Montréal en Lumière, the annual winter festival illuminating the city from February 27 to March 7, 2026, is preparing to once again transform Grand Montréal into a hub of gastronomy, art, and celebration. At the heart of the festival lies the Village Gourmand, presented by Miele in collaboration with Radio-Canada, offering a warm and festive experience for food lovers of all ages. This year’s edition promises a diverse program of tasting workshops, culinary duels, and opportunities to discover local producers, all while celebrating 65 years of Montréal’s rich gastronomic history.
The Village Gourmand isn’t simply a place to eat; it’s an immersive experience designed to connect attendees with the artistry and passion behind the city’s culinary scene. From hands-on workshops led by renowned chefs to lively competitions showcasing emerging talent, the festival offers something to delight every palate. The expanded Village Gourmand features a redesigned space, including an enlarged chapiteau housing the popular SAQ bistro and a recent modular, illuminated structure inspired by Habitat 67, thanks to support from the ministère du Tourisme, Tourisme Montréal, and Développement économique Canada.
A Taste of Innovation: Workshops and Culinary Duels
This year’s program boasts a compelling lineup of workshops and events. Chef Harrison Shewchuck, owner of the acclaimed Limbo restaurant, will lead a Duck Pithivier Workshop, revealing the secrets behind his signature dish – a decadent creation featuring duck breast, foie gras, and pork sausage encased in golden puff pastry. For those seeking a more adventurous flavor profile, Yoann Van Den Berg, the 2025 winner of the television show Les Chefs!, will host a Radio-Canada Gourmet Workshop, sharing his expertise in crafting his award-winning sea urchin caramel. TasteT.ca highlights these workshops as key attractions for festival-goers.
New to the Village Gourmand in 2026 is “Frèloca: Duel Gourmand,” a culinary competition spotlighting Montréal’s rising stars. Participants will face off, creating dishes under the scrutiny of a jury, culminating in a grand finale on March 7, 2026. Attendees can too explore the history of luxury ingredients with François-Xavier Dehédin’s workshop, “Demystifying Caviar,” which delves into the decades-long process behind producing this exceptional delicacy.
Family-Friendly Fun and a Focus on Local Flavors
Montréal en Lumière isn’t just for adults. The festival offers dedicated activities for younger food enthusiasts with workshops hosted by C’est moi le chef!, providing children with a playful and educational culinary experience. These workshops, which require advance registration starting February 11, allow kids to explore new ingredients and develop their culinary curiosity. The official Montréal en Lumière website details the full program and ticketing information.
The festival’s theme, “Une bouchée d’histoire : 65 ans de gastronomie montréalaise” (A Bite of History: 65 Years of Montreal Gastronomy), echoes the Musée McCord Stewart’s exhibition, “Au menu. Montréal : une histoire de restaurants,” highlighting the city’s evolving culinary landscape. The Village Gourmand also features a renewed focus on local producers and sustainable practices, offering attendees the opportunity to sample regional flavors and support the local economy.
As Radio-Canada reports, the festival will run from February 27 to March 7, 2026, offering a vibrant and engaging experience for both residents and visitors.
Montréal en Lumière 2026 promises a captivating blend of culinary innovation, artistic expression, and community spirit. With a diverse program catering to all ages and interests, the festival is poised to be a highlight of the winter season. Attendees are encouraged to explore the full program and plan their visit to ensure they don’t miss out on the many exciting events and experiences on offer.
What comes next for Montréal en Lumière is the continued build-up to the festival’s launch on February 20, 2026, with further announcements regarding specific events and participating chefs expected in the coming weeks. The festival organizers will also be focused on ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Share your excitement and plans for Montréal en Lumière 2026 in the comments below!
