Founded by Alain Simard<\/strong> in 2000 with the support of downtown Montr\u00e9al\u2019s driving forces, including Tourisme Montr\u00e9al,<\/a> the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montr\u00e9al and the Ville de Montr\u00e9al as well as the Quebec government, Montr\u00e9al en Lumi\u00e8re<\/a> has become one of the biggest winter festivals in the world. Each year, it welcomes thousands of festivalgoers to discover hundreds of activities through its gourmet experiences, which showcase the best of the local culinary scene; its free, festive and unifying downtown outdoor site that is home to the unique aerial Skating Loop; its must-see indoor shows as well as Nuit blanche, a dusk-to-dawn event that takes thousands of night owls on a fun-filled winter adventure via a multitude of city-wide cultural activities.<\/p>\n The 2026 edition was unveiled at a press conference held last week at the McCord Stewart Museum, home of the exciting new exhibit On The Menu<\/em>. It is being presented by Loto-Qu\u00e9bec in collaboration with National Bank from Feb. 20 to March 7.<\/p>\n On the docket is a a nostalgic epicurean itinerary inspired by Montreal\u2019s culinary history, in partnership with the McCord Stewart Museum; the return of Air France Finest Tables and Brunches en Lumi\u00e8re; a series of indoor concerts, including Montreal premieres by Loud<\/strong> and by Lou-Adriane Cassidy<\/strong>; and free outdoor programming organized around crowd favorites, with DJ Perceval<\/strong> on the opening set. The highlight of the festival, the Nuit Blanche, presented by National Bank in collaboration with the Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de transport de Montr\u00e9al (STM) and with the support of the City of Montreal, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 28<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s nothing better for morale and health than eating with friends, seeing shows and playing outside,\u201d said Alexandra Diaz<\/strong>, proud spokesperson for a third consecutive year. \u201cI\u2019m thrilled to spread the word again this year about the festival\u2019s enticing programming!\u201d<\/p>\n Despite undergoing aggressive chemotherapy, Diaz did attend last week\u2019s press conference. We also heard from culinary giant Yves Lowe<\/strong>, the executive chef for the Bell Centre and the Montreal Canadiens. Montr\u00e9al en Lumi\u00e8re is owned by Group CH, the parent organization for the Habs.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s theme will be 65 years of Montreal\u2019s Gastronomy, echoing the On the Menu – Montreal: A Restaurant Story exhibition<\/a> at the McCord Stewart Museum. Chefs from near and far will revisit the city\u2019s culinary past with nostalgic menus and activities as part of the Air France Finest Tables.<\/p>\n Participants will have the choice of 80 plus Air France tables, 25 plus Michelin stars, nine restaurants from the world\u2019s 50 best, 29 new dining establishments on the roster (including the Snowdon Deli and Siamo Noi from Royalmount), 90 plus culinary chefs from outside of Quebec and Canada, 49 international pairings, 30 Canada pairings and more<\/p>\n Go to https:\/\/montrealenlumiere.com<\/a>. I will have more news to share as the event draws near.<\/p>\n SARAH SEGAL LAZAR:<\/strong> Celebrate 50 years of songs from 1975, a banner year for music. Sarah Segal-Lazar & the Dream Weavers<\/em><\/a> will light up the stage at the Segal Centre<\/a> on Wed. Dec. 17 (7:30 pm) with a powerful full-band tribute to the songs that defined a generation. From the poetry of Bob Dylan and wild energy of The Who to the sultry harmonies of Patti LaBelle and pop prowess of ABBA, they\u2019ll bring 1975’s greatest hits to you live. Equal parts nostalgia and celebration, Golden Year: Hits of 1975 isn\u2019t just a concert\u2014it\u2019s a time machine set to the soundtrack of one unforgettable year. Featuring a special opening acoustic set of hits from 1975 by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Ben Paquette.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sarah Segal-Lazar<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Rooted in the storytelling traditions of folk and shaped by the eclectic energy of Montreal\u2019s arts scene, Sarah Segal-Lazar & the Dream Weavers are a genre-bending band, fusing folk, rock, blues, and country into a sound entirely their own. Comprised of Sarah Segal-Lazar, Elijah Fisch, Alex Lepanto<\/strong>, and Gideon Yellin, the band’s members have toured internationally, as well as performed at legendary Canadian festivals like Ottawa Jazz Fest, Bluesfest, and the Granville Green Concert Series. Between them, they\u2019ve written musicals, scored orchestras, composed for video games, and packed houses in both indie clubs and classical halls. Their music has landed on international radio and earned a nomination for Folk Music Ontario\u2019s 2024 Recording Artist of the Year. Bringing their chemistry and artistry to every performance, the band has specially selected their favourite songs from 1975, sure to get music lovers of all genres singing along. Tickets: sarahsegalmusic.com\/tickets<\/a><\/p>\n LUMINO FESTIVAL:\u00a0<\/strong> Last Wednesday marked the official launch of the 16th edition of the Lumino Festival<\/a>.\u00a0 initiated and produced by the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, Lumino presents an original, captivating and participatory winter experience featuring light and sound installations in public spaces. The Honeyrose Hotel, Montreal<\/a> \u2013 Tribute Portfolio is participating in this year\u2019s festival by being one of five hotels to host the installation\u201d Les Voyageurs\u201d, produced by French artist, C\u00e9dric Le Borgne.<\/strong> Les Voyageurs (Travellers) is an installation featuring luminous humanoid and animal figures \u2013 mysterious explorers contemplating the city. Whether looking down from the sky or hiding amidst the crowd on the street, they watch and float between dreams and reality. Visit the five locations where you can see these fantastical characters, and let their surrealistic yet familiar presence inspire you to dream. Join them and let your spirit soar! It will be on until March 8.<\/p>\n TIME OUT:<\/strong> Here is some news on the upcoming holiday programming at Time Out Market Montr\u00e9al<\/a>! at Eaton Centre. From now until Jan. 4, indulge in an exclusive holiday menu crafted by the chefs and restaurants at Time Out Market Montr\u00e9al. This year\u2019s menu features comforting, gourmet dishes such as Climats\u2019 duck confit, Bossa\u2019s<\/em> beef carpaccio, Chicken Korma at Le Taj,<\/em> a variety of festive beverages and cookies from Tunnel Espresso<\/em>, and much more. This sounds like the perfect way to savor the magic of the Holidays\u2014one bite at a time! Time Out Market Montreal will welcome the vocal trio Hummingbirds<\/em> for two festive performances: Sat.\u00a0 Dec. 14, Noon to\u00a0 3 p.m; and Sat. Dec. 21, Noon to 3 p.m. The Market will once again transform into a magical holiday setting to welcome Santa Claus on Dec. 14 and 21, from Noon p.m. to 3 p.m. With festive colors, twinkling lights, and an enchanting atmosphere, it\u2019s the perfect place to enjoy the city\u2019s best chef-made dishes while immersing yourself in the spirit of the Holidays. Info: https:\/\/www.timeoutmarket.com\/montreal\/en<\/a><\/p>\n ROYALMOUNT ACTIVITIES:<\/strong> Montreal\u2019s premier lifestyle destination, Royalmount,<\/a> is rolling out a festive weekend lineup that\u2019s perfect for getting into the spirit. Last Thursday, singer Caroline Vreeland\u2019s<\/em> jazz-infused vocals set to the smooth tones of a baby grand piano enthralled shoppers in front of the Wishing Bear. A live performance of the Nutracker followed on Dec. 6, performed by students from l\u2019\u00c9cole sup\u00e9rieure de ballet du Qu\u00e9bec<\/a> and musicians from Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al\u2019s Jazz Band<\/a>. Until Dec. 12, Royalmount\u2019s annual holiday giveaway series continues, featuring over $30,000 in gifts and prizes. Readers can follow along on social media for daily surprises, with a major grand prize revealed on the final day.<\/p>\n EYES WIDE OPEN:<\/strong> Professor Norman Cornett<\/strong> presents ”Eyes Wide Open” an exhibit of Montreal artists originally from Guatemala the Netherlands Cambodia France Korea and Romania at Eclats Art Contemporain (372 St-Catherine West,Suite 521) from now until Jan. 12. It is free and open to the public daily. Info: professeur.norman.cornett@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brigitte Pace<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n
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