Over a week has passed since we celebrated the arrival of 2025. For many of us, this means that we have already settled back into our usual routines. But, just because the holidays are over, doesn’t mean that there aren’t still fun events taking place! Here is a list of some of the things to do in Montreal after the New Year.
Igloofest (January 16 to February 8, 2025)
Celebrate the 17th anniversary of Igloofest at the Old Port of Montreal! This year, on top of the yearly icy decor, the lineup of international artists includes Michael Bibi, Tali Rose, DJ Minx, Félix Patry, Willwalsh, Imanu, Jeska, Marie Davidson, Claptone, Zeds Dead, Bon Entendeur, Apashe and many more! (Click here for a full lineup and schedule). Or, if you want to jump right in and buy tickets, you can do so here (quantities limited).
You can also have fun at the FREE Event Igloovillage where you can take part in the Tackiest Snowsuit contest. Are you looking to party late into the night? Igloofest Après-Ski is offering multiple shows starting after 10 PM at multiple locations. This includes New City Gas and Auberge Saint Gabriel. For more information, follow the Vieux-Port de Montreal on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
For The Foodies: La Poutine Week (February 1 to 7, 2025)
If you love poutine as much as we do, you’ll be thrilled to know about La Poutine Week. Running from February 1st to 7th all across Canada at select locations, poutine is taking over numerous cities. Each year, the festival features over 1,000 restaurants and attracts more than 500,000 participants! (If you’d like to participate in the event, the deadline is January 15th. Click here for more information and to sign up).
From the classic poutine to new variations, local chefs will be sharing their exclusive poutines. Afterward, diners can vote for their favorites. This year is a bit different too! There will be the added theme of “Around The World”. This will open the doors for different flavor profiles like never before. “Whether you draw inspiration from Asia, Europe, the Americas, or beyond, it’s your chance to take your customers on a flavor journey!”
If the restaurant has signed up to do so, $1 from each poutine sold will be donated to Food Banks Canada. It’s such a great initiative! More about this can be found on their FAQ page.
More information on the various locations of the event can be found on their official website, Facebook page, and Instagram.
Montréal en Lumière & Nuit Blanche (February 27th- March 9th)
From February 27th to March 9th, Montréal en Lumière is one of Montreal’s favorite winter festivals. With food, drinks, free outdoor activities, workshops, and live music, there’s a lot of fun to be had. Take one look at the list of both national and international guests who will be in attendance this year! For a full program of events, click here.
The outdoor site and the Loto-Québec Skating Loop are free of charge and open to all. Everyone can have a great time! And, don’t forget! Montréal en Lumière kicks off Nuit Blanche on March 1st from 5PM to 3AM.
The full schedule along with more details about Nuit Blanche is being released at some point in February 2025. We’ll keep you posted! In the meantime, you can check out their official website and Facebook page.
Outdoor Activities
Events like the ones mentioned above are fantastic ways to make memories but they’re not the only ways. Are you making a point of being more active in 2025? Or do you have a goal of breathing in the fresh air more often? There are many ways to do so in Montreal throughout the rest of the Winter months.
Skating
Most municipalities have local skating rinks. We encourage you to find the one(s) closest to you for the most easily accessible options. If you would rather have a change in scenery, there are many great skating rinks around the Montreal area.
For example, Parc La Fontaine is known for offering winding skating paths that are fun for the whole family. Access to the ice rinks is free, with additional costs for skates and/or padlock rentals, skate sharpening, helmets and skater stands.
Patin Patin offers even more information on four different skating locations around Montreal. You can also book for groups of 15+ people if you plan to do a larger group outing.
Before heading out, we recommend verifying the list of open rinks on the Ville de Montreal’s website. This page will let you know if the rink is open. It also provides the conditions of skating rinks in parks in every borough. No one likes showing up to a rink that is in bad condition! It’s definitely worth checking beforehand!
Mount Royal
Mount Royal is iconic in Montreal and it offers many opportunities for everyone who loves winter sports. While it is the perfect place to do bird-watching, there are many other activities to try.
You can participate in snowshoeing treks and glide downhill on a snow tube. Or, enjoy over 22km of cross-country ski trails with (or without) instructors. Of course, you can’t forget about skating on Beaver Lake! Please refer to their official website for the conditions of their parks and rinks for updated information.
For all other information regarding opening hours, rates, and groups, please visit their official website here.
Parc Jean Drapeau
Parc Jean Drapeau is a popular spot for Montrealers and tourists alike year-round. During the winter season, you can enjoy Slide and Groove musical events on Saturdays. At these events, you can dance to DJ setlists or skate along to the music.
Artists such as DJ Debbie Tebbs, DJ Hermano, DJ Thatz, DJ Sugarface Belfo, and DJ Kelly will provide all of the music you need to skate to the beat and stay warm. Surrounded by the perfect lighting to set the ambiance, it’s a great way to spend time outdoors after the sun has set. Click here for the DJ schedules and more information.
Note: The events are free. However, parking is not so be prepared to pay if you are not taking public transportation. A full map of the area with parking and the metro location can be seen here.
Montreal provides many opportunities to experience fun events both indoors and outdoors. It’s time to take full advantage of all the Winter activities the city has to offer before a new season begins. Is there an upcoming event that you’d like others to know about? Do you think you have found the perfect place to spend a snowy day in Montreal? Let us know about it! We’d love to spread the word.
