Festilumi Montreal

The magic lights up at Marché Central

At sunset, Marché Central changes face: Festilumi unfolds a 1.5 km outdoor light trail, to be walked with family, friends or a loved one. Thirteen themed worlds follow one another, lit by over 20 million LED lights — enchanting universes of giant structures, music and snow, designed to amaze children and adults alike. The visit lasts 60 to 90 minutes, at each visitor's own pace.

Set in Ahuntsic-Cartierville, close to downtown, Festilumi has become in two seasons one of Montreal's great night-time outings: an imaginary trip around the world that revisits, section after section, the scenes that made audiences dream — and reinvents itself with the seasons.

13 worlds to wander through

The journey begins under the auroras of the Pôles à l'infini, among light igloos and sparkling penguins, continues into the Snow World, then tips into the Jurassic Kingdom, a gigantic world of dinosaurs. Visitors cross the Festilumi Tunnel, push open the doors of Aladdin's palace, dance in the Fiesta de la Luz and get lost — UV flashlight in hand — in the fluorescent maze. And the trail is not only about lights: FUNHUB arcades, a game of Laser Game Evolution, a ride on the carousel, festive shows by the Havana troupe and a sweet break — churros, maple taffy and hot chocolate — round off the evening.

Two seasons in one: Halloween, then the Holidays

In October, the trail switches to Halloween mode: giant glowing pumpkins, friendly skeletons, floating ghosts and a haunted cemetery revisited as an enchanted scene — wonder rather than fright, so the little ones can enjoy it too. On Thursday, October 29, 2026, the TELUS dog evening even opened the trail to leashed dogs. From November, Festilumi tips into its Holiday version: the Snow World, giant illuminated gifts and a Christmas mood take over — the winter version the festival's official Page announced on November 2, 2026. On November Sundays, leashed dogs remain welcome.

Planning your visit

The experience takes place outdoors, rain or shine: dress for the evening temperature and wear comfortable boots, ready for snow. The trail is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility and to strollers, and is regularly cleared of snow in winter; heated areas dot the visit. Parking is free on site, and Marché Central is also served by public transit. Tickets are sold on Fever or in the app — on-site purchase subject to availability — and the Flex / Weather option ($8 per ticket) lets you move your visit if plans change. Children under 2 enter free.