5 things to do in Montreal today: Monday, December 17

This week’s Monday should be a little bit easier to tackle if you consider that by this time next week, it’ll be Christmas Eve. To help feel like you get there quicker, here are five things to check out in Montreal today, December 17.

Spotify Wrapped Bingo

A first in the city, streaming giant Spotify is hosting an event that celebrates Canadians’ taste in music.

Local DJs Nana Zen and Jayemkayem will be spinning favourite Canadian tunes to a modern twist of the classic board game, Bingo.

When: Monday, December 17
Time: 7 pm – 12 am
Where: Ausgang Plaza, 6524 St-Hubert
Price: Free, register online

The Nutcracker Ballet

For the 55th year, the full-length rendition of Les Grands Ballet’s magical The Nutcracker returns to Montreal.

Choreographed by the late Quebecer Fernand Nault and based on German author ETA Hoffman’s original tale, the theatre play embodies the spirit of Christmas with its graceful entertainment, magical scenery and stunning costumes, to Tchaikovsky’s irresistible musical score.

When: Monday, December 17
Time: 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
Price: $99 – $144, available, online

The World’s Smallest Open Mic

Local comedians Walter J Lyng and Vance Michel host what they call “the smallest open mic show in the world.” The acts aren’t small, the venue is.

Veteran comedians will either be testing out new bits or stand-up hopefuls will be getting on stage for the first time. 10 acts will be featured in total and organizers warn that only 20 seats are available.

Featured acts include Lawrence Corber, Benoit Gagnon, Griffen Shwartz and Mason Rost in a show headlined by the very funny Mike Carozza.

When: Monday, December 17
Time: 8 pm – 10 pm
Where: Hurley’s Irish Pub, 1225 rue Crescent
Price: $5

Le Village du Vilain Sapin – Ugly Christmas Tree Village

It’s important to laugh at yourself. And, that’s exactly what this year’s ‘Ugly Christmas Tree Village’ in Whoville Montreal will be doing this holiday season, literally.

The second edition of Le Village du Vilain Sapin features more than just an ugly, Charlie Brown-esque tree as this year’s evergreen is ticklish.

Yes. A ticklish Christmas tree.

Motion detectors and built-in loudspeakers will be incorporated into this year’s Frankentree that will bellow out laughter when guests shake the bottom branches to tickle it.

When: From now until January 2
Time: 5 pm, illumination of the laughing tree at 6 pm
Where: 57 rue Prince Arthur Est
Price: Free

McKibbin’s Pub Stumpers

Test your trivia knowledge at McKibbin’s Irish Pub. The pub’s trivia has 5 rounds; general knowledge, multiple choice, short answer, a picture round, and a music round. The winner of each round receives free drinks or a round of shots. A round for a round – good trade.

When: Monday, December 17
Time: 7:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: 1426 Rue Bishop
Admission: Free to play (with purchase of a beverage)

See also

• Montreal's FREE man-made ski hill opens for the winter season on December 21
• Kanye West says Drake is 'threatening' him in bizarre 80-tweet rant
• Quebec theatre fined after actor dressed like a giant penis smoked a fake cigarette
• Deadpool claps back when Fred Savage tries to bash Nickelback (VIDEO)