WinterRadiance:TheSDCVieux-MontéalIsMakingtheHistoricDistrictShine

Lighting Up the Old Quarter

Since 2018, the extensive Old Montreal Winter Lights project has become one of the most prominent programs in this long-term vision. Nearly 30 illuminated sites, including five public squares and some fifteen commercial arteries, now form a luminous pathway that makes the heart of the historic district beat. “Investments in these installations go beyond aesthetic considerations and help ensure the old quarter’s year-round appeal. This allows us to consolidate its reputation over the long term and enhance its influence on a local, national and international scale,” says Mario Lafrance, Executive Director of the SDC Vieux-Montréal.

Thanks to a network of approximately fifteen pedestrian counters, the SDC can now concretely measure the impact of these initiatives, confirming an increase in foot traffic during the holiday season and beyond. The programming strategy before and after year-end festivities ensures an optimized business environment for SDC members.

Inviting Installations

Enhancing the old quarter’s attractiveness involves development projects that encourage walking, rest areas and the pedestrian experience to entice day-trippers and visitors to explore the district. The Winter Rest Areas, set up from January to March at four locations, reinforce the perception of Old Montreal as the historic and magical heart of the metropolis, and certainly a lively and welcoming place to enjoy winter. The now-signature Adirondack chairs and outdoor fire pits invite relaxation in beautifully illuminated and decorated spaces that also happen to be cleared of snow!

Building on the success of these installations in recent years, the SDC Vieux-Montréal is launching a new development project called the Saint-Paul West Winter Station, carried out with support from the City of Montreal. In the front square of the Old Customs House north of Place Royale, passersby will be able to enjoy fire pits and festive luminous décor, as well as winter tales and legends plus a free marshmallow bar to brighten up their Saturday afternoons.

Warm and Welcoming Partnerships and Programming

Winter appeal also translates into increased support for the local cultural scene: backing for programs offered by museum institutions and cultural organizations, partnerships with flagship events like Grand Minuit de Montréal 2026, a must-attend celebration to ring in the new year that brings an exponential increase in visitors to the neighbourhood in a single evening – more than 100,000 revellers according to the promoter – all while cementing Old Montreal in the collective memory as a quintessentially festive destination! “By partnering with signature events held in Montreal, such as Grand Minuit, we are bolstering the economic vitality and ever-growing prominence of the historic district,” says Fannie Pratte, Deputy Executive Director.  

The organization amplifies Old Montreal’s profile through these events by distributing a cultural calendar and maintaining a comprehensive inventory of offerings across all of its digital platforms. Videos, articles, posts, event calendars – online visibility is also an essential asset for making the neighbourhood shine as it should!

For the SDC Vieux-Montréal, capitalizing on the winter season helps to prolong the neighbourhood’s economic dynamism while making Old Montreal a true four-season destination. “Our mission is to give visitors a reason to come, and Montrealers a reason to enjoy it. Winter, with its enchantment magnified by the district’s architecture and atmosphere, is an ideal time for retaining clientele seeking a unique experience,” concludes Mario Lafrance.

The Ville-Marie borough and the SDC Vieux-Montréal are proud partners in the Old Montreal Winter Lights and Winter Rest Areas 2025-2026 projects.