From February 27 to March 9, this year’s edition will feature world-class gastronomy from 64 participating restaurants, including 15 Michelin stars, 2 Green stars, and over 90 guest chefs, sommeliers, and winemakers from eight different countries—a festival record!
Returning for its 26th edition, Canada’s largest gourmet festival, and Montreal’s largest winter festival, once again showcases the city’s top-notch gastronomic scene, acclaimed international chefs, and cultural offerings – including free outdoor activities, live performances, ice skating, and the popular Nuit Blanche.
Read about last year’s Montreal en Lumiere Festival
The only event in Canada to welcome such a large number of chefs from around the world, highlights for the 2025 edition will focus on two major themes. Women chefs, sommeliers, and winemakers will be in the spotlight and represent more than 70 percent of the guests featured in the gourmet program, which starts on February 20. The art of pastry will also be celebrated with 12 master pastry chefs featured, including nine internationally renowned chefs.
“Reinventing ourselves and staying relevant has always been the Festival’s mission. We’re reflecting on the global culinary scene while celebrating diversity by highlighting women—from chefs and sommeliers to pastry chefs and winegrowers. A dynamic pulse and fresh energy run through this year’s program. You can feel the excitement in every corner, and the positive response has been remarkable.” – Julie Martel, Manager, Gastronomy Program.
Photo by Marie Victorine Manoa. At Mon Lapin for Montreal en Lumiere.
Key gastronomic events: Air France Finest Tables
Central to the festival, Air France Finest Tables pairs local and international chefs, winemakers, and producers with Montreal’s top restaurants. Some of this year’s highlights include:
- Le Club Chasse et Pêche welcomes sommelier Etheliya Hananova and chef Noam Gedalof, owners of Comice, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris. Noam offers a signature cuisine that highlights French products, while Etheliya, who was part of the Club Chasse et Pêche team for several years, is known for her instinctive food and wine pairings.
- Daniela Soto-Innes, the youngest chef and the first Mexican to receive the title of World’s Best Female Chef, awarded by *The World’s 50 Best Restaurants* ranking, and Arianna Occhipinti, hailed as a leader of a new generation of Sicilian winemakers, join the Foxy team.
- Michelin-starred chef Adeline Grattard, seen on Chef’s Table, will take over the kitchen at Bar St-Denis with a menu inspired by her Parisian restaurant Yam’Tcha,
“What truly sets Montréal en Lumière apart is the human connection. Yes, we indulge in unique dishes and gourmet menus, but meeting the chefs—local and international—as they step out of the kitchen to share their creations and engage with guests is the real highlight.” – Julie Martel
Joe Beef. Photo by Alison Slattery.
Other gastronomic programming highlights
- Les Brunchs en Lumière: Back for a second edition, over 25 restaurants will feature unique brunch creations on the morning after the iconic Nuit Blanche.
- Tea Time: Afternoon tea is making its debut on the festival programming this year with 10 participating restaurants with curated tea and pastry pairings presented by local and international experts.
- Les Apéros Montréal en Lumière: This year’s festive happy hours will feature four wine-tasting workshops and two Paint & Sip workshops during the Nuit blanche.
- Chez Canton: A special addition for 2025, Chez Canton offers a spot for family and friends to warm up with fondue or comforting soup.
- The all-new Village Gourmand offers free activities by local and international chefs and exclusive and affordable menus by Menu Extra.
“You could spend the entire day at the Festival—brunch, our new afternoon tea, happy hour, then dinner. There’s something for every taste, every budget, and every age to enjoy.” – Julie Martel
Les Aperos Montreal en Lumiere (photo by Benoit Rousseau).
Beyond gastronomy: cultural and winter attractions
While food and wine take centre stage, Montréal en Lumière is also renowned for turning the downtown core into a magical winter playground.
- Nuit Blanche: Over 100 free events, including museum and art gallery installations, live music, dance performances, and more, invite attendees to experience Montreal’s artistic and cultural side late into the night.
- Illuminated skating trail: Glide through a luminous winter wonderland on this downtown ice trail.
- Art and multimedia installations: Experience cutting-edge visual art projects that blend technology and creativity, including larger-than-life art pieces debuting exclusively at the Festival.
- Live music & performances with local artists taking centre stage.
- Family-friendly fun with interactive art exhibits, ice-sculpting demonstrations, and outdoor slides.
Plan your visit
Presented by Loto-Québec in collaboration with National Bank, Montréal en Lumière 2025 promises to be a journey through the best of Montreal’s winter. For more information, including the complete programming and list of participating restaurants, visit montrealenlumiere.com.
