Spread some holiday cheer by attending any one of the super festive, ultra fun events below! From holiday markets and light displays to ice skating rinks and Santa exhibitions, there is no shortage of Christmas events happening this November and December.
Check out 28 holiday events happening in Montreal in 2016.
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
CP Holiday Train
Enjoy the crisp winter air, listen to some rockin’ live music, and wave at Santa as he goes by courtesy of the CP Holiday Train in Beaconsfield. This annual holiday fundraiser is one of the best in the city and features North America’s longest rolling food bank. Over a three week period, 150 musicians will play from stages set up on the travelling train. When the train rolls through Montreal, be there to cheer on the bands and donate cash or food items.
When: November 26, 8pm
Where: Beaconsfield Train Station, 104 Elm St.
Etsy Montreal Holiday Market
It’s never too late for a little holiday shopping. On December 10th and 11th, the Etsy community in Montreal will be hosting a special holiday market at the Maison de la Culture Maisonneuve. In addition to a plethora of goodies from local Etsy craft-makers, there will be a craft shows running throughout the day. Support local talent and get your shopping done all in one go!
When: December 10-11
Where: 4200 Rue Ontario Est
Luminotherapie
Think of Luminotherapie as the 21 Balancoires of the winter months. Set up in Place des Festivals every year, Luminotherapie is an interactive art installation with featuring bright and twinkly holiday lights. Comprised of thirty seesaws that light up and play music, the event invites Montrealers to take part in their very own winter playground.
When: December 8, 2016 – January 29, 2017
Where: Place des Festivals
Fontaine Boreale, 2016 Edition
Back for its second year, the Fontaine Boreale show will take place at Complexe Desjardins. This immersive and multi-sensorial experience combines water and light to bring you regularly scheduled shows that are sure to mesmerize.
When: November 19-December 31 at 4:30 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm, and 10 pm
Where: Complexe Desjardins
The Nutcracker Market
Hosted by Les Grands Ballets, the Nutcracker Market is a fun and festive Christmas shopping market that will take over Palais des Congres starting November 26th. Nearly 100 exhibitors will be participating at this year’s market, all of which have agreed to donate 10% of their proceeds to the Nutcracker Fund for Children. If you’re in a need of a gift for the foodie in your life, look no further. There will be a whole gourmet foods section selling everything from French macarons and candy to olive oil and popcorn.
When: November 26-December 6
Where: Palais des Congres
Norwegian Christmas Sale
Get in the Scandinavian holiday spirit at the Norwegian Christmas Sale. This annual holiday fair is a perfect excuse to get your shopping started early. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase Norwegian food, like specialty marzipan cakes, as well as Norwegian crafts, gifts, and much more.
When: November 11-12
Where: 5065 Sherbrooke Street, Lachine
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
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
Holiday Zumba Party
Every student’s favourite bar, Cafe Campus is hosting the ultimate holiday zumba party this November. Spread some holiday cheer while working up a sweat. Run by the girls from the Glow in the Dark Party, this is the dancing event you don’t want to miss. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
When: November 20
Where: Cafe Campus, 57 Prince Arthur Est
AvH Christmas Bazaar
The Alexander von Humboldt German International School is hosting their annual Christmas Bazaar on November 20th. The largest fundraising event of the year, there will over 50 vendors in attendance selling items such as Christmas decorations, greeting cards, jewelry, natural soaps, gourmet food, pottery, hand-painted glass, and more. There will also be European-style food for the hungry shoppers including sausage, sauerkraut, raclette, and mulled wine.
When: November 20
Where: 216 Rue Victoria
Ice Skating at Atrium Le 1000
The outdoor rinks may not be open but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy your first skate of the holiday season. Head to Atrium Le 1000 on Gauchetiere for some ultra fun indoor skating. They are open every day of the week and have skates available for rent.
When: Any day of the week
Where: 1000 Rue de la Gauchetière O
Holiday Market – Inspired By Africa
Montrealers are invited to attend the second annual Holiday Market – Inspired By Africa event. The unique market exclusively features gifts designed by Montreal-based Africans. There will be a variety of handmade products including scarves, jewelry, headwraps, cushion covers, accessories, and wooden decor. Head on over to Sainte Catherine West on November 26th for a delightful shopping experience.
When: November 26
Where: 1117 Sainte Catherine West
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
German Christmas Bazaar
Discover German gastronomy and learn about traditional Christmas celebrations at the German Christmas Bazaar. There will be German-inspired gifts, decor, and food at this one-of-a-kind event thrown by the German Society of Montreal.
When: December 3
Where: 90 Avenue Roosevelt
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 7:30 pm. 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
Octoraise Pop Up Holiday Market
Octoraise has invited over 30 local artisans to showcase their products at this year’s holiday market. Taking place on the last weekend of November, this pop up fair will feature “unique, fun, and creative gifts” by local entrepreneurs.
When: November 30-December 1
Where: 1515 Sainte Catherine West
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.
Exhibition at the Stewart Museum November 16
When: November 16, 2016-January 8, 0217
Where: 20 Chemin du Tour de l’isle
Snow Tubing on Mount Royal
Let loose and have a little fun this holiday season on top of Mount Royal. Every year, the mountain hosts a slew of winter activities, most notable among them, snow tubing. Bring your own tube or rent one on top of the mountain and slide down the specially designed tracks.
When: December 2016-March 2017
Where: Mount Royal, Beaver Lake
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 3 pm-9 pm, Saturdays 11 am-7 pm, Sundays 11 m-5 pm
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
Les Ateliers du Marche de Novembre
The November Market is back for the second year in a row. Hosted by Artgang Montreal this exciting event is part market, part festival. There will be 40 local exhibitors selling a variety of seasonal goodies. However, there will also be a day full of workshops, live music, and an art demonstration by the Academie des Beaux-Arts de Montreal.|
When: November 19
Where: Artgang Montreal, 6524 Rue Saint-Hubert
Snowshoeing Among the Trees
Go on an enchanting snowshoe tour through the trees of the Morgan Arboretum. The 5km trail starts from behind the Arboretum’s Pine Cottage and takes you all around the centre’s grounds. Prepare for a day of snow-filled fun. Snowshoe rentals cost $7.
When: December 2016-March 2017
Where: Morgan Arboretum, 150 Ch des Pins, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
Montreal Santa Claus Parade
Montreal’s Santa Claus Parade, otherwise known as Défilé du Père Noël, is officially happening in 2016 (not that we ever had any doubt). Confirmed for November 19th at 11am, there’s less than one month left until we can watch Santa make his way down Sainte Catherine Street. Prepare for an array of creative floats, fun performers, free goodies, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus to wave goodbye at the end of the parade.
When: November 19, 11 am
Where: Sainte Catherine Street West, beginning at Rue Fort and ending at Rue Saint Urbain
Souk @ sat
If you’re sick of shopping in chain retail stores, then the souk @ sat is for you. This annual market highlights the coolest creations that Montreal has to offer. Sixty local artists come together under one roof, displaying everything from designer clothes and accessories to jewelry, CDs, and toys. There is guaranteed to be something for all tastes and budgets at this massive holiday fair.
When: November 29-December 4
Where: 1201 Boul St-Laurent
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
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
Skating in Old Port
Boasting perhaps the most picturesque rink in all of Montreal, the Bonsecours Basin outdoor skating rink will be up and running this December. Though the exact date is TBA, you can expect it to open in early December and to remain open all winter long. Bring a hot date or your closest friends and enjoy a magical night of skating under the stars to holiday tunes.
When: Early December 2016-March 2017
Where: Old Port
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