Montreal gets lit when this winter festival takes over the Quartier des Spectacles.
Get ready to lace up your skates and hit the ice when MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE returns for its 24th edition, presented by Loto-Québec and Scotiabank. From February 16 to March 5, the city will be transformed into a giant winter playground, offering a variety of free outdoor activities for all ages.
In the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, you will find the Skating Loop at Place des Festivals, a unique skating rink that promises an unforgettable experience. And for even more magic on ice, be sure to check out the magical ice rink at Place Loto-Québec on the Esplanade Tranquille, where the festival will offer an abundance of entertainment, including breathtaking shows, mesmerizing light installations, musical performances and delicious food.
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Put on Your Skates and Get Ready to Enjoy this Winter Wonderland
The Skating Loop is back and better than ever, offering a unique and captivating experience in the heart of the city. Skaters can enjoy stunning views as they glide along the 300-meter elevated path, surrounded by glowing LED lights. Skates are available for rent at CCM if you don’t own a pair or don’t feel like lugging your own around.
Skate to the Rhythms of the Night
Get your groove on as you skate to the beat of different musical styles each night with sets from top DJs including Jason Rockman, DJ Kelly (Rap Mommies), AKAntu, Shaydakiss, Kleancut and more at Station DJ Rogers. And from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. every night, make your musical wishes known through the popular “C’est ma toune” playlist.
Hip-Hop And All That Jazz
On Thursday, February 16, Catherine Pépin will get you moving with her groovy beats. Friday, February 17, is all about hip-hop with Félix B. Desfossés will introduce you to new artists and shed light on the genre. Saturday, February 18, brings the sounds of jazz to the ice with Stanley Péan and his musical program, La Boîte de Jazz.
On Thursday, February 23, take a trip back to the ’90s with Catherine Pogonat, who will perform all the pop hits and power ballads of the decade. Blues fans, get ready! Francois Lemay invites you to rediscover the best of the blues on Friday, February 24. On Saturday, February 25th, ICI MUSIQUE Classique will bring you the beauty of classical music.
On Thursday, March 2, rock the ice with Olivier Robillard Laveaux and his electrifying rock beats. The festival will close on Friday, March 3rd with Philippe Fehmiu, who will play dancing world beats guaranteed to get you moving. Nothing will keep you warmer than dancing all night long.
The Night Sky will be Shining Bright
The Skating Loop will be transformed into a breathtaking display of light and color, with awe-inspiring projections on the facades of the Wilder Building, Espace Danse, and UQAM’s Pavillon Président-Kennedy.
Prepare to be transported back in time as the Festival brings back “Montréal d’hier et d’hiver,” a work by multidisciplinary artist Karine Lanoie-Brien in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada, which showcases Montréal’s winter past through captivating skating scenes.
As you glide on the ice, immerse yourself in the meditative and multidisciplinary work of “fanaa,” a combination of poetry, live film and electronic music created by artist Sahar Homami and MUTEK, and the mesmerizing visuals created by artist Caitlin McDonagh, which illuminate not only the walls of the building, but also the ice rink at Place Loto-Québec’s Esplanade Tranquille.
Outdoor Play and Dining
Escape to a world of excitement and adventure with the soaring heights of the Grande roue Loto-Québec at Place des Festivals and the heart-stopping thrill of the Glisse Vite Tim Hortons Slide. The slide’s five illuminated tubes will light up the steps of the popular Esplanade de la Place des Arts.
Bringing a whole new level of excitement to the festival, guests can reserve one of five heated and fully equipped Skip Greenhouses to enjoy a Nordic picnic experience.
Street Performances
The Montreal Chan Lions Dance Club brings to life the ancient Chinese lion dance, a 2,000-year-old tradition performed to ward off evil spirits and bring joy and prosperity.Prepare to be transported into the essence of a Brazilian carnival with the beats of Zuruba, a big band-style ensemble with roots in Afro-Brazilian percussion.Join the vibrant flash mob “Shiriki,” which means “share” in Swahili, as it showcases the rich and diverse African cultures in Montréal through its dynamic and colorful choreography.
What To Wear?
Always check the weather forecast before heading downtown for this festival and dress accordingly, especially for colder weather. If the temperature dips well below zero, be sure to wear layers to keep warm!
