This Free Winter Festival Near Montreal Will Feature 100+ Sparkling Ice Sculptures

If you're starting to think winter has outstayed its welcome, Festival Saint-Côme en Glace might change your mind. Just 90 minutes north of Montreal, a frosty celebration will take place from February 3 to 18, featuring over 100 illuminated ice sculptures, an electrifying snow disco, and spectacular fireworks, among other activities.

Every winter, Festival Saint-Côme en Glace transforms Saint-Côme's main street into a sparkling gallery of ice. The free event showcases the skills of about 200 volunteer artisans. They carve life-sized ice sculptures depicting a variety of themes, from majestic animals to fantasy characters.

Each sculpture is crafted from two or three ice blocks, each weighing over 3,000 lbs, with the larger works comprising up to 10 or 12 blocks. Established in 1977, the tradition captivates tens of thousands of visitors annually, drawn to the beauty of ice.

The 2024 edition of the festival kicks off with an opening ceremony on February 3, where visitors can get a first look at this year's glittering sculptures. As evening falls, the sculptures take on a new life, illuminated to reveal their full splendour, and transforming Saint-Côme into an enchanting winter wonderland.

An ice sculptor works on a phoenix during a fireworks show.Mélanie Emond; Festival Saint-Côme en Glace | Facebook

On February 4, the "evening of fire and ice" at Parc de l’Harmonie, from 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., features DJ Daovee and Mystika Circus, combining electro-traditional music, fire juggling, and LED light shows. The night culminates in a fireworks display and includes an ice-sculpting speed contest, offering a chance to see artisans at their fastest.

The snow disco on February 10 at the Centre de Loisirs Marcel Thériault will have open ice skating from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., creating a unique dance experience on ice under the stars.

On February 11, the festival pays homage to The Beatles with a tribute concert at Parc de l’Harmonie, starting at 2:30 p.m. The following week, on February 17, you can take a torch-lit ski tour from Camp Richelieu starting at 7 p.m.

All festival activities are free, but visitors can purchase refreshments and pick up souvenirs at the on-site bar and boutique (which accepts cash only).

As the festival winds down on February 18, make sure to catch the closing ceremonies. The final day is filled with activities for all ages, including a last chance to see the sculptures in all their glory before they melt away with the coming of spring.