Old Port of Montreal Winter Events 2026–2027: What’s On
Artisan Market, holiday season, New Year’s Eve at the Grand Minuit and Igloofest: what’s on in Montreal’s Old Port this winter, with dates, places and local tips.
Contents
- 01Old Port winter events at a glance
- 02Old Port of Montréal Artisan Market (November 27–29 and December 4–6)
- 03Holiday season in the Old Port (late November to early January)
- 04Grand Minuit: New Year’s Eve at the Old Port (December 31)
- 05Igloofest (January 14 to February 6, 2027)
- 06Getting to the Old Port in winter
- 07Make your visit unforgettable: a walk-in tattoo in the Old Port
- 08FAQ: Old Port winter events
Montreal’s Old Port stays busy all winter. From late November to early February, the riverfront hosts an artisan market, holiday activities, a free New Year’s Eve celebration and Igloofest, the city’s outdoor winter music festival. Here are the dates, where each event takes place and a few tips from a studio that has been part of the Old Port since 2009.
Old Port winter events at a glance
| Event | Dates | Where | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Port of Montréal Artisan Market | November 27–29 and December 4–6, 2026 | Jacques-Cartier Pavilion, 2 de la Commune St. West | Free |
| Holiday season activities | Late November to early January | Across the Old Port | Mostly free (lineup to be announced) |
| Grand Minuit (New Year’s Eve) | December 31 | Jacques-Cartier Pier | Free (paid VIP areas) |
| Igloofest | January 14 to February 6, 2027 | Jacques-Cartier Pier | Tickets required, 18+ |
Dates and details can change. Always confirm on the organizers’ official websites before you go.
Old Port of Montréal Artisan Market (November 27–29 and December 4–6)
Two weekends of holiday shopping inside the heated Jacques-Cartier Pavilion, with 80 Quebec artisans, 40 per weekend: jewellery, decorations, fine foods, body care, games and more. Admission is free. The two weekends fall on either side of Black Friday, which makes it an easy place to find locally made gifts.
Tip: go early in the day on Saturday or Sunday to avoid the biggest crowds, and combine it with a walk along de la Commune Street.
Holiday season in the Old Port (late November to early January)
The Old Port usually launches its winter season in late November, with festive activities, food stands and light installations through the holidays. The 2026–2027 lineup hasn’t been announced yet. Check the Old Port of Montréal’s website for the official program.
Grand Minuit: New Year’s Eve at the Old Port (December 31)
For New Year’s Eve 2025, the Old Port hosted the first Grand Minuit, a free outdoor celebration on the Jacques-Cartier Pier with live music, a midnight countdown and fireworks over the river, plus paid VIP areas. It’s being positioned as a yearly tradition, but the date and lineup for December 31, 2026 haven’t been confirmed yet. Check grandminuit.ca for updates.
Tip: dress for a long night outdoors. Thermal layers, warm boots and hand warmers make all the difference by the river.
Igloofest (January 14 to February 6, 2027)
Igloofest is Montreal’s outdoor electronic music festival on the Jacques-Cartier Pier, held over four weekends, Thursday to Saturday nights. It’s an 18+ event, and it brings thousands of people to the Old Port every weekend. All the details, plus tips for your night, are in our Igloofest 2027 guide.
Getting to the Old Port in winter
- Metro: Champ-de-Mars and Place-d’Armes stations are both within walking distance of the Old Port.
- On foot: de la Commune Street runs along the whole Old Port, from the Jacques-Cartier Pier to the Grand Quai.
- Stay warm: plan indoor breaks. Cafés, restaurants and shops line the streets of Old Montreal.
Make your visit unforgettable: a walk-in tattoo in the Old Port
Oly Anger Tattoo is on de la Commune Street, at 9 de la Commune St. West, a short walk from the Jacques-Cartier Pavilion and Pier. Between two market stalls or before a night out, drop by: we welcome walk-ins every day, subject to availability, for small tattoos and flash. Our opening hours are on the homepage.
Want something bigger, or a tattoo as a holiday gift to yourself? Book a consultation with one of our 19 artists.
FAQ: Old Port winter events
What’s happening at the Old Port of Montreal this winter?
The Old Port of Montréal Artisan Market (November 27–29 and December 4–6, 2026), holiday activities from late November, a New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31 and Igloofest from January 14 to February 6, 2027.
Is the Old Port Artisan Market free?
Yes, admission is free. The market takes place inside the heated Jacques-Cartier Pavilion, at 2 de la Commune Street West.
Is there a New Year’s Eve party at the Old Port?
The Old Port hosted a free New Year’s Eve celebration, the Grand Minuit, on the Jacques-Cartier Pier for December 31, 2025. The 2026 edition hasn’t been confirmed yet; check grandminuit.ca.
When is Igloofest 2027?
From January 14 to February 6, 2027, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, at the Jacques-Cartier Pier in the Old Port.
Is there a tattoo shop in the Old Port of Montreal?
Yes. Oly Anger Tattoo has been at 9 de la Commune Street West, in the Old Port, since 2009, and welcomes walk-ins every day, subject to availability.
By the Oly Anger Tattoo team
