MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, presented in collaboration with Scotiabank, is now on until March 5, 2023, under the theme Discover the best of Montreal in winter.
Once again this year, festival-goers will be able to skate on the magnificent Ice Skating Loop high above Place des Festivals, bask in the glow light installations, ride the Grande roue and take advantage of tons of free activities during spring break.
This also marks the 20th anniversary of Nuit blanche, with multiple shows happening in venues throughout the Quartier des spectacles.
The Gastronomy programming, presented by ScotiaWealth Management returns to share its legendary hospitality once again.
Some 40 Montréal restaurants and venues will be welcoming international and local chefs and producers, while downtown will be buzzing with gourmet activities.
Air France Finest Tables
Invite a chef, a wine grower or a producer from here or abroad, pair them with one of the city’s restaurants and let this special mix work its magic in kitchens and venues city-wide: that’s the hugely successful recipe behind the Air France Finest Tables, which is back better than ever this year.
In 2023, Montréal welcomes France, Canada, Italia, Belgium, Switzerland and Scandinavia: more than 30 chefs, including a dozen chefs from northern Europe, will be here to dazzle us with their creativity.
Among them are Benoit Neusy (Michelin star chef, restaurant l’Impératif au Domaine d’Arondeau, France) at La Chronique, Romain Meder (Michelin star chef, Domaine de Primard, Guainville, France) at Mastard, Ina Niiniketo (Sikke’s, Helskinki) at Ratafia, and Lionel Lévy (Michelin star chef, InterContinental Marseille) at Osco!
Wine growers, such as Julien Labet, who will be welcomed by Menu Extra, and Laurent Cazottes at Chez Victoire, will also be joining in the festivities.
In addition to traditional tasting menus, the Air France Finest Tables will feature other palate-popping experiences, such as exclusive lunches, brunches, 5 à 7 (happy hours), not to mention delicious confections in partnership with Cacao Barry and Esprits libres, a rare treat for those with a sweet tooth out there.
Participating Restaurants
- Au Petit Extra
- Auberge Saint-Gabriel
- Bar George
- Barroco
- Beaufort Bistro
- Beaver Hall
- Bivouac
- Blanc Bec (ITHQ)
- Cabaret L’Enfer
- Chez Victoire
- État-Major
- Ferreira Café
- foiegwa
- FOXY
- Galaxie Brasserie
- Hélicoptère
- Ikanos
- Kamùy
- La Chronique
- Le Mousso
- Le Virunga
- Lloyd
- Maison Boulud
- Mastard
- Menu Extra
- Monarque
- Monème
- Mon Lapin
- Okeya Kyujiro
- Osco!
- Pastel
- Ratafia
- Renoir (Sofitel Montréal)
- Restaurant de l’ITHQ
- Restaurant h3
- Rosélys (Hôtel Reine Élizabeth)
- Rose Ross
- Terrasse Nordheimer
- Toqué!
Couette & Gastronomie Packages
While tourists from here and afar spend summers exploring the many regions of Québec, in winter it’s a different story as the city turns into a pulsing hub with the one-of-a-kind urban experiences of MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE.
Once again this year, visitors will love the popular Couette & Gastronomie Packages.
Hotels and restaurants will be taking part to whet everyone’s appetites with gourmet tasting experiences indoors.
- Auberge du Vieux-Port (and its Taverne Gaspar restaurant)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Montréal
- Embassy Suites by Hilton
- Fairmont Le Reine Elizabeth
- Hôtel Monville
- Hôtel William Gray (and its Maggie Oakes restaurant)
- L’Intercontinental Montréal
- Le Petit Hôtel
- Lofts du Vieux-Port
Spring Break Family Package
For the first time ever, the festival will offer an exclusive package at the Monville and Double Tree hotels during spring break. It will include:
- 1 night in a regular room for 2 adults and 2 children
- 4 breakfasts
- 4 tickets to Coucou Passe-Partout, le spectacle (February 28 at 3 p.m. at Théâtre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts)
Special Events
Les Apéros MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, presented by Vins Côtes du Rhône and hosted by Michelle Bouffard in the charming setting of L’Arrière-Scène in Esplanade Tranquille, will take place from February 16 to 26.
Then, a conference on culinary identity, in partnership with the Société du réseau ÉCONOMUSÉE (February 23), will round out the menu.
Quartier Gourmand
The Quartier Gourmand, the cherry on top, will take place for the first time in the hall of Place des Arts (Espace culturel Georges-Émile Lapalme), a spot that allows it to fully embrace its mission of democratizing Québec terroir products.
Over the course of two weekends (February 18-19, and 25-26, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.), this special site will offer over 20 free activities, including conferences, tastings as well as culinary demonstrations and workshops.
Of these 20 free workshops, four captivating and appetizing workshops will be hosted by Mordu, Radio-Canada’s gourmet platform at 3:45 p.m.
On Saturday, February 25, Indigenous cuisine will be in the spotlight when Amine Laabi introduces us to Indigenous culinary traditions alongside Anora Lia Collier and his mother.
Sustainable foods are the headliners of Sunday, February 19, as Geneviève O’Gleman shares unique and easy ideas on how to transform food headed for the garbage into tasty gourmet dishes.