10 Amazing Winter Festivals in Montreal

Looking for a fantastic winter vacation? Montreal comes alive in the winter with a plethora of festivals, from Igloofest to Montreal en Lumiere. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which festivals to attend. We've done the hard work for you and have curated a list of the must-see winter festivals in Montreal in 2024. From vibrant light displays to delicious food and drink, these festivals will give you a taste of Montreal's unique culture and keep you entertained all winter long.

As a team of Canadian insiders, Canadian Train Vacations has the inside scoop on the best winter festivals in Montreal. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening out or a fun family outing, we've got you covered. So why wait? Grab your coats and get ready to experience the magic of Montreal during the winter months.

Top 10 Montreal Winter Festivals 2023-2024

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, our list of festivals will show you the best of what Montreal has to offer and give you an inside look at the city's lively culture. So mark your calendars and get ready for a trip full of music, art, and delicious food that you will never forget. Don't miss the chance to see the city at its best and dive into the festival scene in Montreal.

1. Montreal en Lumiere with Nuit Blanche

With Montreal en Lumiere (Feb. 29–March 10, 2024) you're in for a winter celebration like no other. This annual celebration of light and culture has a wide range of activities and events for people of all ages.

Montreal en Lumiere takes place in different parts of the city and includes a stunning display of light installations, live music, dance performances, and a wide range of tasty treats. Nuit Blanche (March 2) is a nighttime event during the festival and features modern art and interactive installations.

The festival lasts for two weeks in February/March. Most events are free and easy to get to with public transportation. It is one of the most popular winter festivals in Montreal, and every year it brings in thousands of people.

2. Montreal Christmas Village

The Montreal Christmas Village is an event that happens every year in the middle of Old Montreal. The dazzling lights strung up around the village may be the most famous thing about the Montreal Christmas Village. It transforms the city into a magical winter wonderland. There's also the festive Christmas market, where more than 50 vendors sell traditional holiday gifts and crafts. The village has several holiday activities and events, such as live music, the singing of Christmas carols, and a parade for Santa Claus.

The best way to get to the Christmas village is by bus or train. The festival is open from late November to the end of December, usually from 11 am to 9 pm. You don't have to pay anything to get into the village or to look around.

The village is most magical at night when everyone is out and all the lights are on. You can easily spend two to three hours here walking around the chalets, trying holiday treats, and taking in the sights and sounds of the season. The village is popular with both locals and visitors, so be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.

3. Signé Local Christmas Market

The Signé Local Christmas Market is an annual event in Montreal and is a must-do for anyone looking for one-of-a-kind gifts made in the area. At the market, local vendors sell a wide range of handmade items, such as jewelry, clothing, decorations for the home, and more. Aside from the market, there are also food vendors selling tasty holiday treats and a stage with live music to keep people busy.

The market is set up in the CF Marché des Promenades and is easy to get to by car or public transportation. It usually goes on from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from December 14th to 17th, 2023. There is no cost to get in, and you can look around the market for free.

4. Barbegazi Winter Action Sports Festival

Barbegazi, a winter action sports festival, will give you a rush of adrenaline this winter. This event  includes a wide range of winter action sports like snowboarding, skiing, and ice climbing, as well as competitions, demonstrations, and workshops for people of all skill levels.

The festival is a great chance for people who love winter sports to show off their skills and compete against other top athletes. It's also a great chance for people who are new to winter sports to learn from experts. The festival takes place at the Mont Saint-Bruno Ski Resort, which is a short drive from Montreal. You can easily get to the festival by car or by taking public transportation to the Longueuil-Université-de-Sherbrooke metro station and then taking a shuttle bus to the resort.

There are no current dates for the Barbegazi Festival in Montreal. 

5. Christmas in The Park

Christmas in the Park is a month-long festival in three of Montreal's most popular public spaces (Place Émilie-Gamelin, Parc Lahaie, and Parc des Compagnons-de-Saint-Laurent). This festival has a lot of holiday-themed activities and events and a Christmas village with decorated chalets. Visitors can enjoy live music and dance performances, holiday treats and hot drinks, bonfires, and more.

Christmas in the Park is open every day from December 8 to December 31, usually from 9am to 11pm, and is easy to get to with public transportation. There is no fee to get into the park, and it is free to look around. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season and make memories with friends and family. Christmas in the Park is an event you won't want to miss because there is so much to see and do. 

6. Luminotherapie

From November 30th, 2023, to March 10th, 2024, the city is transformed into a vibrant winter paradise for the duration of Luminotherapie, a light festival. There are many light installations featuring bright colors and mesmerizing patterns, and interactive displays.

Public transportation makes it easy to get to Luminotherapie, which is open every day from 6pm to 10pm. The festival is free to go to and is a great way to spend an evening with family or friends.

7. The Igloofest

Igloofest is the place to go for a truly unique and exciting winter festival experience! This event is held every year in the city's Old Port. It has a lineup of world-famous DJs and electronic music acts, as well as interactive art installations and activities.

Igloofest happens every year between January and February, but the dates and times change every year. The festival is easy to get to by public transportation, and people of all ages are welcome to go. The festival has a fee to get in, and it's a popular event, so be ready for crowds.

In 2024, Igloofest will run from January 18th to February 10th. 

8. Fêtes Des Neiges

One of the most popular winter festivals in Montreal over recent years has been Fêtes des Neiges at Parc Jean-Drapeau. No dates have been announced for this festival for 2024 yet.

From ice skating and snow tubing to ice sculptures and snow games, everyone can find something they like to do. There are also many musical performances, food trucks, and other vendors selling a wide range of treats and souvenirs at the festival.

9. Holidays on The Pointe

This event happens every year throughout November and December. Current dates are from November 17, 2023 to January 8, 2024. There are a lot of holiday-themed activities and events. One of the main draws is the beautiful light shows and lit sculptures that line the promenade at Place Royale. 

The event takes place at the beautiful and historic Old Port of Montreal, which adds to the mood. It's easy to get there with public transportation, and it's open every day, usually from 5 pm to 10 pm. You don't have to pay to get in or to look around. You won't want to miss Holidays on The Pointe. It's a fun and different way for families and couples to realx and celebrate the holidays.

10. Montréal en Fêtes / Merry Montreal

The Merry Montreal festival embraces winter with activities to stay warm and have fun during the cold months. Place Nordique is one of the best parts of the festival. This one-of-a-kind event uses light, sound, and public art installations to turn Place Jacques-Cartier into a winter wonderland. There are currently no dates for 2024.

Final Thoughts

Need an easy method to travel to Montreal's winter festivals? You can't go wrong with Canadian Train Vacations! By taking the train, not only do you get to see stunning views of Canada but you also get to relax while traveling from one destination to another. So why not make your winter festival itinerary and book with Canadian Train Vacations for an unforgettable experience.