46 things to do in Montreal this December

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s officially the start of the holiday season so get in the spirit with these 46 events happening in Montreal this December.

See also

• Montreal's magical Nutcracker market is back for the holidays
• This Montreal alleyway has been transformed into an adorable Christmas market
• Place Des Festivals is turning into a light-up winter playground this week
• This magical Santa village is only an hour away from Montreal
• This Christmas market is worth the road trip from Montreal

Plaza St-Hubert Christmas Parade

Plaza St-Hubert is hosting their annual Christmas parade on Friday, December 1, 2017.

Defile des Reves 2017 is the 13th edition of the annual holiday event presented by Caisse Desjardins du Cœur-de-l’Île. Visitors will be swept up by the magic of Christmas as the parade will feature floats, marching bands, dance groups, firetrucks, costumed characters, and of course, Santa Claus himself.

Where: Rue St-Hubert, starting at the corner of Bellechasse and ending at Jean Talon.
When: December 1, 2017
Time: Festivities begin at 7 pm.

Le Grand Marche de Noel

From December 1 to 24, Le Grand Marche de Noel will be taking over Place des Arts. 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 so many more events happening for the holiday season.

Where: Esplanade de la Place des Arts, 175 rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
When: December 1 to 24, 2017
Times: TBA check website for updates

Souk@Sat

This Montreal holiday market is the perfect place to find the best boujee gifts for the most stylish person on your list. The Souk@Sat holiday market is where you’ll be able to get your hands on amazing products from Montreal’s hottest designers and artists.

Where: Society for arts and technology SAT, 1201 Blvd. Saint-Laurent, Montreal
When: December 1 to  3, 2017
Times: Friday, December 1 – 12 to 9 pm
Saturday, December 2 – 12 to 7 pm
Sunday, December 3 – 12 to 7 pm
Admission: Free admission 18 years and over

Barbie Expo

What: Come and check out the world’s largest Barbie exhibit this month. The exhibit will feature Barbies of various ethnicities, dressed in traditional clothes, as well as great Hollywood stars (Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, etc.). A separate section is reserved for haute-couture dolls, which have been dressed by Dior, Chanel, Givenchy and many more notable names from the fashion industry.

Where: Les Cours Mont-Royal, 1455 Peel Street,
When: Now until December 31

Visit Montreal’s pop-up Christmas Bar, Miracle Montreal

Last year’s Miracle Montreal was a huge success. Now Montreal’s Christmas-themed pop-up bar is back with several new pop-up locations!

Spreading joy through Christmas-flavoured cocktails and music, you won’t be able to resist stopping here for a drink in December. Miracle Montreal will have everything from jingle bell nog and Santa-quila to a Christmapolitan and a Snowball Old Fashioned.

Where: Various pop-up locations, check Facebook page for this year’s details!
When: December 1 to 31, 2017

Tribute to Spice Girls -Montreal

A tribute concert to your favourite 90s girl band.

Where: L’Astral, 305, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2A3
When: December 1, 2017
Times: 9 pm to 12 am
Tickets: Available online

Noël dans le Parc

Get ready for holiday festivities taking place in three Montreal parks.

Noël dans le parc brings together Montrealers together for holiday cheer. Head down to Place Emilie-Gamelin, Parc des Compagnons de Saint Laurent, and Parc Lahaie for live entertainment, music, poetry, and bonfires.

Where: Place Emilie-Gamelin, Parc des Compagnons de Saint Laurent, and Parc Lahaie
When: December 1 to 25, 2017
Time: See full program of events online.

Montreal Puppy Meetup

This could be the cutest event happening in Montreal. This is a monthly event taking place Le Doggy Café. It’s meant to bring together puppies and their owners to for a very cute play date. Bring your puppy and prepare for cuteness overload.

Where: Le Doggy Café, 4701 St. Denis St.
When: December 2, 2017
Time: 11 am to 2 pm

LCD Soundsystem

The American band brings their legendary sounds to Laval.

Where: Place Bell,1950 Rue Claude-Gagné, Laval, Quebec
When: December 2, 2017
Times: 9 pm to 11 pm
Tickets: Available on Evenko, $61.25 to $82

Free holiday movies 

This year, Cineplex will be screening some of the best Christmas classics on the big screen. This year’s selections include: Miracle On 34th Street, Elf, Polar Express 3D, Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker, Love Actually, Die Hard and It’s A Wonderful Life.

Where: Select theatres around Montreal. Check Cineplex website for details.
When: December 2, 9, 10, 11, 22- 26, and 15-26 (different films show on different dates).

Meet Rudolph

Santa’s favourite reindeer will be making an appearance in Montreal this December. On December 3, from 12 to 2:30 pm, head down to Longueuil Public Market to meet the one and only Rudolph.

Where: Longueuil Public Market, 4200 Savane Road, Longueuil, Quebec J3Y 9G4
When: Sunday, December 3, 2017
Times: 12 to 12:30 pm
1 pm to 1:30 pm
2 pm to 2:30 pm
Admission: Free!

Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton / Church of St. Teresa of Avila

Emily Haines is back with Choir of the Mind, the Metric singer’s first release as her Soft Skeleton solo project in a decade.

Where: Église Sainte-Thérèse-d’Avila, Sainte-Thérèse
When: December 4, 2017
Time: 8 to 11 pm
Tickets: Available on Ticketfly, $40 to $90

Insects to our rescue! Panel + tasting

Can eating insects be good for us and our environment? Find out at this tasting panel.

Where: Maison du développement durable, 50 Sainte-Catherine Street West, Montreal
When: December 5, 2017
Time: 11:30 am to 1:30
Tickets: Available online

Mogwai

Longtime Scottish post-rock group (which was formed back in 1995 in Glasgow), will fill Theatre Corona with their energetic and pseudo-psychedelic sounds.

Where: Theatre Corona, 490 Notre-Dame St W.
When: Wednesday, December 6 at 8 pm
Tickets:  Available online at $219 to $437

The Legend of Zelda Symphony in Montreal

Get ready for an orchestral adventure. The concert’s five-movement symphony will charm audiences with Nintendo composer Koji Kondo’s original music. The music brings moments of Link conquering dungeons and running through forests to life.

Where: Place des Arts, 175 Saint-Catherine St, Montreal
When:  December 7, 2017
Time: 8 to 11 pm
Tickets: Available online

The National

American indie rock band The National – who have been known for their dark and somber (yet danceable) sounds – hits MTelus on December 8 for a performance that will give you anything but the warm and fuzzy holiday feels.

Where: MTelus, 59 St Catherine St E
When:  Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 8 at 8 pm
Tickets:  Available online at $224 (GA)

Marché de Noël des Designers de la Grover

If you’re looking for some fashionable holiday finds you’ve got to check out Montreal’s Designer Holiday Market.

Where: Grover Building, 2065 rue Parthenais, Montreal
When: December 7 to 10, 2017
Times: Check event page for times

Village de Noël de Montréal

Mark this on your calendars! An enchanting Christmas village is coming to Montreal this December. Village de Noël de Montréal will feature holiday vendors, delicious treats, sparkling Christmas trees, lights, Santa Claus and so much more!

Where: Place du Marche, corner of St-Ambroise and Atwater
When: December 7 to December 10, and December 15  to December 17
Time: TBA. Check website for hours.

La Féerie du Lac du Village

If your Christmas event to-do list isn’t already full of activities, you may want to add this one to your list. A magical Christmas village is taking place just 30 minutes away from Montreal.

Where: 15, rue des Peupliers, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
When: December 8 to 10, 2017
Times: Friday, December 8: 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Saturday, December 9: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, December 10: 2017 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Noël en Lumière

If you’re willing to take a one hour and 30-minute drive to Trois-Rivières, you can do exactly that. Noël en Lumière runs from December 8 to January 7 and offers thousands of visitors a festive experience during the holiday season.

Where: Notre-Dame-du-Cap Shrine 626 Notre-Dame Street East, Trois-Rivières
When: December 8, 2017, to January 7, 2018
Times: TBA check website for updates 

Mary Poppins at Théâtre St-Denis

A live production of Mary Poppins comes to Théâtre St-Denis for the holiday season.

Where: Théâtre St-Denis, 1594 St-Denis Street, Montreal, Quebec H2X 3K2
When: December 8 to 30, 2017
Times: Various show times, check website for details
Tickets: Available online

La Marche de Noël aux flambeaux 2017

On December 9, Avenue du Mont-Royal will light up for the 2017 Torchlight Christmas Parade.This holiday extravaganza will feature the characters of Yan Imbault animations who will take to the streets alongside choirs, stilt walkers, entertainment, and festive parade-goers.

Where: Parade kicks off at Parc des Compagnons (at the corner of Mont-Royal/ Cartier)
When: December 9, 2017
Time: Events kick off at 7 pm. See full schedule of events on website.
Price: Free! Non-perishable food donations are welcome.

Marche Artisanal Montreal

It’s never too early to start making that holiday gift list and you’ll be able to pick up some great finds at the  Marche Artisanal Montreal.This Christmas market will feature amazing holiday gifts crafted by local artisans. This year, the market will be held at La Casa D’Italia next to metro Jean-Talon.

When: December 9 to 17, 2017
Where: La Casa D’Italia, 505 Jean-Talon Est, Montreal
Tickets: More information to be released closer to the event. Check website for details.

Nutcracker Market Montreal

The ultimate holiday shopping market will be taking over Palais du Congres from November 30 until December 10. The market started in 2010 in support of The Nutcracker Fund for Children, the country’s first charity Christmas market symbolizes the kick-off for the holiday celebrations.

Where: Palais du Congres
When: Until December 10, 2017
Admission: Free

Leonard Cohen concert series at MAC 

Montreal’s Museum of Contemporary Art will host a series of five concerts based on five iconic Leonard Cohen albums to honour the legendary artist. The concerts will take place during the five months of the museums “A Crack in Everything”exhibition, which is dedicated to Leonard Cohen and his artistry.

Where: Gesù, 1200 de Bleury, Montréal
When: December 14, 2017
Times: TBA check website for details
Tickets: Available online, $35

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 14 until December 30

Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
When: December 14 to 30, 2017
Tickets: Available online

Etsy Holiday Market

Village du Vilain Sapin de Montréal

An ‘Ugly Christmas Tree Village’ is officially coming to Montreal this holiday season. Until December 23, head down to Prince-Arthur Street East for the city’s first edition of the Village du Vilain Sapin de Montréal. This is definitely not your average Christmas festival. Prince-Arthur Street East will light up with festivities including entertainment, music, and decorations.

Where: On Prince Arthur Street East, between St-Laurent Blvd. and Laval Avenue
When: Now until December 23
Time: Monday to Friday, 4 pm to 9 pm
Saturday, from 11 am to 9 pm
Sunday, from 11 am to 7 pm

Find a Christmas Tree 

From garlands and wreaths to ornaments and miniature villages, the most important piece of Christmas decor is undoubtedly the Christmas tree. Find the perfect tree at any one of the locations in this list. Whether you want a rustic outdoorsy experience or something quick and painless, these 10 spots have got you covered.

Where: Look up locations in this handy list
When: Throughout December

Fontaine Boréale

Montreal’s amazing light-up holiday water fountain show is back at Complexe Desjardins until December 31. Come discover this year’s edition of Fontaine Boreale –an immersive light-show that features the magic of the holidays.

Where: Complexe Desjardins, 150 Saint-Catherine St W
When: Until December 31, 2017
Times: 3:30 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm, 10 pm
Price: Free

Luminothérapie

A light-up winter wonderland will be taking over Place des Festivals this winter for the eighth annual edition of Luminothérapie. This year’s display is called Impulse and it is an interactive work made up of light-up seesaws.

Where: Place des Festivals, Jeanne Mance St.
When: November 30, 2017, to January 28, 2018
Time:  Sunday to Wednesday: from noon to 10 pm
Thursday to Saturday: from noon to 11 pm

Go skating outdoors

Strap on those skates and get out on the ice! Whether you love a fast-paced game of pond hockey, or you’re more of an elegant figure skater, there is an outdoor rink for you in Montreal.

From the classics like Beaver Lake and Bonsecours Basin to the family-friend Parc Pratt, skating is a must if you’re in Montreal this winter.

Where: Check out this list of rinks
When: Throughout December

Meet Santa

December is the month to have a one-on-one chat with Santa Claus himself. Whether you want to take a goofy Christmas picture with your friends, or your kids are dying to see the big man in red for themselves, there are plenty of spots to meet Santa in Montreal. From Carrefour Laval to Place Emilie Gamelin, there are lots of places to see the jolly man in red!
When: Anytime
Where: Various locations

Cozy up with hot chocolate

Is there anything more romantic than sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace? We think not. While hot chocolate may be available all year round, there is nothing as satisfying as a warm cup of hot chocolate in the heart of winter. If you’re in need of a hot chocolate fix as the winter approaches, be sure to head to Au Festin de Babette, Cafe Myriade, Juliette et Chocolat, Cacao 70, Cafe Replika, or Cafe Code Noir (we highly recommend their delicious hot chocolate beverages).
When: Anytime
Where: Various locations

Snowshoeing at the Morgan Arboretum

Take your date on an enchanting snowshoeing tour through the trees of the Morgan Arboretum. The 5 km 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. Alternatively, if you’d love to snowshoe closer to the downtown core, snowshoeing is possible on Mount Royal and snowshoes can be rented from the Beaver Lake Pavilion.

Where: Morgan Arboretum, 150 Ch des Pins, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
When: December 2017 to March 2018

Snow activities on Mount Royal

Slide down the snow atop Mount Royal or take a skate on Beaver Lake! The perfect winter activities for the whole family.

Where: Beaver Lake, Mount Royal
When: Starting in December

Check out Montreal’s new Cherry Blossom restaurant and bar

This new cherry blossom Japanese restaurant and bar could be the prettiest place to eat in Montreal. Le Blossom is the latest establishment led by Montreal restauranter Dan Pham and his partners. The eatery is located in Montreal’s “The Village” neighbourhood and specializes in traditional Japanese handrolls, private-imported sake, contemporary Japanese dishes, and more.

Address: 1101 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Est.
Phone: 514-379-3699
Hours of Operation:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Wednesday: 5 pm to 12 am
Thursday-Sunday: 5 pm to 2 am

Volunteer for the holidays

Do a little good this Christmas by volunteering to spend your time at one of the city’s many holiday charities. Whether you’re into running a toy drive, sorting donations, or serving food at a soup kitchen, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved right here in Montreal. On Rock Community Services, West Island Mission, St. Willibrord Parish, and Old Brewery Mission are all looking for holiday volunteers. Lend a hand!
When: Anytime
Where: Various locations

Ty Dolla $ign

Rapidly rising American singer and songwriter Ty Dolla $ign, whose real name is Tyrone William Griffin Jr., will offer his Montreal fans a reason to get the New Year’s Eve celebrations started a day early. His 2015 debut studio album peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard 200.

Where: New City Gas, 950 Ottawa St.
When:  Saturday, December 30 at 10 pm
Tickets:  Available online at $20 to $40.

Le Banquet populaire

Inspired by Camillien Houde, the p’tit gars de Sainte-Marie, the Banquet populaire will channel the sharing spirit of Montréal’s former mayor. Enjoy this festive New Year’s Eve feast!

Where: Marché Bonsecours, Vieux-Montréal
When: December 31, 2017
Time:12 pm 

Borgeous

There’s no better place to celebrate New Year’s Eve than at a concert – especially one that involves a well-known DJ and a more intimate venue. American DJ and music producer Borgeous closes the year with a dance party on December 31.

Where: New City Gas, 950 Ottawa St.
When:  Sunday, December 31 at 10 pm.
Tickets:  Available online at $30 to $60

Party du Nouvel An Montréal en Fêtes

Get ready for one of the biggest New Year’s Eve Parties in Canada! The countdown to 2018 is on!

Where: Quai Jacques-Cartier, Quais du Vieux-Port de Montréal
When: December 31, 2017 to January 1, 2018
Time:  6 pm to 2 am