The Christmas season is upon us!
Spread some cheer and celebrate the holiday by participating in any one of the festive events Montreal has in store.
From candlelight carol singers to magical Christmas villages, check out 18 Christmas events happening in Montreal.
Noel sur l’Avenue
Make your way down Mont-Royal Ave for this traditional torchlit walk. Following a Christmas sleigh, this event attracts nearly 10,000 people each year. Better yet, it culminates in Christmas in the Park, which features an enchanting holiday village filled with activities and treats for the whole family.
When: December 1-24
Where: Avenue du Mont-Royal Est
Village Mammouth
This winter festival right in the heart of the Olympic Village is one of the biggest Christmas attractions in the city. Featuring ice skating, snow tubing, an outdoor bar, and plenty of restaurants, there is tons of fun to be had at this snow-filled paradise. Last year’s village was open from mid-December until mid-January, though the dates aren’t confirmed yet for the 2016-2017 year, it will most likely open before Christmas. Check the website for updates.
When: TBA
Where: Olympic Park
The Nutcracker Ballet
In addition to the upcoming Nutcracker Market, you can also get your Nutcracker fill courtesy of the Les Grands Ballets. The full-length rendition of The Nutcracker is coming to Place des Arts from December 10 until December 30th. Performances will take place at 2pm and 7:30pm. Telling the story of Clara, who receives a beautiful nutcracker for Christmas, the young girl is then swept into a fairytale world in which the nutcracker becomes a prince and mice and rats battle an army of toy soldiers. A timeless tale perfect for all ages, you are sure to be mesmerized by Tchaikovsky’s breathtaking score.
When: December 10-30
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
13th Annual 12 Barz of Christmas
The 13th edition of 12 Barz of Christmas, otherwise known as the go-to holiday bar crawl is happening on December 2nd. Starting on Saint Laurent, this unique holiday party event is guaranteed to be a wild night of holiday fun as participants join teams and bar hop through the Plateau. You can find more info on tickets here.
When: December 2
Where: Boulevard Saint Laurent
A Victorian Christmas
Step into a Charles Dickens novel thanks to the Sir George Etienne Cartier National Historic Site’s annual “A Victorian Christmas.” This unique holiday exhibition will allow Montrealers to be transported back in time and learn about the customs and traditions of Christmas in the Victorian era. There will be a beautifully laid table, historically accurate Christmas tree, and even Santa Claus.
When: November 19-December 30
Where: Sir George Etienne Cartier National Historic Site, 458 Rue Notre-Dame E
History, Legends, and Christmas Decorations Guided Tour
Join a holiday-themed guided tour from Kaleidoscope Tours and learn everything there is to know about Christmas in Montreal. There are three walking tours available, one in downtown, one in Old Port, and one that combines the two. Prices vary but tours will be running on Saturday and Sunday between November 26 and December 17
When: November 26-December 17
Where: Old Port and downtown
TechNoel 2016
Combining Christmas and Montreal’s tech community is TechNoel 2016. This holiday party welcomes startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and web agencies to their festive dinner & drinks event. Celebrate the holiday season, network with fellow members of the technology industry, and support MTLinTech in the process. Tickets start at $15.
When: December 15
Where: Le Drink, 3565 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Stare at La Maison Ogilvy’s Christmas window display
Montreal’s very own Macy’s, La Maison Ogilvy always has an incredible CHristmas window display. Opened on November 11th, be sure to stop by the historic department store on Sainte Catherine the next time you’re walking downtown. This year’s display features bunnies and other adorable furry friends.
When: Anytime
Where: 1307 Sainte-Catherine Street West
Moscow On Ice Christmas Show
For the first time ever, some of the best figure skaters in the world gather to put on the ultimate Christmas performance on ice. This one-act ballet begins with a rendition of Cinderella before a procession of solo numbers commence.
When: December 17
Where: Sportplexe Pierrefonds, 14700 Pierrefonds Boulevard
Le Grand Marche de Noel
The second edition of Le Grand Marche de Noel is coming to Montreal this December. Taking over Place des Arts for the entire month, this German-style Christmas market will feature food trucks, a Santa’s Cabin, Elves Workshop, and Santa’s Sleigh. There will also be carol singers, karaoke, storytime, and an all-night party on New Year’s Eve. Finally, the market part will feature a range of locally produced gifts available for purchase including arts, crafts, jewelry, artisanal cheese, alcohol, clothing, chocolates, baked goods, and toys.
When: December 12, 2016 until January 2, 2017, for more scheduling info click here
Where: Place des Arts
Defile des Reves
Attend the annual Christmas parade at Plaza St-Hubert. On Friday, December 2nd, Caisse Desjardins De Lorimier-Villeray presents the Magic of Christmas. The 12th edition of this family-friendly parade, this year’s event will feature fire trucks, marching bands, floats, dance groups, and of course, Santa and his elves.
When: December 2
Where: Plaza St-Hubert
Santas Are Taking Over the Stewart Museum
The Stewart Museum’s magical Christmas exhibit opens on November 16th. The exhibition will showcase 30 Santa figurines and a Szalasi doll castle that comes to life when music plays. Admission to the museum and the special holiday exhibit are free.
When: November 16, 2016-January 8, 0217
Where: 20 Chemin du Tour de l’isle
Puces POP Fair Winter Edition
The Puces Pop Fair is coming to Montreal this December for their annual Winter Edition. The 2016 Winter Edition will take place over the course of two weekends, December 9-11 and December 16-18. This arts & crafts fair arrives just in time for the holidays so you can get your Christmas shopping on. All of the vendors will be local and they will be selling everything from soap and teacups to clothing and maps.
When: December 9-11 and 16-18, Fridays 3pm-9pm, Saturdays 11am-7pm, Sundays 11am-5pm
Where: Eglise Saint-Denis (5075 Rivard, corner Laurier – Laurier Metro)
Merry Montreal
Head to Old Port this holiday season and enjoy a slew of free activities, ranging from a New Year’s Eve party to outdoor yoga. Stroll through the market, set up in Place Jacques Cartier, and you’ll find gourmet food, warm drinks, artisanal crafts, and local art. If you’re a movie buff, be sure to attend the Outdoor Holiday Cinema in which festive family films will be screened.
When: December 1-24
Where: Old Port of Montreal
Montreal’s Christmas Village
TOHU Cite des Arts du Cirque is once against hosting their Christmas Village. The theatrical venue will be transformed to a mecca for all things Christmas. Last year’s event featured an outdoor skating rink, Santa’s workshop, authentic Christmas market, illuminated Christmas tree, and a village tavern. Check the website for updates on the schedule for the 2016-2017 year.
When: TBA
Where: 2345 Rue Jarry E
Festival Noel Dans Le Parc
Three Montreal parks will be turned into a holiday paradise this December thanks to Festival Noels Dans Le Parc. Taking place from December 1st until Christmas Day, each of the three participating parks will be filled with holiday activities like marshmallow roasting, bonfires, gift stands, Christmas tree stands, and of course, Santa-sightings.
When: December 1-25
Where: Place Emilie Gamelin, Parc Lahaie, Parc Parc Des Compagnons De Saint-Laurent
Carols by Candlelight
Hosted by the Church of St Andrew and St Paul in Montreal, Carols by Candlelight is an annual Christmas tradition in which the church’s choir sings Christmas carols all night long. Accompanied by a candle-lit procession, choral music, readings, and meditation, this event welcomes Montrealers everywhere.
When: December 18, 7pm
Where: 3415 Rue Redpath
Montreal Christmas Bar Crawl
The official Christmas party of the season, the Montreal Christmas Bar Crawl will draw over 10,000 people as you weave your way through some of our city’s hottest bars. Though there aren’t a ton of details yet, it’s safe to say that this will be a night to remember.
When: December 23
Where: TBA
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