12 things to do in Montreal today: Saturday, November 23

As we enter the penultimate Saturday of the month, here are a dozen things happening around town today, November 23.

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69th annual Santa Claus Parade

Santa Claus is coming to town today as the 69th annual Santa Claus Parade hops over to René-Lévesque Boulevard this year.

The annual X-Mas extravaganza will feature 25 floats, elves, marching bands, dancers, and the lovely Christmas Fairy, while covering a two-kilometre trek between Guy and St-Urbain streets.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 11 am
Where: René-Lévesque Boulevard, between Guy and St-Urbain
Price: Free admission

Le Marché de Noël chez Maison Pepin

Maison Pepin has channelled a little bit of Harry Potter by turning its charming alleyway into a breathtaking rustic Christmas market.

The market itself features a variety of locally-made products for sale and DIY workshops from gift packaging to wreath making.

Without taking away from the local artisans, the alleyway is one of the most picturesque Christmas-time spots in the city. The narrow walls, dim lighting, light snow, and wreaths are begging to be shared all over Instagram.

This is the market’s first weekend and it runs until the end of December.

When: From now until December 22
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: 378 Rue St-Paul Ouest

Lil Tjay – Corona Theatre

Tione Jayden Merritt, better known as Lil Tjay, is an 18-year-old American rapper, singer, and songwriter from the Bronx, New York.

He’ll be performing at the gorgeous Corona Theatre tonight.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 8 pm
Where: Corona Theatre, 2490 Notre-Dame
Price: $38 – $45 , available online

Montreal Canadiens vs the New York Rangers

After tough back-to-back losses against the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Ottawa Senators, the Canadiens are hoping for better luck in a weekend game against the New York Rangers.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 7 pm
Where: Centre Bell
Price: Various prices, available online

The Irishman – Cinema Moderne

Martin Scorsese’s new film, The Irishman, assembles an all-star cast that includes Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino and therefore shouldn’t be watched on the small screen.

The film will be screened at Cinéma Moderne for various runs until December and follows an epic saga of organized crime in postwar America told through the eyes of World War II veteran Frank Sheeran (De Niro).

The Guardian is calling it “one of Scorsese’s best films ever,” which is some high praise.

When: November 23 – 25, 27 – 28, 30, and December 1-2, 5-8
Time: Varying times
Where: Cinéma Moderne, 5150 boulevard St-Laurent
Price: $15, available online

Montreal Bach Festival

Montreal’s Festival Bach is devoted to classical music buffs and obviously, composer Johann Sebastian Bach. From local and international artists, the two-week festival will interpret the works of Bach.

When: November 23 – December 7
Time: Varying times
Where: Maison Symphonique de Montréal, 1600, rue St-Urbain
Price: $15 – $186, available online

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert

It’s time to freshen up on your spell books, muggles. A live Harry Potter concert is coming to Montreal this weekend.

The cultural phenomenon that is Harry Potter has delighted fans all over the world, and now, the magic is set to take over Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier for two dates at the end of the month.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will play on a giant screen while a full symphony performs Nicholas Hooper’s magical score from the movie. The film will be played in English with French subtitles.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
Tickets: $49.44 – $121.08, available online

Juliette & Chocolat – Free Hot Cocoa

November’s been tough on everyone, so Juliette & Chocolat is going to try to warm us up in one of the most nostalgic ways possible: hot cocoa.

The Quebec-based dessert shop will be dishing out free samples of their “dark chocolate” or “chocolat au lait” all weekend at its Monkland location.

During the free tasting period, J&C will also be offering a 10% rebate on the “Nuit Magique hot chocolate mix,” a signature milk chocolate mix so you can have Juliette’s famous hot chocolate from the comfort of your own home.

When: November 23 and 24
Time: 9 am – 12 am
Where: 5549, Monkland Avenue

Les Pastellistes

The 24th edition of the international exhibition ‘Les Pastellistes’ will be held at the Galerie Le HangArt for half of the month, having had its opening vernissage on November 15.

The exhibition promotes the expression of pastel art pieces.

When: From now until November 24
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Galerie Le HangArt Saint Denis, 3951 St-Denis Street
Price: Free admission

M for Montreal

M for Montreal, the annual festival that brings together performers from around Canada, highlights music of the alternative, indie, pop, hip hop and electric funk genres.

Check out the festival’s website for a list of participating acts.

When: From now until November 23
Time: Varies per artist
Where: Varies per artist
Price: online$11.50 – $25, available

Oasis Surf

Battle the weekend with some hardcore waves. Just because Montreal isn’t located on the coast, doesn’t mean you can’t tackle some killer tides.

Oasis Surf in Brossard is an indoor pool, open to amateur and experienced surfers looking to ride the waves.

Radical.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 10 am – 2 am
Where: Suite 01, 9520 Boulevard Leduc
Price: $30 for 30 minutes