City of Montreal unveils winter programming and festive activities

The City of Montreal and other partners announced the upcoming winter programming for the downtown area on Thursday.

During the winter season, downtown Montreal will be transformed into a new space that features free and innovative activities – according to the city.

The city’s partners include the borough of Ville-Marie, the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, the SDCs Montreal centre-ville and Old Montreal, Tourisme Montréal and the Multicolore group.

“We are proud to unveil this winter program, a celebration of Montreal’s northernness and the festive spirit unique to our city,” said Ericka Alneus, City of Montreal executive committee member in charge of culture, heritage, gastronomy, and nightlife. “This winter, through a series of free activities, we invite Montrealers and the many tourists to rediscover downtown, which will be illuminated and lively.”

From Nov. 28 to March 9, the public is invited to enjoy the several displays from Lumino, as well as several activities at the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink at the end of the month.

In January, the Glissades Gamelin will be completely revamped, and participants will be able to practice snow sports for free at Place Émilie-Gamelin.

“We are very pleased to see the effervescence of free winter activities in the Quartier des spectacles and downtown,” said Monique Simard, chair of the board of directors of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership. “This winter, Lumino will offer a renewed, unique, and bright experience on an expanded territory, while the skating rink on the Esplanade Tranquille and the Glissades Gamelin will allow families and visitors to practice winter sports in an urban environment. All these initiatives contribute to making the Quartier des spectacles a major winter attraction for Montrealers and visitors.”

Place Jacques-Cartier will be lively from Dec. 29 to 31 with free outdoor concerts and other family-friendly activities produced by Montréal Festif and Aire commune.

Also, on Dec. 31, the Igloo Festival will organize a show for New Year’s Eve on the Jacques-Cartier wharf in the Old Port of Montreal. There will be free concerts from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m., including fireworks just before the countdown.

“Old Montreal will be a must-see holiday hub this year,” said SDC Vieux-Montréal Executive Director Mario Lafrance. “Throughout the month of December, the historic district will don its magical mantle and offer visitors a wide range of unique festive occasions, in addition to some thirty illuminated places. Concerts, cultural activities, outdoor programming, holiday rallies, historical tours, glittering scenery, winter rest areas and fairytale showcases.”

In Ville-Marie, there will be four block parties that offer music, entertainment, and hot chocolate. Access to an outdoor rink will also be available at Cabot Square.

In addition, Tourisme Montréal launched a campaign that demonstrates everyday ‘magic’ in Montreal throughout the season.

“Montreal centre-ville is proud to organize the 72nd Santa Claus Parade and to support the 4th Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal, the Festival Noël dans le Parc and Luminothérapie,” said Glenn Castanheira, executive director of Montréal centre-ville. “This winter, downtown Montreal will shine like never before thanks to the spectacular illumination of its public squares, including Phillips, Victoria, and Dorchester squares, as well as Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle and McGill College Avenue. We are delighted to contribute to a program that, in addition to bringing warmth and magic, actively supports our merchants by offering Montrealers and visitors an unforgettable experience.”