Guide to winter festivals in Montréal

The Great Christmas Market (from November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026)  
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 (November 27, 2025 to March 8, 2026) 

For the 16th 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 one and all to reconnect with their inner child. This vibrant, artistic celebration of winter showcases the work of over 20 multidisciplinary artists. New this year, Montréal-based creative studio Mirari, designers of high-profile projects such as the Canadian pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, presents Climat intérieur, a new contemplative installation exploring the sensitive interaction between meteorological phenomena and human emotions.  French studio TILT invites you to discover Anemonia and Shadows, two spectacularly playful installations.

Quartier des spectacles hotels will welcome Les Voyageurs, a series by French artist Cédric Le Borgne while Nelly-Ève Rajotte and studio Transversal for their part propose Les arbres et Parallèles for your viewing enjoyement. While there, be sure to strap on some skates and take a spin on the Esplanade tranquille skating rink, where you can experience the "Au bord du lac Tranquille" activity where a fascinating marine world awakens under your feet. It’s sure to become one of your favourite pastimes until spring!

Santa’s Kingdom (each November) 
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 (each December)

All December long in neighbourhoods across the city, experience the magic of the holidays with a variety of shows, storytelling and fun activities. The festival will also bring festive cheer to many city parks, making for a wonderful family outing. 

Mon Beau Sapin (each December)
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.

Igloofest (January 15 to February 7, 2026) 
An outdoor music festival unlike any other, Igloofest is back again this year with a red-hot lineup of internationally renowned DJs to get you moving to the beat. 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.  

Annual Winterworks Festival (every 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.

MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE (February 27 to March 7, 2026)

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 February 28. 

Poutine Week (February 1 to 7, 2026)

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. 

Old Montréal’s Happening Gourmand (each 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 17^th edition, Old Montréal’s top 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?

Festival de Casteliers (March 4 to 8, 2026)
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 (each March)
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.

Original article in French by Valérie Dorion, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.