What's Happening in Montreal this Winter

What’s Happening in Montreal this Winter

November 3, 2022 ctn_admin

Montréal’s flagship gastronomic event MTLàTABLE returns November 3 to 13 with more than 100 restaurants offering limited edition prix fixe dinners and specialty dishes. During the tasty 10-day food and drink celebration, diners can enjoy exclusive pricing on multi-course dinners ranging from $35 to $75 at some of the city’s hottest dining destinations, including Pastaga, Les Enfants Terriblesand Babacool. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the annual food festival, which aims to support the city’s restaurant industry while encouraging visitors and locals to explore diverse culinary offerings in neighbourhoods throughout the city.

As temperatures start to cool, Montréal’s arts and culture scene heats up with an array of winter festivals, art exhibitions and must-see seasonal activities.

Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA): The MMFA will spotlight musical expression this winter with two all-new thematic exhibitions. From October 15 to February 19, the museum hosts the international debut of Seeing Loud: Basquiat and Music. The large-scale multi-disciplinary show explores the significant role of music in the life and creative work of Jean-Michel Basquiat. From November 10 to March 12, ᑐᓴᕐᓂᑐᑦ TUSARNITUT! Music Born of the Cold showcases the importance of musical expression in Inuit visual art and culture with roughly 100 Inuit prints, drawings, sculptures and installations on display.
Holiday markets: Montréal gets in the festive spirit this December with three beloved holiday markets returning to offer merry-makers a slew of Yuletide activities. A winter wonderland of charming wooden stalls at Le Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal is popping up on Sainte-Catherine Street from November 19 to December 31. Marché de Noël de Jean-Talon returns from November 24 to December 18, offering festive sugar waffles and mulled wine, Santa visits, and a cozy Savoyard chalet. Near the Atwater Market, Montréal Christmas Village delights visitors from November 24 to December 18 with artisanal goods, a family-friendly Elf Kingdom and an interactive cinema sleigh.
Montréal en Lumière: Montréal’s signature winter festival celebrates its 24th year as Montréal en Lumière returns from February 16 to March 5. The much-loved cold-weather celebration is one of the largest winter festivals in the world and features 10 days of live music and performances, incredible projections and LED light displays and frozen fun on a 300-metre aerial skating loop at the Place des Festivals. Food is always a focus of Montréal en Lumière with elite chefs from around the world converging in the city for the festival’s gourmet program.
Igloofest: The “coldest music festival in the world” is returning for its 15th anniversary this winter. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from January 19 to February 11, Igloofest will host thousands of electronic music fans for its outdoor winter dance party at Jacques-Cartier Pier in Montréal’s Old Port. Featuring a star-studded lineup of top local and international artists from the electronic music arena, including Yotto and Apashe, icy décor, the Igloo Village and “Iglooswag” snowsuit costume contest, Igloofest promises to live up to its reputation as one of Canada’s most impressive winter events.

After the sun goes down, Montréal glitters with bright lights and buzzing nightlife. The city welcomes the longer winter nights, offering after-dark experiences to see the city in a whole new light.

Hidden haunts: There’s no shortage of sophisticated spots for late-night fun in Montréal. An underground enchanted forest awaits visitors at Soubois, a chef-driven downtown supper club with wood panelled walls adorned in leafy décor and woodland-themed art. In Chinatown, a glowing neon pineapple leads partygoers down an unassuming staircase to Le Mal Nécessaire where creative tropical cocktails are paired with tasty Asian small plates. Hidden within a 1920s bank vault in the former Royal Bank of Canada building, La Voute attracts a hip crowd with its bold Neo-Japanese cuisine, thematic cabaret performances and energetic dance parties.
Luminous light shows: Canada’s own city of lights sparkles all winter long. One of Montréal’s newest public art installation, The Ring, is a glowing 30-metre steel structure suspended above Esplanade Place Ville Marie. The AURA Experience dazzles with eye-popping multimedia projections dancing in sync to orchestral music upon the Gothic architecture inside the Notre-Dame Basilica. Cité Mémoire reveals Montréal’s historic past through 25 large-scale video projections on walls throughout Old Montréal, the Old Port and the downtown core.
An artsy all-nighter: This winter marks the 20th anniversary for Montreal’s iconic all-night art event. Nuit Blanche returns on February 25 and the city will once again come alive as art fans crowd the streets from dusk ’til dawn to view immersive installations and creative performances.

Games and good times: Visitors can bet on a memorable night out at Casino de Montréal de Loto-Québec, where five floors of gaming, dining and entertainment deliver fun into the wee hours. Beyond the casino floors, the multi-storey playground is home to a Cabaret space hosting live performances from big-name comedians, musicians and drag performers. On weekend nights, live DJs and artists take the stage at Bar Valet as partygoers groove on the dancefloor under the glow of a 21-metre multimedia wall.