10 Things to Do in Montreal in January

If you want to visit Montreal and stay away from the crowds, save money on tours and accommodation and make the most of the snowy attractions, then January can be an ideal month for your trip, as it's a time when you'll find the city with the ideal winter weather for sports and some of Canada's best scenery.

Some of the best things to see and do in Montreal in January include visiting the Festival of Lights, attending the closing of the Christmas Market, checking out the city's best exhibits at discounted prices during Museum Night, experiencing White Night, taking part in the Soup Festival and having fun at the Comedy Festival.

The Montreal Festival of Lights in January is a magical event that illuminates the city with its splendour. During this month, Montréal becomes a stage full of striking colours and glowing lights that bring the streets and buildings to life.

The festival offers a unique experience for visitors, with a variety of light installations and interactive art on display in every corner of the city. From stunning projections on building facades to luminous art installations in parks and squares, each site is transformed into a masterpiece of light and creativity.

In addition to the light displays, the festival also offers a wide range of activities to enjoy. Visitors can indulge in delicious street food while browsing the various street markets and food stalls that are set up especially for the event and are usually included in the best tours of Montreal.

One of the highlights of the Montreal Festival of Lights in January is the fireworks display. The skies are lit up with bursts of colour and shapes, creating a dazzling spectacle that will leave you in awe.

If you're planning to visit Montreal's exhibits on Museum Night in January, you'll be happy to know that there are several ways to get discounts and make the most of this unique cultural experience. During this special date, museums open their doors for free or at reduced prices, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the city's rich cultural offerings.

One way to get discounts is to do your research in advance and check the websites of participating museums, which usually include Montreal's best museums.

In addition, some museums offer additional discounts if you buy your tickets online in advance or if you buy them in combination packages to visit multiple exhibitions. Other major attractions in the city, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica, often join the initiative.

In addition, during the Night of the Museums you can also find discounts for using the city's public transport, tour buses or Montreal bike tours.

Attending the closing of the Montreal Christmas Market is an enchanting experience that combines the magic of the holiday season with the vibrant energy of the city. Throughout the month of December, this market becomes a meeting point for locals and tourists looking to get into the festive spirit, and in January, the closing ceremony is organised.

The market offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from strolls through stalls decorated with festive lights and enticing aromas to stalls where you'll find unique handicrafts, food, gifts and Christmas decorations that will transport you to a magical world of enchantment.

In addition to Christmas shopping, the market has a varied entertainment programme. From live concerts and dance performances to theatrical presentations and activities for the little ones, it's one of the best things to do in Montreal with children.

The closing of the Christmas Market in January is a special event. This last day is celebrated with a ceremony full of lights, music and fireworks, marking the end of the season. Also, as it is an important event for the city, you can travel at a discount on Montreal's public transport and sightseeing buses on this day.

To enjoy the Igloofest electronic party in Montreal in January is to immerse yourself in an experience that combines vibrant music, dazzling lights and a warm festive atmosphere in the middle of winter. This annual event attracts electronic music lovers from all over the world looking for a night full of fun and energy.

Igloofest takes place on the iconic Quai Jacques-Cartier, where impressive stages and giant ice structures create a magical atmosphere. Attendees dress up in their festive attire and gather to dance to the beats of renowned international DJs performing live.

Despite the cold winter weather, Igloofest manages to keep attendees warm. The outdoor spaces are equipped with warm-up areas, fire pits and rest areas so that visitors can recharge their batteries while enjoying the performances.

In addition, there is a wide variety of dining options, from street food to delicious cocktails, to suit all tastes and keep everyone happy and satisfied.

If you want to sample the best local flavours, you can't miss the Montreal Chocolate Festival, which is a truly irresistible experience for those with a sweet tooth. During this annual event, the city is filled with unmissable aromas and delicious treats that captivate visitors.

The Chocolate Festival offers a wide variety of activities and exhibitions celebrating chocolate. From artisan chocolate tastings to chef demonstrations and interactive workshops, there are options to satisfy every craving and pique the interest of chocolate enthusiasts.

Visitors can enjoy the opportunity to sample unique creations and experience unusual flavour combinations. In addition to traditional chocolates and chocolate bars, you'll find ice cream, desserts and hot drinks, all made with the highest quality and visually stunning presentation, making it one of the best things to do during the winter in Montreal.

Montreal's Nuit Blanche in January is a unique cultural and artistic experience that immerses the city in a vibrant and creative atmosphere. During this night, numerous cultural spaces, galleries and museums open their doors to the public until the wee hours of the morning, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide variety of events and exhibitions.

La Nuit Blanche offers a diverse programme ranging from contemporary art exhibitions and live performances to audiovisual screenings and concerts. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the city and discover new talents and artistic proposals in every corner.

One of the most outstanding features of La Noche en Blanco is the interaction between the public and the artists. Many exhibitions and events are interactive, allowing visitors to actively participate and be part of the artistic creation.

Nuit Blanche is also an excellent opportunity to explore neighbourhoods and districts not normally associated with the cultural scene, as stages are found in every corner of the city, so you can combine this event with a night tour of Montreal.

Montreal is home to a number of comedy shows, so if you're planning a trip in January, you'll be in for a treat at the Montreal Comedy Festival. This internationally renowned festival attracts leading comedians from around the world who come together to delight audiences with their wit and sense of humour.

During this event, the city becomes a vibrant, laughter-filled stage. The various theatres, performance halls and cultural venues are filled with live comedy performances ranging from monologues to improvisation and musical comedy shows. In addition, there are shows that last no more than 30 minutes, making it compatible with a short stay in the city. If that's your case, here are some ideas for discovering Montreal in 2 days.

In addition to the main shows, the festival also offers additional activities, such as comedy workshops, panel discussions and special events. These activities allow comedy lovers to get even closer to their favourite comedians, learn about the art of making people laugh and enjoy an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun.

The Montreal Comedy Festival in January is a unique experience that brings the community together and fosters joy and humour in the middle of winter. During these days, the city is filled with infectious laughter and a festive atmosphere that lifts the spirits of all who attend.

Experiencing the Montreal Winter Jazz Festival is one of the best ways to escape the city's cold weather. This annual festival attracts talented jazz musicians of international renown, making the city a musical epicentre for jazz lovers from around the world.

During the Winter Jazz Festival, the city fills up with live concerts, jam sessions and special events at a variety of venues and iconic locations. From large theatres to small jazz clubs, such as the famous Gregory's, each space is transformed into a magical place where live music in all its forms and genres can be enjoyed.

The festival programme includes a wide variety of jazz styles, from traditional and swing to contemporary and experimental jazz. Attendees have the opportunity to discover new talent, as well as enjoy performances by internationally renowned artists. The musicians' musical quality and passion are palpable in every note, creating a unique listening experience.

Participating in the Montreal Soup Festival in January is a delicious experience that will delight your senses and immerse you in the city's rich culinary tradition. During this annual festival, local chefs and restaurants come together to present a wide variety of delicious soups, ranging from traditional to innovative.

The Soup Festival is the perfect opportunity to sample different flavours and explore Montreal's gastronomic diversity. Participants can browse the food stalls and enjoy small tastings of soups from every region and style imaginable. From creamy and comforting soups to light and spicy broths, there are options for every palate.

In addition to the soup tasting, the festival also offers complimentary activities and entertainment. You can enjoy live cooking demonstrations, masterclasses by leading chefs and competitions where participants showcase their soup-making skills.

These activities add an interactive and educational element to the festival, which is as traditional in the Montreal winter as enjoying winter sports or attending an ice hockey game.

For a traditional Montreal experience, you can't miss Poutine Week, which celebrates one of the city's most iconic dishes. During this special week, local restaurants and establishments offer a variety of versions of the famous poutine, a delicious dish that combines french fries, squeaky cheese and gravy.

Poutine is a true symbol of Montreal gastronomy and Poutine Week is the perfect time to sample different variations of this delicacy. From classic poutines to gourmet creations with innovative ingredients, there are options for all tastes and preferences. In some cases, this event extends into February in Montreal, depending on the calendar.

The festival is not limited to poutine tasting. Poutine competitions are also organised, where chefs demonstrate their skills in the creation of this traditional preparation. In addition, special events such as culinary demonstrations, beer tastings and food pairings are held to further enhance the gastronomic experience.

Temperatures in Montreal in January can be quite cold due to the winter weather that prevails in the city during this time of year. On average, daytime temperatures range between -10°C and -5°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop below -15°C. Frequent snowfall and very low wind chill are common.

Nevertheless, in January the city prepares for the cold temperatures and offers a variety of activities and attractions that allow residents and visitors to enjoy the winter. From ice skating to festivals, there are plenty of options to enjoy the outdoors.

Tourism in Montreal in January tends to be a little lower compared to other months of the year due to the cold temperatures and wintry conditions. However, the city remains an attractive destination for those looking to enjoy the unique charms of winter.

Despite the lower tourist numbers, the city offers a number of special events and festivals during the month of January to attract visitors, although you will generally only encounter a larger number of visitors if you plan to visit Montreal in March and the following months.

Prices in Montreal in January can be more favourable for visitors as it is considered the low season in tourist terms. Prices for accommodation, flights and activities tend to be lower compared to peak tourist months. This is because demand is lower during this time of year.

In addition, many restaurants and shops offer special promotions and seasonal menus highlighting local winter produce. This allows visitors to enjoy the city's rich gastronomic offer at more affordable prices. You can also find discounts on tickets to cultural events and festivals taking place in January.

During the winter the temperature in Montreal drops significantly, so if you're planning to travel in January I recommend packing the following:

• Winter coats
• Waterproof and comfortable boots
• Warm socks
• Waterproof and tactile gloves
• Woollen hats
• Woollen scarves
• Sunglasses
• Woollen jumpers
• Fleece trousers
• Thermal fleece
• Rain jacket
• Umbrella
• Snow shoes