5 things to do in Montreal today: Thursday, December 19

As the last weekend before the holiday looms, here are a few things happening around Montreal today, December 19, to help feel like you get there quicker.

Cirque du Soleil – AXEL

Cirque du Soleil will hitting the “la glace” tonight at the Bell Centre as the company’s new show, AXEL, carves its way to Montreal.

Fusing skating, acrobatics, live music, dancing, and stunning graphics, Cirque du Soleil is bringing their “ice spectacle” to the company’s founding city for ten days, starting tonight.

When: December 19 – 29
Time: 1 pm and 5 pm on Sunday, 3:30 pm and 7:30 on select dates throughout the week
Where: Bell Centre, 1909-avenue-des-Canadiens-de-Montreal
Price: $55.50 – $167.75, available online

• See also:
  • The world’s biggest poutine festival returns to Montreal this winter
  • The Cats musical is coming to Place des Arts this spring
  • Construction delays hoist REM light-train’s budget to $6.5 billion

Merry Montreal

Merry Montreal returns tonight for its sixth edition, hosting a slew of free events to kick your Christmas spirit into high gear.

Along with the Old Port’s historical cachet, restaurants, boutiques and renowned hotels, Merry Montreal features the Nordic Place, Music on the Docks, and a massive New Year’s Eve bash (one of the only free New Year’s Eve events in the city).

The Nordic Square features DJs, live theatre, a band, interactive installations, and a winter beer garden. Local artists will be performing on stage to keep you entertained while a giant fire keeps you warm (the alcohol will help too).

When: December 19 – 31
Time: Various times
Where: Montreal’s Old Port
Price: Free

Natrel Skating Rink

The Natrel Skating Rink in Old Montreal is now open to the public, offering some real nice ice. If you’re brave enough to tackle the cold, strap on some skates and get moving.

Known for its outstanding quality of ice, excellent facilities, and breathtaking views of the city and the Saint Lawrence River, this is the place to go skating in Montreal.

When: Thursday, December 19
Time: 10 am – 10 pm
Where: Natrel Skating Rink, Bonsecours Basin
Price: $5.22 for kids six – 12; $7.83 general admission, free for kids under six.

The Nutcracker Ballet

For the 56th year, the full-length rendition of Les Grands Ballet’s magical The Nutcracker returns to Montreal’s Place des Arts.

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 timeless musical score.

When: December 19-23, 26-30
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
Price: $50 – $144, available, online

Tinder Tales: 12 Dates of Christmas

As seen at Just for Laughs, Tinder Tales features comedians sharing their own real dating stories live on stage.

Tonight’s show is hosted by the very funny Darren Henwood and features some of Montreal’s top comedians fumbling through the dating life during the holidays.

When: Thursday, December 19
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Diving Bell Social Club,  3956 St Laurent Boulevard (3rd floor)
Price:$15 , $20 at the door online