There’s a big, beautiful, festival of culture, food, music, outdoor fun and more just five hours north of Boston in a city we often overlook for a winter escape: Montreal.
The 25th presentation of Montréal en Lumière (https://www.montrealenlumiere.com) takes place from Feb. 29- March 10, with daily special events, a giant elevated skating rink and, on March 2, Nuit Blanche, a 24-hour cycle of fun, food and more for all ages and tastes.
Montreal started the festival with a novel idea: Sure, it’s cold this time of year, but if you dress right and embrace the winter, you can have a blast. Since then, the event has evolved to a giant, diverse event, bringing in some of the world’s top chefs, musicians and visitors.
It’s one giant party that stays strong over many days and nights.
The centerpiece is the CeraVe Skating Loop, a masterpiece in cityscape. Skaters are treated to a breathtaking view of the urban panorama, enhanced by large-scale video projections on the facades of surrounding structures. Hundreds of LED tube lights add enchantment to the icy course, while a state-of-the-art sound system pumps out a playlist compiled just for the event. This rink and its surrounding activities are open from start to finish and is free to everyone.
The rink sits high, overlooking the Place des Festivals where you’ll find the Loto-Québec Ferris wheel, light installations, artistic projections and this year, an enhanced light show.
And while that looks and feels like a draw unto itself, the festival stretches out across the many neighborhoods of Montreal with special events every day and night. Those are free as well.
Food is a strong contender for star of the show, with more than 50 Michelin starred chefs coming to pair up with famed Montreal eating establishments to create special meals, events and tastings. Choices range from simple to sublime and from affordable to well-worth-it pricey, with more than 150 restaurants participating.
You’ll also find art displays and open houses, DJ booth pop ups for extra fun (and dancing keeps you warm).
The big day is March 2 when the city celebrates Nuit Blanche, 24 hours of special events, food and more.
It starts out family friendly, with events and programs catering to all ages, and then, as night falls, becomes more a grown up scene. During all this, artists and gallery owners throw open their doors and welcome you for an insider view of Montreal culture. Thousands of people take to the streets of the many neighborhoods to eat, drink and celebrate until a morning brunch wraps it all up.
You can catch the cool vibe of Villeray, where boutique shops and dining spots, unique art installations and interesting galleries all feel modern despite the neighborhood’s history that goes back to the 1800’s.
In Plateau Mont-Royal you’ll find more cool spots and unique city architecture like spiral staircases. Downtown has its own ambiance as well –and those are only a few of the choices to visit.
Where to stay is easy, as Montreal has lodging options for every kind of visitor. You can find event-season discount prices for spots like the lovely Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, the Hotel Montville Montreal (which has a deal that includes a dinner for two) and others on the festival website.
Your best bet, if you are driving, is to park at your hotel and then forget about your car. Transportation is easy to use, and the city easy to navigate, meaning you can sample some ice wine and not worry.
Montreal-Trudeau International Airport has direct flights to and from many cities, making zipping in by plane another easy option.
It’s cold, it’s buzzing and it’s exciting. Find your best mittens, scarves and warm layers. Start napping now. Montréal en Lumière is calling your name.
