City lights, shining bright

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Winter gives Montreal some of its most beautiful moments, as the city is bathed in myriad colourful lights. This year’s MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE festival, from February 17 to March 5, will give you the chance to reconnect with your favourite artists, creators and restaurateurs and join them in a lively celebration – within public health guidelines.

DIVERSITY ON STAGE

Need some music, dancing and magic? Here are some ideas to whet your appetite:

Pierre Lapointe can’t wait to see his audience again, so you’re invited to his performance entitled Retrouvailles on Friday, February 18, as well as an extra show on Saturday, February 19, at Théâtre Maisonneuve in Place des Arts. Be sure not to miss one of Canada’s most promising new voices, Ahkinoah Habah Izarh, better known as AHI; you’ll love his roots and folk-inspired music, live at L’Astral on February 18. Have you heard of Ari Cui Cui? Your kids will be spellbound by her colourful, lively world, and they’ll be delighted as they watch her on her magical skates, at the Gesù on Sunday, February 20.

OUTDOOR COLOURS AND LIGHTS

Grab your skates and tuque, because MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE has some unforgettable experiences for you!

In Place des Festivals, have a skate on the Scotiabank Skating Loop. This raised rink, over 300 metres long, is unique in the world, and it’s one of the marquee attractions at this year’s MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE. Skating on the loop gives you breathtaking views of the Quartier, including its transformation during Cœur dansant, the nightly moment of sound and light continuing until March 6. For five festive minutes you’ll be swept up in the music, projections and lights as your surroundings come alive in a celebration of winter. From the Loop you’ll also be able to see Montréal d’hier et d’hiver, a film installation projected on the facade of the Wilder Building and on the facade of the Pavillon Président-Kennedy of UQAM until March 2, featuring the bright lights of Montreal – in 1908!

Get a bird’s eye view of the goings-on from the The big wheel Loto Québec, and explore the 12^th edition of Luminothérapie, an exceptional series of luminous and interactive works. Alongside the Luminothérapie installations you can also enjoy Laps and Fabuloscope, a pair of works presented by MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, and Roseaux, co-presented with the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership.

Discover the Quartier’s newest public space, Esplanade Tranquille, with an unbeatable combo: skating and a show! Created by Les 7 Doigts and presented from Thursday to Sunday from February 24 to March 5, Cadence is a fun look at the history of skating that will dazzle you with its daring acrobatics.

AN ELECTRIC NIGHT

Even in scaled-back form, Nuit blanche will fill you with happiness on Saturday, February 26. Here are a few highlights:

At the Maison symphonique, attend a concert by Mix'n'org, an acclaimed organist and DJ duo, then succumb to the charms of Innere Musik, a new musical portrait presented by the OSM. Take some time for a stroll through the Quartier Latin, where you’ll find Jusqu’au prochain lampadaire, a luminous installation created by the students of the DESS in event design of UQAM. At the Centre for Sustainable Development, experience Tout en vert pour la Nuit blanche, an evening of environment-themed music and performances. At the 2-22, your inner cinephile will be sated by a great selection of Quebec-made short films presented as part of the RENDEZ-VOUS COURTS event.

GOURMET DELIGHTS

Are your adventurous taste buds craving something new? It’s the perfect time to connect with our local restaurateurs, artisans and producers, who are waiting for you with big smiles and open arms!

Couette & Gastronomie packages

Once again this year, hotels and restaurants are teaming up to offer packages combining comfort and fine dining, with no need for boots and coats. If you’re looking for ideas, here are three participating hotels with some nice surprises for you:

In collaboration with L’État-Major, Boxotel is offering a four-course gourmet meal, which you can enjoy in the comfort of your hotel room. With a double-occupancy night, the Delta will include breakfast for two, a welcome gift, a $40 credit for its restaurant and free parking. Lastly, Hôtel ZERO1 is offering in-room brunch and valet service for a perfect weekend of cocooning. 

Air France Finest Tables

The Air France Finest Tables are well worth a detour! Here are two mouth-watering experiences you’ll remember for years to come:explore Quebec’s excellent terroir products at Bivouac. This modern bistro and artisanal bar will introduce you to a world of new flavours and sensations – a world where nature in all its forms is transformed into an urban and boreal gourmet experience.
Longing for some Caribbean sunshine? The heated terrasse at Kamúy awaits. Paul Toussaint and a guest chef from Toronto will serve a unique menu born of their shared passion for great food, in a setting as warm and inviting as a sundrenched island.