Winter festivals 2027 with kids: Quebec Winter Carnival, Winterlude, Montréal en Lumière
Quebec winters are meant to be celebrated outdoors! Here are the big 2027 winter festivals designed for families, with their dates, plus a few light trails to tide you over during the holidays.
In short: Winterlude (Gatineau and Ottawa) kicks things off on January 29 with free outdoor activities; the Quebec Winter Carnival follows from February 5 to 14; Montréal en Lumière closes the season from February 18 to 28, with spring-break programming.
The big 2027 festivals
1. Winterlude (Bal de Neige) 2027 — January 29 to February 15
The capital region's big winter festival, on both sides of the river: snow tubing, ice sculptures, shows and free outdoor activities for the whole family.
- Outdoor sites in Gatineau and Ottawa
- Free outdoor activities
- See the event
2. Quebec Winter Carnival 2027 — February 5 to 14
The world's biggest winter carnival: night parades with Bonhomme, snow and ice sculptures, slides, games, maple taffy on snow and a visit to Bonhomme's Ice Palace.
- Place de l'Assemblée-Nationale and Place George-V, Quebec City
- Pass required for ages 13 and up; younger kids don't need one
- See the event
3. Montréal en Lumière 2027 — February 18 to 28
Montreal's winter festival, with an outdoor site downtown, shows and special spring-break programming.
- Downtown Montreal
- See the event
To tide you over during the holidays
4. Festilumi — until January 3, 2027
A 1.5 km outdoor light trail with 13 themed worlds, including a dinosaur world and a light maze. Allow 60 to 90 minutes.
- Marché Central, Montreal
- Stroller-friendly
- See the event
5. Le Village illuminé Desjardins — December 5 to 31, 2026
The Village québécois d'antan lights up: over 2 km of lights, a Christmas market, carols and a family quest.
- Village québécois d'antan, Drummondville
- Tickets on sale from November 19
- See the event
6. Christmas markets
For Montreal's Grand Marché de Noël, the Atwater Market Christmas Village and Quebec City's German Christmas Market, see our article on Christmas markets 2026.
Our tips
- Dress kids in layers, with a neck warmer, spare mittens and hand warmers: you'll spend hours outside.
- The Carnival's night parades are very popular: arrive early for a good spot.
- For more February ideas, see our article on spring break 2027.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dates of the 2027 Quebec Winter Carnival?
February 5 to 14, 2027.
Is the Quebec Winter Carnival free for kids?
The pass is required from age 13; younger children don't need one.
When is Montréal en Lumière 2027?
February 18 to 28, 2027, with special spring-break programming.
Are Winterlude activities free?
Yes, Winterlude's outdoor activities are free.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Dates and programming may change: confirm on each festival's official website before you go.
