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 2025. 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 2024-2025

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.

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. 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. The Great Montreal Christmas Market

The Great Montreal Christmas Market is the perfect holiday activity to get you into the festive spirit. Running from late November to the end of December, locals and visitors can experience the magic along Jeanne Mance Street.

Wander through 40 charming chalets showcasing local and regional artisans, enjoy festive musical and theatrical performances, and savour the irresistible scent of mulled wine and seasonal treats. Best of all, admission to the market is free! 2025 dates TBD.

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.

2025 dates for the Barbegazi Festival in Montreal TBD.

[ Read: Winterlude Festival ]

5. Christmas in The Park

Christmas in the Park is a month-long festival that takes place at Parterre du Quartiern des spectales, compagnons-de-St-Laurent Park and Lahaie Park. 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 runs from the first week of December to the end of the month 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 28th, 2024, to March 9th, 2025, 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 2025, Igloofest will run from January 16th to February 8th. 

8. WinterWorks

If you love the performing arts, WinterWorks is the festival for you! This annual festival showcases bold and creative theatre and is all about supporting local artists and independent performances, giving them a space to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional theatre. Watch emerging artisists through theatrical productions, readings and gallery performances.

WinterWorks takes place from the end of February to mid-March, with this year's dates running from Feb 25 to March 15, 2025.

9. Holidays on The Pointe

This event happens every year from late December to early January. 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. 2025/2026 dates TBD.

10. Poutine Week

Poutine, Québec’s most famous dish, gets a celebration of its own during La Poutine Week! Taking place during the first week of February, chefs across Montreal put a creative twist on the classic combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, offering unique and delicious variations. Food lovers can indulge in these inventive creations and vote for their favourites, while participating restaurants compete for special prizes.

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.