The MONTREAL EN LUMIÈRE festival is back with a bang. From February 27th to March 9th, 2025, the festival will be celebrating its 26th anniversary with live entertainment, gourmet dishes, art installations, and unforgettable moments.
This is one of the world’s largest winter festivals, welcoming hundreds of thousands of people to Montréal. And this year with the theme— MONTREAL EN LUMIÈRE: the magic of winter through gastronomy and art— will be no different.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned festival-goer, we know navigating the event can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide to help you make the most of your experience. From the best places to park near the festival grounds to must-visit restaurants, bars, and standout events, we’ve got you covered.
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The Best Places to Grab a Drink
The Best Spots to Park
We know parking can be a hassle, but we don’t want it to keep you from enjoying the festival. So, we’ve put together the top 10 most convenient parking spots close to all the festivities.
All you have to do is download the Indigo NEO app, search for any of these locations, and book your spot.
355 Sainte-Catherine Ouest
2 minute walk to venue
This 24/7 underground garage has 109 spaces available. It is located in the heart of Quartier des Spectacles, just steps from Place des Arts, where many MONTREAL EN LUMIÈRE events take place. It’s surrounded by lively bars, restaurants, and shopping options. Payment at this location is available on-site only.
1251 Rue Jeanne-Mance
3 minute walk to venue
Located in Complexe Desjardins, next to Quartier des Spectacles. This 24/7 underground garage has 1,042 spaces available, EV charging and offers quick access to festival performances, light installations, and outdoor activities. Payment at this location is available on-site only.
1071 Rue Saint-Urbain
9 minute walk to venue
Located in front of Complexe Desjardins, a two minute walk from the Quartier des spectacles. This underground lot is open from 6am to 11pm with128 spaces available. EV chargers are also available for use on-site.
2020 Boulevard Robert-Bourassa
9 minute walk to venue
Underground parking close to the Eaton Center and just a short walk from Square Victoria, it is open 24/7 with 173 spaces available. EV chargers are also available for use on-site. Payment at this location is available on-site only.
1 Place Ville Marie
13 minute walk to venue
This underground lot is open 24/7, with 916 spaces available. EV chargers are also available for use on-site. It’s close to some of the best dining spots in the city. Payment at this location is available on-site only.
249 Rue Saint-Antoine Ouest
10 minute walk to venue
Parking close to downtown tourist centers such as; Palais des congrès, Old Port, Quartier des spectacles, and Champ-de-Mars. This underground lot is open 24/7, with 1,283 spaces available. EV chargers are also available for use on-site. Payment at this location is available on-site only.
1500 Avenue McGill College
11 minute walk to venue
This parking lot is right by Eaton Centre and is surrounded by restaurants and cafés. The underground lot is open from 5:30am to 12am, with 307 spaces available. EV chargers are available for use on-site. Payment at this location is available on-site only.
629 Rue Saint-Antoine Ouest
14 minute walk to venue
This parking lot has direct access to OACI, square Victoria and the downtown underground network. This underground lot is open 24/7, with 360 spaces available. EV chargers are also available for use on-site.
900 Boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest
14 minute walk to venue
This parking lot is located in the Manuvie building at the corner of Metcalfe / Ste Catherine. This underground lot is open 24/7, with 350 spaces available. EV chargers are also available for use on-site. Payment at this location is available on-site only.
800 Rue de La Gauchetière
15 minute walk to venue
This parking lot is located in Place Bonaventure, Steps from the Bonaventure Metro. It is a 24/7 underground garage that has 761 spaces available, and EV charging.
The Best Places to Eat
With Gastronomy as a big part in this year’s festival, these participating restaurants are front and center of all the activities. Drop by any of these spots to experience the culinary expertise of many talented chefs.
Lola Rosa
276 Saint-Catherine St W
2 minute walk from venue
It is 100% plant based gourmet brunch. They offer classics with a twist to change people’s perception about plant based cuisine and what brunch can be with no eggs or cheese.
Restaurant Monème
1041 De Bleury St
9 minute walk from venue
This spot serves up beautifully plated, seasonal dishes in a cozy yet upscale setting. The menu is all about fresh ingredients and creative flavours, making it a great place to treat yourself during the festival.
Arthurs Nosh Bar (Le Cathcart)
1 Place Ville Marie
12 minute walk from venue
This spot is famous for its smoked salmon bagels, schnitzel sandwiches, and challah French toast. Whether you’re grabbing brunch or a quick bite, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Paparmane
209 Notre-Dame St W
14 minute walk from venue
Reservations for this restaurant is highly recommended. This place does a vibrant take on traditional English afternoon tea. Each guest receives a personalized three-tier tray featuring finger sandwiches, canapés, scones with cream and jam, and an assortment of petite pastries, served with one of 25 teas or herbal infusions.
Ferreira Café
1446 Peel St
15 minute walk from venue
From grilled fish to rich, flavourful meats, every dish is packed with bold flavours. The lively atmosphere and top-notch wine list make it the perfect place to enjoy a meal.
Bar George
1440 Drummond street
17 minute walk from venue
If you’re into historic charm and great food, Bar George is a must. This stylish spot serves up British-inspired classics like beef Wellington and oysters in a gorgeous old mansion. Whether you’re here for cocktails or a full meal, it’s a feast for the senses.
The Best Places to Grab a Drink
After taking in mouth-watering dishes, and experiencing all the MONTREAL EN LUMIÈRE festival has to offer, stop by any of these bars to unwind with your favourite cocktail or pint of beer.
NYKS
1250 Rue de Bleury
3 minute walk from venue
A laid-back pub with a great selection of craft beers and hearty comfort food. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual drink or a bite, this spot has a cozy, welcoming vibe that makes it easy to settle in.
Taverne Midway
1219 St Laurent Blvd
8 minute walk from venue
A Montreal classic with a lively atmosphere and killer cocktails. This historic tavern blends old-school charm with a modern twist, making it a great place to grab a drink, meet friends, and soak in the festival energy.
MVP Resto-Bar Sportif
200 St Catherine St E
11 minute walk from venue
The go-to spot for sports fans who don’t want to miss the game while enjoying a cold beer. With plenty of screens, a fun crowd, and solid pub-style eats, it’s a great choice for a relaxed night out during the festival.
Bar Tipsy Cow
3575 Av. du Parc #4110
11 minute walk from venue
If you love burgers and craft beer, Tipsy Cow has you covered. This casual bar serves up juicy burgers, creative cocktails, and local brews, making it the perfect place to refuel and unwind between festival events.
Mckibbins Irish Pub
3515 St Laurent Blvd
14 minute walk from venue
A lively Irish pub with great pints, live music, and a warm, friendly crowd. Whether you’re here for a Guinness, some classic pub fare, or just the fun atmosphere, it’s a guaranteed good time.
Ye Olde Orchard Pub & Grill
20 Prince Arthur St W
15 minute walk from venue
A cozy, British-style pub known for its comforting food and great beer selection. With a welcoming vibe and a menu full of hearty classics, it’s an easy choice for a laid-back night out.
Must-Do Activities
There’s a lot more to the MONTREAL EN LUMIÈRE event than art and food. Here is a short list of other activities you can get into during the 11-day festival.
Rita Baga
L’Olympia
February 26
Join Montreal’s own Rita Baga as she brings her vibrant energy to the stage, performing iconic ’80s hits and debuting songs from her upcoming album. It’s a night of glamour and entertainment you won’t want to miss.
Mustafa
Le National
February 27
Experience the soulful melodies of Mustafa, whose heartfelt performances have captivated audiences worldwide. His unique blend of folk and contemporary sounds promises an intimate and moving concert experience.
The Timbit Symphony
Place des Festivals
February 27-29, March 1-2,5-9
Embark on a fun-filled adventure with the Timbit hunt across the festival site. This immersive experience combines playful exploration with delightful surprises, making it a hit for all ages.
Barantanga’s Light-up Drums
Place des Festivals
February 27, March 8
Feel the rhythm with Baratanga’s interactive drumming sessions. Participants light up the night with illuminated drums, creating a vibrant, collective musical experience that’s both entertaining and energizing.
A Culinary Creation by Chef Oli
Village Gourmand
March 6
Delight your taste buds with innovative dishes crafted by Chef Oli (Olivier Louissaint). Known for his creative approach to cuisine, Chef Oli’s culinary demonstrations offer a feast for both the eyes and palate.
Disney on Ice: Let’s Dance
Bell Centre
March 6-9
Bring the whole family to enjoy beloved Disney characters performing on ice. This enchanting show combines classic stories with impressive skating routines, ensuring a magical experience for attendees of all ages.
Conclusion
With entertaining performances and incredible food, MONTREAL EN LUMIÈRE is a must-experience winter festival.
Make the most of it by planning ahead for parking—download the Indigo Neo app to find and book a spot hassle-free.
So bundle up, book your parking spot, hit the town and get ready to experience Montréal at its brightest!
