as playful as they are spectacular.
Hotels in the Quartier des Spectacles will host Les Voyageurs by French artist Cédric Le Borgne, while Nelly-Ève Rajotte and studio Transversal will present Les arbres and Parallèles, respectively. Meanwhile, the Esplanade Tranquille features a skating rink animated with an interactive video projection, a winter fan-favourite for all ages.
Santa’s Kingdom
Dates: every November
Neighbourhood: downtown, Complexe Desjardins
Type of experience: family, activities for kids, entertainment
If you want to meet the REAL Santa Claus, look no further: he’s in his kingdom at Complexe Desjardins! While you are there, be sure to hop on the Christmas train or the merry-go-round, get your face painted by professionals, take in a dance performance or a light fountain show. Guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.
Dates: every December
Neighbourhoods: several parks across Montréal
Type of experience: family, shows, Holiday traditions
Throughout the month of December, Christmas in the Park brings the magic of the holidays to life across various Montréal neighbourhoods. Musical performances, storytelling sessions and festive activities take over several city parks, offering families warm, welcoming and accessible moments to celebrate the season in a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere.
Mon Beau Sapin
Dates: every December
Neighbourhood: Mont-Royal Avenue
Type of experience: music, gastronomy, family, public art
Each December, Mont-Royal Avenue transforms into a true winter wonderland with Mon Beau Sapin. Enjoy seasonal lights and music as you shop or dine at one of the many restaurants, all while being serenaded by choirs and musical ensembles. Entertainment, family-friendly activities and artistic installations adorn the avenue like a beautifully lit Christmas tree.
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.