- Returning this month for its 21st edition, Montréal en Lumière is bringing some light to the seemingly endless winter.
- Here are just some of the highlights!
- Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.
We can always count on our city to bring a little light into the darkness that is winter. This month, Montréal en Lumière is set to do just that. Returning for its 21st edition, it's set to be bigger and better than ever. From February 20 through March 1, 2020, the event will take over Place des Festivals, attracting tourists and locals, alike, with its dozens of activities, attractions, and dishes.
Located in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, the festival will wow your eyes with a ton of Instagram-worthy spots and warm your tummy up with a vast array of food options.
From carnival rides to curling and culinary experiences, the event is jam-packed with everything you need to help get you through the last stretch of winter.
Below, we outline just some of the festival highlights. Many of the activities and even some of the food samples are free!
And though the Places des Festivals and Complexe Desjardins serve as the locus for many of the festivities, Montrealers can find things to do and eat all over the city.
Montréal en Lumière culminates in Nuit Blanche, when many of these activities run all night long!
Attend Nuit Gourmande & Culinary Tours
This one is for all the food lovers in our city. Festival attendees can embark on "new food-themed walks" — culinary tours offered by Tastet that cover everything from speakeasies to Greek food.
On Nuit Gourmande, meanwhile, festival-goers can explore "Montreal's rich gastronomy in a festive and welcoming atmosphere. On the menu: appetizing activities, gourmet experiences, and free or paid tastings" at restaurants across the city.
Ride The Ferris Wheel
The Quebec Maple Ferris Wheel is one of the most popular festival activities. The giant wheel is open and free to both children and adults. It also happens to offer some pretty epic views of the city.
The Montréal en Lumière site encourages you to "prepare yourself to be amazed by its amber colour and hop on it for a magnificent ride overlooking the outdoor site."
See the Ferris wheel schedule here!
Watch The Circus Show
Montréal En Lumière | Official websiteDynamo acrobats will take to the Énergir stage for a free performance. They'll have you applauding all the way home.
Find the performance schedule here.
Marshmallow Roasting
Delicious and romantic, the marshmallow-roasting at designated sites offers a respite from the excitement of the festival. Take a moment to share a treat with your favourite person while watching the festivities around you.
More info here!
Try Some Wine, Cheese & All Things Maple
"Enjoy a glass of wine or spirits" at the Bistro SAQ before heading to the Festival of Our Cheeses in the Complexe Desjardins, which "[shines] a spotlight on 20 local cheese makers."
"Come and chat with them, taste their specialties for free, and purchase the fruits of their labour at competitive prices!"
Near the centre of the event, you'll also find l'Incroyable Érable, where "drinks, cocktails, and delicious bites await you!"
Get all the details on the Bistro SAQ, Festival of Our Cheeses, and l'Incroyable Érable!
Enjoy Live Music
Nothing will get your body warmed up like swaying to the sweet sounds of live music animating the festival grounds.
Explore the Outdoor Site Program to find all of the performance schedules.
Visit The RBC Sports Zone
Montréal En Lumière | Official website"Test your athletic abilities" with a chance to win some prizes.
See all the activities here!
Win A Prize At The Énergir Generator
This is by far one of the coolest activities at the festival. Participants will be able to use their bodies to "generate energy that activates a special mechanism and receive" a mysterious "surprise."
See the schedule for the free activity here.
Brave The Giant Neon Slide
The twisting neon slide is 110 meters of multicoloured lights.
The festival website promises that the much-anticipated ride is "completely revamped" this year and "will give you [...] shivers with its speed."
Plus, it's free.
Read our article about it here!
Take A Sip At Milk Bar Le Lait
Montréal En Lumière | Official websiteIf you are looking for a cool cocktail or a non-alcoholic beverage, the pop-up milk bar will satisfy your every craving. From white Russians to mocha-lattes, the bar is a must on Nuit Blanche.
Check it out here!
Watch Death-Defying Divers Show Off Their Skill
Montréal En Lumière | Official websiteAt RBC Voltigo, probably one of the most heart-pounding events, watch expert divers perform "a succession of acrobatic feats reaching up to 25 meters in height and only 3 meters of water to stop."
Get the deets right here.
The complete Montréal en Lumière schedule is available on its website here.