Holidays 2024: cultural activities for the whole family
During the Holidays and at Christmas, Montréal is all aglow with festive fun and an array of magical cultural activities for the whole family. With the holiday season fast approaching, here are some suggestions for inspiring experiences that will dazzle everyone in your crew, from teens to wee ones.
DOWNTOWN
Santa Claus Parade, November 23, 2024
Come see Santa Claus, the Star Fairy, the elves and many other luminous characters as they parade down the streets of downtown Montréal.
Holidays at the Museum, McCord Stewart Museum, November 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025
A must-see holiday favourite, Ogilvy's mechanical Christmas window displays invite you to relive the magic of The Enchanted Village inside the museum and The Mill in the Forest, outside on Victoria Street. Creative workshops, free interactive guided visits, storytelling and lots of surprises await.
The Little Prince at the symphony – November 17, 2024, Maison symphonique
The Little Prince joins the Orchestre Métropolitain for an enchanting performance where his words and adventures resonate even more to the superb music of Éric Champagne. A new dimension to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s philosophical tale.
Disney Tim Burton’s Nightmare before Christmas in Concert – November 30, 2024, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
A treat for the whole family! The FILMharmonic Orchestra embarks on another adventure with Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece, scored by the legendary Danny Elfman. For children aged 6 years and over.
Lumino, Quartier des spectacles, November 28 to March 9, 2025
This winter, explore the vibrant 15th edition of Lumino, Montréal’s must-see winter event. Embark on this open-air journey to discover nearly twenty interactive, contemplative, and luminous creations ranging from video projections and installations to diverse artistic performances. While you’re there, cross off all the gifts on your list at the Great Christmas Market in the Place des Festivals from November 22 to December 30, 2024.
The Nutcracker, Salle Pierre-Mercure at Centre Pierre-Péladeau, December 7 and 8, 2024
Ballet Ouest de Montréal's Nutcracker continues to captivate audiences with a magical show featuring over 90 children and 30 professional artists. The big plus? Brilliant use of digital imagery to follow Clara on her magical journey through snowland and the kingdom of sweets. Please note that one of the performances on December 8th will be held in the morning and will feature a slightly shortened version with adjusted lighting. After the show, there will be an opportunity for young children to meet the dancers and learn about the world of ballet.
LÀ-BAS, Maison Théâtre, December 11, 2024 to January 5, 2025
This enchanting wordless clown performance celebrates solidarity and brotherly friendship. It’s a heartwarming and playful show where humour blends seamlessly with acrobatics and poetry, captivating young audiences. For children aged 4 to 10.
The Nutcracker, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, December 12 to 30, 2024
Every year since 1964, Les Grands Ballets has brightened our holiday season with this magical family tradition for the young and the young at heart. Created by choreographer Fernand Nault, the Nutcracker is beautifully danced to Tchaikovsky’s score, which is performed by the Grands Ballets orchestra. An enchanting can’t-miss experience!
A Charlie Brown Christmas, Bourgie Hall at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, December 18 and 19, 2024
A jazz concert that presents songs from the popular A Charlie Brown Christmas album, performed by the Taurey Butler Trio.
OVO, Bell Centre, December 27, 2024 to January 5, 2025
OVO, a Cirque du Soleil spectacular, offers a thrilling experience to infuse your holidays with awe and wonder! Inspired by the world of insects, the show follows the love story of a magnificent ladybug and an unusual insect.
Nicolas Noël – Le cristal du temps, Théâtre Jean-Duceppe, December 27 and 28, 2024
Accompanied onstage by elves Trémaline and Pamalin, Père Nicolas Noël regales us with tales and song at this crowd-pleasing performance. A wonderful opportunity for the whole family to dance, sing and laugh together!
OLD MONTRÉAL AND THE OLD PORT
Holidays on the Pointe, inside and outside the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, 350 Place Royale, dates to be announced
Between the free Christmas show and creative workshops inspired by current exhibitions, the whole family will love the creativity and fun of this fairyland setting of glittering Christmas trees, wood huts and cozy benches.
Around the fireplace... Holiday Traditions, Château Ramezay, dates to be announced
The Château Ramezay gets decked out in dazzling decorations and features a festive program on the origins of holiday traditions. Treat your kids to the chance to hang a Christmas stocking at one of the Château’s fireplaces and pick it up on New Year’s Day. You might just find a surprise from Santa in it!
Les Choralies, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, dates to be announced
Montréal choirs perform Christmas songs from yesteryear and today for free every Saturday and Sunday during the month of December.
MOUNT ROYAL, OUTREMONT AND WESTMOUNT
GLOB, Théâtre Outremont, November 29, 2024
In this enchanting show filled with surprises, circus whimsy, and magical moments, two quirky, fluffy, ageless characters take their time to savour every moment. Suitable for ages 6 and up.
Dear Criminals, Théâtre Outremont, December 7, 2024
This afternoon concert that lasts 60 minutes, is part of the Concerts pour toutes les oreilles program, designed to create musical experiences for the whole family. This performance offers a wonderful opportunity to listen to the Montréal band, Dear Criminals.
Les illusionnistes, Théâtre Outremont, December 27 and 28, 2024
Set during the holiday season, this "Magical" performance immerses the audience in the world of silent film and the joyful visual style of the Roaring Twenties and magic shows. Suitable for ages 7 and up.
Christmas Concert at the Oratory, Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, December 13, 2024
Each year, this festive holiday concert brings the story of the Nativity alive through traditional songs, old French hymns and Christmas songs from around the world.
LITTLE ITALY, ROSEMONT AND VILLERAY
Pain d’épice, L’Illusion Théâtre de marionnettes, November 26 to December 15, 2024
At the heart of a space dedicated to creating and showcasing the art of puppetry, discover a show that is inspired by the timeless tale of The Gingerbread Man. A story full of sugar and spice about a cookie that comes to life for kids ages 3 to 6. In French.
PLATEAU-MONT-ROYAL AND MILE END
Noël sur l'Avenue, dates to be announced
Each weekend in December, Mont-Royal Avenue transforms into a beautiful Christmas village with choirs and concerts that will put you and your family into the holiday spirit.
IN MONTRÉAL
Christmas in the park, December 6 to 31, 2024
Discover three Montréal neighbourhoods, a free program of outdoor concerts, dancing, bonfires, poetry, entertainment and more.
NEARBY- SAINT CONSTANT
Railway Christmas, Exporail / The Canadian Railway Museum, November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025
This family event on the South Shore invites you inside the Grand Gallery, which will be adorned in twinkling lights. The program features special activities, a visit from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves the chance to admire a train decked out in holiday finery.
Here are more ideas from our 2024 holiday guides:
Montréal’s best holiday markets for 2024
Montréal glows in lights this holiday season
Your guide to New Year's Eve in Montréal
Winter holiday activities for all in Montréal
Holiday season cultural activities in Montréal
Where to eat in Montréal during the holidays
Original article in French by Laure Juilliard, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.
Laure Juilliard
Originally from Paris, Laure Juilliard made Montréal her home over 15 years ago and has never looked back. Won over by her new city's unique energy, cultural vibrancy and gastronomic effervescence, she loves exploring all the coolest spots. A writer and blogger specialising in lifestyle, culture, travel and gastronomy, she has lent her pen to Tourisme Montréal for more than 10 years, in addition to magazines such as ELLE Québec and Clin d'œil, as well as a variety of well-known companies and agencies. Always on the lookout for innovative concepts and the best addresses wherever she is in the world, she is also always planning her next trip.