Must-Do Winter Activities in Downtown Montreal

Updated 2025 – new winter events and must-see experiences have been added to our guide this year.

This winter, downtown Montreal is putting on its best show to celebrate the season! Illuminations, art installations, entertainment, and gourmet treats await to enchant both young and old. Here are our must-see picks to enjoy the magic of winter to the fullest!

Dive into the city’s winter glow

Let yourself be carried away by the magic of Montréal’s winter illuminations, as the heart of downtown transforms into a dazzling open-air gallery. More than 800,000 lights illuminate streets and facades – from the golden arches of Square Phillips to the trees shimmering with twinkling patterns. Whether by day or by night, every stroll reveals a new side of the city.

The illuminations are made possible by the support of arrondissement de Ville-Marie and the Ministry, the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie.

From November 27, 2025, to March 8, 2026, LUMINO celebrates its 16th edition, lighting up the Quartier des Spectacles like never before. Created and produced by the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, this public art event invites you to explore a multi-sensory path of light, sound and digital installations, both outdoors and indoors. A true showcase of Montréal’s creative energy, LUMINO now stretches across the entire downtown core and continues to inspire cultural districts around the world.

A little farther west, the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts adds its own glow to the city’s nights. Until April 5, 2026, its façade comes alive with EVER MORE, a work by Austrian artist Kurt Hentschläger. Presented as part of the 5th edition of its Digital Canvas series Commissioned by the MMFA, the projection captures the beauty of a hybrid nature where the real and the virtual intertwine. Inspired by recordings of wildflowers and prairie plants, the artwork morphs into moving, dreamlike forms – both organic and surreal – offering a luminous, poetic counterpoint to Montréal’s winter nights.

Feel the magic of the holidays in the heart of the city

The holiday season shines brighter than ever downtown. From November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026, Place des Festivals comes alive with The Great Christmas Market, a beloved tradition that transforms the city center into a festive village. Around 40 local and regional artisans fill their cozy wooden chalets with handmade jewelry, decorations, clothing, and delicious treats. Stay awhile to enjoy live performances, catch the signature Noël à Montréal show, or simply breathe in the comforting scent of mulled wine drifting through the air.

Just steps away, Noël dans le Parc returns from December 5 to 24, 2025, bringing the holiday spirit outdoors. This year, the festival moves to its brand-new home at the Parterre of the Quartier des Spectacles, a magical setting where bonfires crackle, local musicians perform, and freshly cut Christmas trees await. A true winter staple of Montréal’s cultural landscape, this free event celebrates music, community, and the warmth that connects us – no matter how cold it gets.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Complexe Desjardins hosts its much-loved winter program once again from November 22 to December 24, 2025. Always a seasonal favorite, its Santa’s Kingdom, free shows, and interactive activities for kids make it a must-visit destination where families can marvel, play, and warm up after a stroll through the city.

Enjoy Montréal’s winter cultural escapes

When the cold sets in, downtown’s museums and cultural events bring warmth and inspiration to the season. The McCord Stewart Museum invites visitors of all ages to step into the holiday spirit with its iconic Ogilvy Christmas mechanical windows – a cherished Montréal tradition for more than 75 years. Displayed in the indoor theatre and along the festively decorated winter alley, these animated scenes continue to delight generations of Montrealers.

Throughout the winter, the museum also offers family-friendly activities, creative workshops, and special exhibitions celebrating local history and heritage. Admission remains free for visitors aged 17 and under as well as for members of Indigenous communities – the perfect opportunity to experience culture in a new light, right in the heart of the city.

In November, the Salon du livre de Montréal returns to Palais des congrès from November 19 to 23, 2025, bringing together more than 600 authors, illustrators, and publishers. It’s a celebration of literature in all its forms, where you can meet your favorite writers, discover new voices, attend live readings, and explore dedicated spaces for young readers. An inspiring annual gathering that unites book lovers and curious minds of all ages in a warm, creative atmosphere.