Guide to this winter’s major, not-to-be-missed events

Here, winter is much more than just a cold season. It’s an ongoing celebration of culture, creativity and community. From the big city to Gaspésie, and from the Abitibi forests to the shores of the St. Lawrence, every corner of the province has its own way of honouring the northern climate.

Our Guide invites you to discover, month by month, an avalanche of festivals and events where the snow sets the stage for winter fun. Put on your hat and warm boots, and explore how we celebrate winter... with sliding, music, steaming hot chocolate and a little treat. Of course!

November: Prelude to the cold season

Grey and dismal November? Not at all! Even though the snow may not have arrived yet, we’re already setting the stage (literally, since shows and events abound) for winter. And who said all the activities had to be held outdoors?

Highlighting the end of the harvest and local products

MTLàTABLE (October 30 to November 16)
A celebration of the culinary variety and richness of Montréal’s restaurants. All over the city, numerous restaurants (over 150!) offer table d’hôte dinner and brunch menus.

For foodies always on the hunt for gastronomic experiences, a similar event takes place in the Outaouais from October 30 to November 15, 2025.

Québec Table Gourmande (November 7 to 23)
The creativity and culinary know-how of chefs in the city of Québec will shine through at the 8th edition of Québec Table Gourmande (French only). The event involves some 70 restaurants offering exceptional tables d’hôte menus to help you discover new venues and experience unique flavours!

📷© V. Hunter

Music and intercultural encounters

Festival du Monde arabe de Montréal (October 31 to November 16)
Dedicated to the meeting of Arab and Western cultures, and focusing on the performing arts, culture and cinema, the Festival du Monde arabe de Montréal features original productions in dance, music, theatre and multidisciplinary arts.

Festival de musique TRAD Val-d’Or (November 5 to 9)
How about reliving the traditional Québec evening gatherings of our ancestors? An opportunity for traditional music enthusiasts, musicians and dancers to share their passion.

Salon du livre des Premières Nations (November 27 to 30)
This unique book fair features shows, interviews, workshops and children’s activities showcasing the richness of our Indigenous literature.

📷© Nicolas Ottawa

Easing into the holiday spirit

Parade des jouets (November 15)
The city of Québec’s Parade des jouets (French only) is Santa’s first stop around the world! A magical adventure where the imagination comes to life through magnificent floats, characters enacting mesmerizing tales, and lively shows.

Santa Claus Parade (November 22)
It’s the moment our inner child has been waiting for: This wonderful annual celebration that takes place on Boulevard René-Lévesque in downtown Montréal is the perfect way to usher in the holiday season!

Illuminated outing

LUMINO (from November 28) 
This event in Montréal's Quartier des spectacles invites you to explore some 20 interactive, contemplative and luminous works in the form of projections, installations and artistic performances, both indoors and out. An open-air polar adventure to experience and relive all winter long.

December: Christmas is around the corner

At this time of year, holiday lights and decorations abound, and the gentle snowflakes that fall start to stick around more permanently. It’s also a month of heart-warming reunions and celebrations.

Urban festivities: Québec and Montréal electrify the New Year

Noël dans le parc (December 5 to 24)
The city’s major holiday festival offers musical performances, entertainment and a wide range of activities in a magical setting.

Festival Kaléidoscopes (December 27 to 31)
Here, Old Québec comes alive with a kaleidoscope of emerging and traditional music. More than 30 free shows light up the three sites at the Festival Kaléidoscopes to cap off the year on a festive note!

Toboggan – New Year’s Nights (December 29 to 31)
This outdoor festival features electro and pop music and light shows in the heart of Old Québec. On December 31, the New Year’s Eve show attracts thousands of festival-goers for an unforgettable night.

Flavours and local products

December Wine Trail (dates to be confirmed)
All month long, on the Route des Vins de Brome-Missisquoi, the region’s vineyards open their doors for tastings, food and wine pairings and themed activities. It’s the perfect opportunity to taste Québec wines!

What’s more, there are numerous Christmas markets that take place across the province, showcasing artisanal and local products and adding a magical touch to the holiday season.

January: The northern climate in all its glory

January in Québec is the heart of winter. Snow blankets the landscape, temperatures are plunging, and the festivities are intensifying (because it’s best to keep moving to stay warm!). It’s time to make the most of the joys of winter, whether in the city or in nature. Everything is a good excuse to get outside and play.

Wintry vibe

Nuits Blanches at Bromont (January 10 and 24 & February 7, 21 and 28)
Bromont montagne d’expériences offers night skiing and a host of entertainment. It’s a big party under the stars!

Igloofest Montréal (January 15 to February 7)
This iconic electro festival transforms the quays of the Old Port into a frozen dance floor. A striking stage design, an igloo village and international DJs set festival-goers abuzz in a mind-blowing ambiance!

Family festivities and ice sculptures

Laval en blanc (January 23 to 25)
This festival offers a host of free outdoor activities: Sliding, skating, via ferrata, ziplining, shows, entertainment and fireworks. A wonderful way to enjoy the winter season as a family.

Domaine des flocons (January 30 to February 16, dates to be confirmed )
Located in Gatineau, the Winterlude site features obstacle courses, a maze, Olympic sports and acoustic shows for the whole family. Everything you need to have fun and stay warm!

Festival Saint-Côme en glace (January 31 to February 15)
The Saint-Côme en glace festival is a unique event in Lanaudière, and a great opportunity to admire impressive ice sculptures. Shows and activities for the young and old alike!

February: The height of winter

February is the month we thrive in the cold. The landscape is frozen, the snow abounds, lakes are frozen, streets are lit up and a multitude of events warm our hearts. If there’s one time of year when winter activities are at their peak, it’s in February. Here’s what’s on tap.

Art and snow: Open-air creativity

Saguenay en Neige (February 5 to 25)
This festival (French only) transforms the city of Sagunay into an ephemeral art gallery with nearly 200 snow sculptures! Free activities for the whole family, as well as numerous shows.

Humour and cocooning: Winter... Québec-style

Gougoune et Doudoune (February 6 to 15)
Presented by the Québec Winter Carnival, this entertaining family festival features a host of fun activities: 150-foot slide, giant ball pit, via ferrata, exhibition and games for the whole family. The idea? Bundle up, laugh off the winter cold and enjoy the season to the fullest.

📷© Audet Photo

Iconic carnival festivities

Les Hivernades de Saguenay (dates to be confirmed)
Les Hivernades is the region’s major winter break event! It features outdoor activities and shows to celebrate winter with the whole family.

Québec Winter Carnival (February 6 to 15)
This event needs no introduction! The world’s largest winter carnival, the Québec Winter Carnival awaits you with its parades, snow sculptures, festive evenings and the famous Bonhomme Carnaval.

Festival Feu et Glace (February 7 and 8)
A large outdoor gathering in Repentigny, with ice sculptures, shows, skating and fireworks awaits you at the Festival Feu et Glace!

Carnaval de Sherbrooke (February 20 to 22) 
The Carnaval d’hiver de Sherbrooke (French only) makes it its mission to create an exceptional and entertaining community experience, celebrating winter in all its splendour.

The frosty outdoors

Festi-Volant (February 7 and 8)
Discover stunt kiting at the Festi-Volant (French only), Québec’s biggest winter kite festival featuring shows, slides, igloos and fireworks.

Winter traditions and heritage

Festival de pêche aux petits poissons des chenaux (on week-ends, from January 31 to February 15)
The tomcod is the star of the Festival de pêche aux petits poissons des chenaux in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade! Ice fishing in a village of 350 huts, shows and entertainment.

Fête d’hiver de Saint-Jean-Port-Joli (February 20 to 22)
A veritable sculpture capital, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli presents ice masterpieces at this national ice sculpture event featuring professional artists, plus a host of family activities.

Music and culture combo

ArtikFest (February 19 to 21)
Electro music and culture in Trois-Rivières with top DJs, shows and after-artiks in downtown bars!

Montréal en Lumière (February 27 to March 7)
This winter festival showcases wintertime in Montréal with skating trails, light installations and gastronomy. For night owls, the event also includes the famous Nuit blanche, an all-nighter from February 28 to March 1 featuring dozens of cultural and artistic activities.

March: Snow, maple and cultural renewal

March in Québec is a transitional month. Winter’s still with us but the days are getting longer and the festivities are morphing into a celebration of imminent spring. We continue sliding, dancing, savouring, reflecting and getting together to enjoy winter right up to the last snowflake.

Maple flavours in the spotlight

Cabane Panache (March 19 to 22)
An urban lumberjack camp in Verdun, right on Promenade Wellington. Lively traditional music, sugar shack food and local beers. Nothing but the best for celebrating the sugaring-off season!

The art of the 7th art

Festival International du Film sur l’Art (FIFA) (March 12 to 19)
With its screenings, artist profiles, biographical films and media works, the FIFA literally celebrates art in all its forms.

Winter traditions and heritage

Festival de la Banquise (March 6 to 8)
This winter festival (French only) in Portneuf celebrates the river’s ice floe with outdoor activities, shows and entertainment for all. It’s a great way to discover the St. Lawrence in winter, and learn all about ice canoeing.

St. Patrick’s Day parades (dates to come)
Held in Montréal and the Québec, these parades celebrate Irish heritage with floats, bands and traditional dances.

Sub-zero electro

Igloofest Québec (March 5 to 7)
The Québec’s edition of the world-famous electro festival takes place in the downtown core, with DJs and a wintry ambiance.