Nov. 11, 2024
Must-Do Winter Activities in Downtown Montreal
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!
Explore downtown’s holiday illuminations
This winter, let yourself be carried away by the holiday magic in the heart of Montreal. Downtown shines with over 800,000 points of light, creating a magical path designed to captivate young and old alike.
Imposing lighted animals are set up throughout the urban landscape. Trees sparkle with shimmering lights, and golden arches highlight the gothic facades, creating an enchanting scene. Notably, Square Phillips has become a must-visit this year, featuring a grand new light structure for the winter.
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.
Try your luck with Les Tirages du Père Noël
This winter, Montréal centre-ville invites you to enjoy the holiday magic with Les Tirages du Père Noël, a fun contest with delightful prizes to be won! From November 12 to December 26, simply fill out a form on their website to participate. Each week, a draw will reveal the lucky winners and announce new prizes, bringing even more festive surprises!
Want to increase your chances? Hunt for hidden clues in Nouveau Centre properties (Place Montréal Trust, Centre Eaton, Fairmont, and PVM). Add these clues to your entry to boost your odds of winning gift cards and other treats that will bring joy to the whole family this holiday season.
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Warm up with Lumino
For its 15th edition, Lumino returns from November 28, 2024, to March 9, 2025, with a light-filled experience that brings Montreal’s winter to life. This year, light, creativity, and Nordic themes take center stage in a renewed edition, inviting all ages to discover downtown and the Quartier des spectacles in a whole new way.
With around 20 interactive and contemplative works, video projections, installations, and performances, Lumino lights up the chilly nights with dazzling creations that evolve throughout the season. Whether outdoors or indoors, immerse yourself in a polar adventure in the heart of Montreal, where each visit brings a fresh invitation to wonder.
The Luminothérapie event is presented with the support and collaboration of the City of Montreal, Tourisme Montréal, Montréal Centre-Ville, and Place des Arts.
Admire the projections on the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
From dusk until March 30, 2025, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts presents an immersive work by Inuit artist Glenn Gear on its facade. ulitsuak | marée montante | rising tide is the first Indigenous creation designed specifically for the exterior of the MMFA as part of the Digital Canvas series. This projection adorns the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion with geometric motifs inspired by Inuit art, elegantly tracing the museum’s architectural lines.
Each evening, the kaleidoscopic animation unfolds, capturing the beauty of Inuit beadwork and the natural flow of water, symbols of strength and transformation. Head to Sherbrooke Street to take in this captivating, poetic display in the heart of downtown Montreal, visible until 11pm.
Visit The Grand Christmas Market at Place des Festivals
What would the holidays be without a festive market? Luckily, The Grand Christmas Market is back for its 4th edition starting November 22. Head to the Quartier des Spectacles for a dose of holiday magic…and tasty treats! Over 60 Quebec artisans will be there, offering jewelry, decorations, cosmetics, and clothing.
Cozy chalets invite you to warm up with delicious food that will make you forget the cold. The ambiance is just as delightful, with over 150 free performances and activities—highlighted by the signature “Noël à Montréal” show every weekend. Get ready for the warmth…or rather, mulled wine!
Celebrate the magic of Noël dans le Parc
This season, Noël dans le Parc invites Montrealers to embrace the holiday spirit from December 6 to 31. Across several iconic city locations, enjoy a festive and free lineup: outdoor concerts, dance performances, poetry readings, bonfires, and enchanting activities for all ages.
Children will be captivated by the magical setting, while adults can reconnect with the nostalgic charm of Christmases past. Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve show on December 31, and for those in search of the perfect tree, locally grown Christmas trees are available on-site. A must-attend event to celebrate the season in the heart of the city, free for the whole family!
Feel the holiday spirit at the McCord Stewart Museum
The McCord Stewart Museum invites you to dive into the magical holiday atmosphere with a host of festive activities. Discover the iconic mechanical Christmas window displays from Ogilvy, a Montreal treasure delighting visitors for over 75 years, now set up in the indoor theater and a specially decorated outdoor alley. This year, the collection grows with new additions: Mademoiselle Lily Darboy, an elegant 19th-century doll, and toys from the 1920s, including a rolling elephant and cat.
On November 30, a special pajama day will kick off the season with free family activities. In addition to the current exhibitions, a program of creative and fun workshops will complete the experience. The museum is free year-round for youth under 17 and Indigenous community members—a perfect opportunity to rediscover holiday magic in the heart of Montreal.
Check out The Ring under the snow
It’s heavy, it’s round, and it brings joy to Montrealers—no, it’s not Santa, but The Ring at the heart of Esplanade PVM! This work by Claude Cormier will be lit up in a different color each day from December 1 to 31.
A special light countdown will even take place on December 31 to ring in the New Year! Make a point to stop by and admire it at night, beautifully illuminated!
Skate in style at Esplanade Tranquille
This winter, the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink is back, ready for you to glide through the season in this beautiful space! Let your skates glide across the ice while soaking in the city lights and the enchanting setting around you.
Need a warm-up after your spins on the ice? The Esplanade Tranquille multipurpose pavilion welcomes you with cozy spaces. Settle in with a book from the self-serve library, watch the skaters from the large windows in the Grand Salon, or treat yourself at Galaxie Brasserie, right by the rink. Esplanade Tranquille has never felt so fitting to its name!
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