Holidays 2023: cultural activities for the whole family
This article was updated on November 23, 2023.
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.
Quartier des spectacles
Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, November 24 to 26, 2023
Relive the magic of the Lion King, the Beauty and the Beast, the Little Mermaid, Snow White and other great Disney classics on the giant screen during this enchanting film/concert evening for the whole family. For children age 6 and over. In French.
Luminothérapie, Quartier des spectacles, November 30, 2023, to March 10, 2024
Voyage to the edges of the universe with the 14th edition of Luminothérapie, which is inspired by the cosmos and its powerful forces. Five colourful and majestic works will line Sainte-Catherine Street West and a unique video projection that takes its cues from the weather will light up the area. Don’t miss this captivating nightfall discovery! While you’re there, be sure to stock up on local gifts at The Great Christmas Market at Place des Festivals from November 25 to December 30, 2023.
Home Alone in Concert, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, December 1 and 2, 2023
Rediscover this huge classic and all-time holiday favourite with music from composer John Williams played by a live symphony orchestra during the film. Film in English with French subtitles.
Passe-Partout at the Symphony, Maison symphonique de Montréal, December 2 and 3, 2023
Passe-Partout, Passe-Carreau and Passe-Montagne, characters adored by kids and families alike will be joining the orchestra and taking the stage to sing crowd favourites and introduce kids to the magic of instruments.
The Nutcracker, Salle Pierre-Mercure at Centre Pierre-Péladeau, December 2 and 3, 2023
This year, Ballet Ouest de Montréal's Nutcracker celebrates its 40th anniversary and 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.
The Grinch: Film with live Orchestra, Théâtre St-Denis, December 10 and 11, 2023
Enjoy a magical film and live concert evening, with the 60-member Orchestre Symphonique de Trois-Rivières in performance. The film will be screened in its original English version and subtitled in French.
Coucou, Maison Théâtre, December 12, 2023, to January 7, 2024
In this delightful puppet show, Coucou is determined to find the missing cog in his homemade clock, and transports his young audience into a delightful world of opening and closing doors and video projections. A magical holiday show for children 3 to 8 years old.
The Nutcracker, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, December 14 to 30, 2023
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!
Nicolas Noël – Le cristal du temps, Théâtre Jean-Duceppe, December 27 and 28, 2023
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
Holidays on the Pointe, inside and outside the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, 350 Place Royale, Friday, November 17, 2023, to January 8, 2024
Between the free Christmas show “Who is the real Santa Claus?” 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, December 2, 2023, to January 7, 2024
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, December 2 to 17, 2023
Montréal choirs perform Christmas songs from yesteryear and today for free every Saturday and Sunday during the month of December.
Downtown
Holidays at the Museum, McCord Stewart Museum, November 25, 2023, to January 7, 2024
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. This year, the museum is making the experience even more magical with a sumptuous doll castle that is host to an 18th-century ball. Creative workshops, free interactive guided visits, storytelling and lots of surprises on the program.
Santa Claus Parade, November 25, 2023
Come see Santa Claus, the Star Fairy, the elves and many other luminous characters on the streets of downtown Montréal. The 13-float parade, leaves from the Esplanade PVM at 10:30 a.m., making its way down René-Lévesque Boulevard, then up Robert- Bourassa Boulevard and down Sainte-Catherine Street to arrive at Place des Arts on Saint-Urbain Street. This delightful afternoon wraps up with a magical show by the Petites Tounes.
A Charlie Brown Christmas, Bourgie Hall at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, December 20 and 21, 2023
A jazz concert that presents songs from the popular A Charlie Brown Christmas album, performed by the Taurey Butler Trio.
CRYSTAL, Bell Centre, December 21 to 31, 2023
Created by Cirque du Soleil, CRYSTAL treats audiences to a mesmerizing and mind-blowing circus performance. World-class acrobats and skaters hit the ice, dazzling spectators with amazing feats executed with grace and precision.
Mount Royal, Outremont and Westmount
Christmas Concert at the Oratory, Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, December 15, 2023
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, Villeray, Rosemont
Pain d’épice, L’Illusion Théâtre de marionnettes, December 2 to 21, 2023
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.
Take a peek at even more ideas from our 2023 holiday guides:
Winter holiday activities for all in Montréal
Holiday season cultural activities in Montréal
Where to eat in Montréal during the holidays
Jingle Bells! Celebrating the holidays in Montréal
The Quartiers du Canal
Immersive Disney Animation, Arsenal, December 15, 2023, to February 25, 2024
This epic and innovative experience takes you to the heart of Walt Disney’s biggest animation studios, from the first feature films to today’s blockbusters. It’s a lovely way to rediscover iconic scenes from The Lion King, Snow White, The Little Mermaid and many others.
Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End
Noël sur l'Avenue, December 2023
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, dates to be announced
Discover three Montréal neighbourhoods, a free program of outdoor concerts, dancing, bonfires, poetry, entertainment and more. Stay tuned!
Outside Montréal – Saint-Constant
Railway Christmas, Exporail / The Canadian Railway Museum, November 24, 2023, to January 3, 2024
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 2023 holiday guides:
Montréal's best holiday markets for 2023
Montréal glows in lights this holiday season
Your 2023 guide to New Year's Eve in Montréal
Montréal Holiday Gift Guide
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.