There will be a cornucopia of new festive activities this year with over 20 events featuring music, sports and fireworks, in addition to traditional favourites such as the Ice Canoe Challenge, Igloofest and the New Year's Eve celebrations.
Starting at 10 am on Saturday, December 8, Montrealers will be able to lace up their skates and enjoy the magnificent Natrel Skating Rink with its breathtaking view of the city. The rink will be animated day and night with a fuller schedule of activities and some exciting additions.
Starting December 15, Natrel Fire on Ice, presented by Van Houtte, will be back for four spectacular, illuminated evenings "Honouring Female Icons of Song".
January will see the return of the popular DJ on Ice evenings, with recognized Montreal performers bringing their unique sound to the turntables.
The Old Port skating rink will offer a unique gym routine.
In January, a training program on the rink will help people get (or get back into shape. This year, there will be a professional coach and a fuller schedule with the addition of lunch hour sessions.
On February 2, Le Patin Libre will be featured at the Natrel rink. Hailed by The Guardian as "joyously engaging", the troupe will offer an afternoon of games and workshops alongside a series of breathtaking performances.
On Valentine's night, singles who like to move will congregate on ice. In collaboration with Rencontre sportive, the Natrel rink is reserving a romantic evening for people to meet on ice while enjoying the outdoors.
On Saturday, March 2, skaters can show off their vocal talent at the rink. Karaoke on Ice will be a blast with a colourful host, the famous drag queen Chouchoune.
The weather is going to get a lot warmer on January 11, February 8 and March 8 as dancing and latin music will take over!
Voiles en Voiles launches its first winter version! The summer adventure park is adding a version under the snow for a multitude of year-round outdoor activities.
On the winter programmation:
Tube slides more than 20 feet high
Snow scooter
Winter aerial adventure course
Target archery
Quadricycle
Segway
A unique Voiles en Voiles addition: Archery combat
Battle with a bow on a life-size boat and immerse yourself in the world of 18th-century pirates to emerge victorious this winter. To ensure adrenaline and safe amusement for all, several time slots will be reserved for families.
This is the place to start the new year, dancing until the wee hours of the morning under a spectacular fireworks display.
Igloofest: Above & Beyond, Polo & Pan, and Diplo!
Do not miss the coldest festival in the world for nine unforgettable electronic nights from January 17 to February 2. Jump to the beat and warm up with internationally renowned artists like Above & Beyond, Polo & Pan, Diplo and many more.
The Montreal Observation Wheel: an amazing view 60 metres in the air and heated cabins!
MTL Zipline: for a dose of winter adrenaline
Bota Bota: a spa to relax with an incredible view, day or evening
Science Centre: 5 permanent exhibitions and 2 IMAX films for a family mission accomplished
Montreal Ice Canoe Challenge: a 100% Quebec extreme competition whose history dates back to 1894. ■