The holiday season is filled with family-friendly, Christmas-themed activities in Montreal, from special museum exhibits to carols, theatre and several free happenings perfect for a tight budget.
MONTREAL CHRISTMAS EVENTS: 2012 SCHEDULE FOR NOVEMBER
- Montreal Christmas Events in November
- More Montreal Christmas Events in November
- Montreal Christmas Events in December
- More Montreal Christmas Events in December
- Christmas in Montreal: A Complete Guide
If there's an event that marks the beginning of holiday season in Montreal, it's the lighting of Place Ville-Marie's Christmas tree, a downtown tradition since 1962 when PVM first opened its doors. Made in New York, the "tree" is decorated with 13,000 lights, measuring 19.20 metres high (63 feet) and 7.92 metres in diameter (26 feet). Outside Place Ville-Marie (map).
When: November 2012 through January 2013
It's never too early to get started. Includes a hand-picked list of fairs and bazaars featuring unique and often affordable finds.
When: November through December 2012
These five pick-your-own Montreal Christmas tree vendors are a 30- to 90-minute drive from the city and in many cases, propose additional activities and holiday fun for the whole family. Cost varies by farm and tree size.
When: November through December 2012
St. Joseph's Oratory Nativity Scenes exhibit has been a tradition since 1981, but in 2012, the St. Joseph's Oratory Christmas nativity scenes depicting Jesus Christ's birth are focusing on animals traditionally found in the manger. Open on both Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Admission $4, $3 seniors and students, $2 ages 6 to 17, free for kids under 6; $9.50 family rate (2 adults, 2 youth). At St. Joseph's Oratory (map).
When: November 4, 2012 through April 14, 2013
"Lost in the Great North a snowman comes upon Santa’s village. Jealous of the warm and cheerful atmosphere that permeates the village, he attempts to capture the spirit of Christmas." Admission $11.50 adult; $10.50 senior; $10.50 teens ages 13 to 17; $8.50 kids ages 4 to 12; $36.50 family package (2 adults and 2 kids ages 4 to 17 or 1 adult and 3 kids). At the Montreal Science Centre IMAX (map).
When: November 5, 2012 to January 6, 2013
The east end neighborhood Anjou's annual Friday evening Christmas parade is one of Montreal's major Christmas parades and one of two nocturnal processions held in the city every holiday season, save 2010's isolated cancellation. Bring your flashlights! View parade route.
When: November 16, 2012 at 7 p.m.
Find the shopping centre closest to you on this list and call them to find out when Santa will be available.
When: generally mid-November through December 2012
Meet your favorite French writers and find the perfect bookworm gift at North America's largest French literature gathering. Admission $8, $6 if purchased online, $6 seniors and students, free for kids 12 and under accompanied by a parent, $12 per full festival passport (photo required). At Place Bonaventure (map).
When: November 14 to November 19, 2012
"The seasonal exhibition invites participants to join in the Christmas preparations of a 19th-century family from the Montréal bourgeoisie and discover the origins of the traditions and symbols associated with this time of celebration. A special program of activities will accompany the exhibition." And while you're there, discover one of Quebec's more controversial figures, George Étienne-Cartier, a man both vilified and honored by contemporary Quebeckers. Admission $19.60 per family/group (up to 7 people), $3.90 ages 17 to 64, $3.40 seniors, $1.90 ages 6 to 16. At the Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site of Canada (map).
When: November 21 through December 23, 2012
"For this edition, the exhibition offers a brand new concept: a playful and colourful circuit along which children, guided by a faithful canine companion and his friends, can join in a hugely entertaining and surprise-filled expedition! Because good planning is behind every successful trip, the young adventurers will begin with a map to help them find the objects they will need to pack for their trek. They will also have to decide on which mode of transport will carry them to their destination. The adventure will take them to a zany jungle, a "campfire," and a party hosted by the toys themselves." Admission $14 adult; $10 senior; $7 student; free for ages 12 and under; $28 family package (2 adults and 2 kids ages 16 and under; 1 adult and 3 kids ages 16 and under); free admission Wednesday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the first Saturday of every month in from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. At the McCord Museum (map).
When: November 17, 2012 to April 28, 2013
- Montreal Christmas Events in November
- More Montreal Christmas Events in November
- Montreal Christmas Events in December
- More Montreal Christmas Events in December
- Christmas in Montreal: A Complete Guide
