Winter arts and culture festival MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE is a bright light in a big city

Montrealers have long been predisposed towards thumbing their collective nose at deepest, darkest winter, so 16 years ago when the planners of a unique new February festival declared “Let there be light,” they weren’t kidding. Since then, MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE has evolved into one of the largest winter arts and culture festivals in the world.

Organized by the same festive folks who produce Montréal’s globally renowned Jazz Fest and the FrancoFolies French music festival, MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE annually draws some 1,300,000 visitors. The fest features an expansive and eclectic program of entertainment and activities encompassing an array of performing arts (live music, theatre, dance, circus arts and more), journeys in gastronomy, free outdoor family attractions/distractions and more than a few surprises.

Every year the festival celebrates a featured country, and this year the spotlight is on artists from Switzerland. Internationally acclaimed Swiss pop singer/songwriter Stephan Eicher and ascendant Québec folk/soul artist Bobby Bazini are the honorary co-presidents of the fest, with Eicher performing the prestigious closing festival concert at Place des Arts, on February 28. For his part, Bazini will captivate the majestic Métropolis concert hall, February 26.

The epicenter of all the action is MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE’s vibrant (and free!) outdoor site, built in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles in downtown Montréal. A giant outdoor concert stage, Ferris wheel, immersive and interactive installations, innovative multimedia shows, warming-up areas, dining enclosures, street performers, fireworks and the always ridiculously popular ice slide have been regular features of this colourful, dynamic and family-friendly winter village.

Perhaps of no surprise, given the festival’s origins, is the increased emphasis on its musical programming. From music icons to emerging artists, the vast musical options run the stylistic gamut: pop, rock, jazz, blues, dance, classical, world, indie, experimental and more are all well-represented at free outdoor as well as paid indoor concerts. In addition to the aforementioned Eicher and Bazini gigs, highlights include performances by the likes of Swedish electronica/trip-hop pioneer Jay-Jay Johanson (Feb. 21), inspired blues fusionist Harry Manx (Feb. 26), Canadian rock icons The Tragically Hip (Feb. 20), charismatic Latin/jazz/cabaret singer Alejandra Ribera (Feb. 27), South Africa–hatched alt-rockers Kongos (Feb. 21) and a star-studded tribute to Jacques Brel (Feb. 25) to name a very, very few.

Montréal’s reputation as a food-lover’s destination is also paid considerable due. Which may be understating it. Over the course of the fest’s 11 days, no fewer than 272 fine dining options, wine tastings and special gastronomic events will take place at dozens of Montréal’s best-respected eating establishments. This includes the fest’s renowned chef pairings, which famously match up Montréal’s best kitchen ninjas with culinary masters from around the world (the emphasis this year being, of course, on Switzerland). The lion’s share of these tasty happenings are divided into nine differently themed series with names like Planète Montréal and Esprits Libres (“Free Spirits”). Detailed info on all the food-filled fantasticness can be found on MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE’s website.

It all wraps up with the epic Nuit Blanche all-nighter, which invites both tourists and locals to partake in upwards of 200 (mostly free) activities across most of downtown over much, and in many cases all, of the night. Eye-opening live music, film, dance, performance art, improv, interactive installations, storytelling, digital and visual art, great food and equally great times are where you can set your expectations at this fitting finale of the fest.

Make the most of your trip to Montreal with this exclusive Sweet Deal coupon booklet with special offers valued at $450!