February is often not everyone’s favourite month. February is when we still feel the wrath of winter with days that feel like we’re living in eternal darkness. Thankfully, there’s one event that can provide some extra light that Montrealers definitely need: the 17th edition of Montreal en Lumière festival going down from February 18th to March 5th!
One of the largest winter festivals in the world, each year Montreal en Lumière welcomes over 130,000 visitors, and counting! The festival offers many activities to brighten up everyone’s mood and briefly make us forget about the cold weather. Many comforting activities includes, what else, but food! Over 500 renowned chefs and wine producers will be treating our palates to some of the finest meals as well as food & drink related activities. Nothing warms you up better than a good meal and a (few) beverages!
The festival also highlights the arts with theatre, dance, and concerts. Many of these great performances were created just for the festival. For those still paying off their holiday debt, not to worry! There are many free outdoor activities that can be enjoyed at the fabulous and lively Quartier des Spectacles. These activities are for all ages so you don’t have to feel guilty about not taking the kids along!
For the true partygoers and night owls, the real highlight of Montreal en Lumière is that it’s the catalyst to the 13th edition of Nuit Blanche, the party that’ll actually want to make you leave your house, even on the coldest nights.
This year, the festival will have a theme that celebrates the city of Shenzhen, one of the wealthiest and most populous cities in Southern China. Like Montreal, Shenzhen is a leading city in culture, arts, food and a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. A perfect collaboration between two great cites! If you can’t afford a trip to Shenzhen this year, all you have to do is drop by Montreal en Lumière and you’ll feel transported to another world, minus the 16 plus hours of travel time and jetlag!
The 2016 edition is Montréal en Lumière is not to be missed! Perfect for first-timers, even if you’re not a winter person. Click here for more information and to see the list of activities and schedules. Check them out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Add some extra light in your life this February!
400 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1L4
(514) 288-9955
Photos by Benoit Rousseau, unless indicated otherwise.
