The Festival was founded by Alain Simard in 2000, along with the assistance of major downtown Montreal supporters, including Tourisme Montreal, Chambre de commerce du Montréal métropolitain, and the City of Montreal, along with the Government of Quebec. With a desire to revitalize the city during the coldest season, Montréal en Lumière is now one of the world’s largest winter festivals, welcoming thousands of festival-goers each year. It offers hundreds of activities annually through a gastronomy program that showcases the exquisite best of the local culinary culture, and a free outdoor site that serves as a festive rallying point in the city center.
