​Montréal En Lumière Is Back This Month — Here's What You Can Do For Free

Winter in Montreal is when the city turns the cold into a carnival of lights. From February 29 to March 10, the city is throwing a party so bright and warm there's no need to escape the chill, you can just celebrate it.

The CeraVe Skating Loop is back by popular demand, with an elevated, 300-metre-long track. Skaters can enjoy the city views surrounded by LED lights and music, making each lap an experience rather than just exercise. The Tim Hortons chalet will have skate rentals and, for those needing a break, the SAQ bistro is serving up hot drinks and snacks.

The elevated and illuminated skating track. Courtesy of Montréal en Lumière.

Music is a big draw, with the Rogers DJ Booth promising lively sets from local talent. The festival kicks off with Truwayz spinning tracks on February 29, from 7 to 11 p.m.

• February 29, 7 to 11 p.m.: Truwayz kicks things off with a set that promises to start the festival on a high note.
• March 1, 7 to 11 p.m.: Throbackshorties and Sassafras take over, ensuring the vibes keep flowing.
• March 2, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.: The Nuit blanche event stretches into the wee hours with Cloverdale, Ghetto Birds, and POPTRT, making it a night to remember.
• March 3, 6 to 9 p.m.: TallandSkiinny brings a unique sound to the rink, perfect for a Sunday skate.
• March 5 and 6: The festival showcases fresh talent from LE LOOP Studio.
• March 7-10: The closing days feature a mix from Kleancut, Camille et Modibo, and a special jazz night with Lexis, ensuring the festival goes out on a high note.

Each night is themed, from the beats of today’s hits on February 29 to the retro vibes of Y2K night on March 1, and not forgetting the special tribute to International Women’s Rights Day on March 8 with an all-women lineup.

Away from the skating rink, the Place Loto-Québec at Esplanade Tranquille has its own set of attractions, including free activities and performances. The ICI MUSIQUE sessions feature DJ sets by Radio-Canada’s top music radio hosts on select evenings, catering to a variety of musical tastes. Here's who you can expect to see and when:

• February 29, 6 to 8 p.m.: Olivier Robillard Laveaux will kick things off with a rock-focused set.
• March 1, 6 to 8 p.m.: Samian will spotlight Indigenous artists from Canada.
• March 7, 6 to 8 p.m.: Philippe Fehmiu takes over with a session that blends pop music with international rhythms.
• March 8, 6 to 8 p.m.: Alexandre Courteau promises a night of dance with funky tunes.
• March 9, 2 to 4 p.m.: Catherine Pépin concludes the series with her selection of funk and mixed rhythms.

The neon-lit drummers of Barantanga Montreal.Courtesy of Montréal en Lumière.

Beyond the ice and tunes, the festival also features cultural performances and art installations. Barantanga's performances with illuminated drums and Uplift 514's dance showcasing Afro-descendant culture are part of the lineup. Meanwhile, visual art installations, including projections on the WILDER – Espace danse and UQAM’s Pavillon President-Kennedy buildings, add a visual dimension to the festival.

For those looking for a bit of competition, the Tim Hortons speed challenge offers a chance to race on ice. The festival also features a range of activities like the Grande roue Loto-Québec Ferris wheel and a traditional sugar shack experience for attendees.

The Nuit Blanche lineup will be released later this month with even more special events, many of which will carry on into the early hours of the morning. So, stay tuned!