Holidays 2026: cultural activities for the whole family
Leisure activities Winter Culture, arts and heritage
Looking for the best cultural activities over the Holidays? Once winter settles over the city, Montréal lights up with an array of festive activities for the whole family. Concerts, plays, sparkling ballets, creative workshops, spellbinding storytelling, and enchanting exhibitions: here are some suggestions for cultural experiences that will dazzle your kids and teens alike.
Celebrate the holidays with the family downtown
The Great Montreal Christmas Market from November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027, Place des Festivals.
The Holiday spirit takes over the Quartier des Spectacles with a lively Christmas market featuring over 40 wood cabins with original gifts from local and regional artisans and creators. The whole family can enjoy a special programme of concerts and theatre performances, over 150 free outdoor activities, and seasonal treats, all in a glowing winter setting in the heart of downtown.
Santa Claus Parade, November 21, 2026, Downtown
Celebrate a beloved Montréal tradition and come see Santa Claus, the Star Fairy, elves, and other sparkling characters as they parade down René-Lévesque Boulevard, between Drummond and Saint-Urbain streets.
The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert Live-to-Film, November 26 and 27, 2026, Maison symphonique
Rediscover Tim Burton’s cult classic on the big screen while the spellbinding Danny Elfman score is performed live by the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. This whimsically off-kilter musical adventure follows Jack Skellington as he attempts to bring the magic of Christmas to Halloween Town.
Santa's Kingdom, November and December, 2026, Complexe Desjardins
Santa Claus welcomes children and adults alike to his festive kingdom filled with magical dance and choir performances. Your little ones will be delighted by the Fontaine Boréale multimedia show as well as the return of the merry-go-round and little train.
Holidays at the Museum, November 6, 2026 to January 10, 2027, McCord Stewart Museum
The star attraction of the season is always Ogilvy’s Christmas Mechanical Window Displays. Relive the magic of The Enchanted Village inside the Museum and of The Mill in the Forest on pedestrian-only Victoria Street, beautifully decorated for the occasion.
For the first time, you can also admire the Macdonald Stewart Foundation’s collection of 21 handcrafted Santa Claus figurines. A lineup of workshops, free interactive tours, storytelling, and other surprises round out the programme. And on Saturday, November 14, 2026, you can pull on your favourite pyjamas and drop by the Museum as of 9 a.m. to kick off the festivities with a series of free activities.
Bach’s Nutcracker Before Bedtime, November 29 and December 1, Gesù
Introduce young audiences to Tchaikovsky’s classic in a 45-minute interactive performance made just for them. Dancers, a string quartet, and bilingual narration invite children into the world of The Nutcracker, making this a lovely first encounter with classical music.
Candlelight Christmas, Loyola Chapel, Concordia University, December 3 to 6, 2026
Come enjoy a candlelit evening as the Lyric Theatre Singers perform a festive programme of Christmas music from around the world, blending jazz, pop, R&B, ballads, and musical theatre.
The Nutcracker, Salle Pierre-Mercure at Centre Pierre-Péladeau, December 5 and 6, 2026
Ballet Ouest de Montréal continues to captivate audiences with this magical production of The Nutcracker featuring over 90 children and 30 professional artists.
Baobab, Maison Théâtre, December 2, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
Inspired by African folktales, this family-friendly show blends puppetry, masks, and live music. Follow Amondo, a young boy born from a thousand-year-old baobab tree, on a quest full of challenges to find water and end a terrible drought. A poetic adventure for the eyes and ears. For children aged 3 to 8.
HEREDIS – Echoes of the Past, December 5 to 20, 2026, Théâtre Maisonneuve
Inspired by the world of the Assassin’s Creed video game series, this immersive show is a collaboration between contemporary circus company Les 7 Doigts and Ubisoft. It brings together 17 artists in a blend of contemporary circus, acrobatics, urban parkour and choreographed combat. Travelling through different eras in an experience that bridges the performing arts and the world of video games, two half-brothers set out in search of their missing father. For children ages 7 and up.
Le Grand Bal de Noël, December 6, 2026, Cinquième Salle at the Place des Arts
This zany concert by Jeunesses Musicales Canada blends humour, music, and audience participation. Children are invited to sing along and help compose an original song. An interactive 55-minute show for children aged 3 to 10.
Décembre signé Québec Issime, Salle Pierre-Mercure at the Pierre-Péladeau Centre, December 11 to 29, 2026. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this iconic musical tribute to the Holidays returns with an all-new set. Experience the magic with your family as 24 artists perform 60 songs and wildly exuberant choreography.
The Nutcracker, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, December 5 to 30, 2026,
Every year since 1964, Les Grands Ballets has brightened our Holiday season with this beloved family tradition for the young and the young at heart. Choreographed by Fernand Nault, The Nutcracker is danced to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, performed by the Orchestre des Grands Ballets. A truly enchanting experience!
A Charlie Brown Christmas, Bourgie Hall at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, December 16 and 17, 2026
Celebrate the magic of the season at Bourgie Hall as the Taurey Butler Trio pays homage to jazz legend Vince Guaraldi by performing his unforgettable melodies live.
Tadam et les lutins magnifiques, December 19 and 20, 2026, Cinquième Salle, Place des Arts
Meet Tadam, Folo, and Pixie, three lovable elves with very different personalities, as they share their colourful daily lives over the Holidays. With catchy songs, games, stories, and some bickering, this musical show light-heartedly explores themes of respect, sharing, and living together. A one-hour adventure for children aged 3 to 9.
A Charlie Brown Christmas – A Symphonic Tribute, December 22, 2026, Maison symphonique
Celebrate the Holidays as a family with the timeless jazz melodies of Charlie Brown. The Orchestre du Festival Classica, pianist Lorraine Desmarais and her jazz trio, and a children’s choir revisit Vince Guaraldi’s iconic music with uplifting, nostalgic original arrangements.
Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, December 27 and 28, 2026, Monument-National
Rediscover Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved tale in this poetic staging that combines theatre, visual arts, and augmented magic. As we follow The Little Prince on his adventures, the story invites audiences to reflect on friendship, love, and the bonds that connect us. For children aged 7 and up.
Nicolas Noël – Entre deux mondes, Théâtre Jean-Duceppe, December 27 and 28, 2026
Accompanied by loyal elves Trémaline and Pamalin, Father Nicolas Noël finds himself torn between cherished tradition and the appeal of new technologies. Can the Grand Magician draw on all his wisdom to save the Great Magical Night?
Celebrate the holidays with the family in Old Montréal and the Old Port
A Victorian Christmas, Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site, November 23 to December 18, 2026
Step inside Sir George-Étienne Cartier’s Victorian home, beautifully decorated for Christmas. The table is set for the grand feast, and a traditional German-style tree lights up the parlour. Follow the scent of pine and spices to discover the traditions, origins, and preparations of a 19th-century bourgeois Christmas.
Around the fireplace … Holiday Traditions, Château Ramezay, December 2026 to January 2027
Château Ramezay sparkles with bright decorations and a festive programme exploring the origins of holiday traditions. Children can even hang a Christmas stocking by one of the fireplaces, then return to collect it after New Year’s Day. Who knows? Santa may have left a surprise inside!
Les Choralies, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, December 2026
Montréal choirs perform Christmas carols, old and new, every Saturday and Sunday in December. The free concerts last 45 minutes and take place at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays with the family around Mount Royal, Côte-des-Neiges and Outremont
Conte d’hiver, November 22, 2026, Théâtre Outremont
A few days before Christmas, a grumpy uncle’s peaceful life is turned upside down when his young niece and nephews arrive, bursting with energy and imagination. Blending theatre and music, this 45-minute production by Productions Ballet Opéra Pantomime gradually conjures up a world filled with holiday magic, humour, and whimsy. For children aged 6 and up.
Christmas Concert at the Oratory, December 11, 2026, Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal
Every year, this festive Holiday concert brings the Nativity story to life with traditional carols, old French hymns, and Christmas songs from around the world.
Traditional Christmas Concert by the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal, December 13, 2026, Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal
Get into the Holiday spirit as the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal offer this free concert (voluntary donations welcome) to pilgrims and visitors at the Oratory. Featuring a repertoire of traditional songs from here and around the world, conductor and musical director Andrew Gray invites you to sing along with the choir.
30 years of Les Petites Tounes, December 26 and 27, 2026, Théâtre Outremont
With catchy songs, humour, and infectious energy, Les Petites Tounes will have kids and parents singing, dancing, and laughing along. This feel-good musical celebration brings the whole family together to have a good time and sing along to festive tunes. For children aged 3 and up.
Celebrate the holidays with the family in Little Italy, Rosemont, and Villeray
Pain d’épice, L’Illusion Théâtre de marionnettes, November 24 to December 13, 2026
From this creative and performance space dedicated to the art of puppetry comes a show loosely inspired by the timeless tale of The Gingerbread Man. It’s a story full of sugar and spice about a cookie that comes to life, meant for kids aged 3 to 6. In French.
Le Magicien d’Oz, December 17, 2026, to January 3, 2027, TOHU
Follow the yellow brick road as Dorothy and her friends set off to meet the mysterious Wizard of Oz. Songs, magic, and spectacular circus feats bring this colourful world to life, with friendship and courage leading the way. For kids aged 5 and up. In French.
Celebrate the holidays with the family on the Plateau-Mont-Royal and in the Mile End
Mon Beau Sapin, Place des Fleurs-de-Macadam, December 5, 2026
The holiday spirit takes over Avenue du Mont-Royal with another edition of Mon Beau Sapin. Enjoy fantastical characters, choirs, traditional music, and the installation of a twelve-foot wooden tree. In exchange for a donation of food or money, everyone will receive one of 250 ornaments illustrated by artist Émilie Leduc. As the ornaments are removed, light shines from within the tree. All donations go directly to local community organizations working in food security.
Celebrate the holidays with the family in the Pôles des Rapides and Quartiers du Canal
Montréal’s Christmas Village, November 26 to December 24, 2026, Atwater Place du marché
Browse the wood cabins of local artisans with the family as you hunt for original gifts and seasonal treats. Kids can explore the Elves’ Kingdom, take part in free activities, and visit Santa’s office for a photo. A festive gathering by the Lachine Canal!
Le temps des Fêtes au musée, Maison Saint-Gabriel, December 1 to 18, 2026
Travel back in time with the family to discover how the Holidays were celebrated in New France and in the 19th century. Decked out for the season, Maison Saint-Gabriel offers guided tours exploring the customs, beliefs, and winter traditions of Québec, bringing history to life in a warm, festive environment. An engaging outing for curious families and history buffs alike.
Celebrate the holidays across Montréal and beyond
Christmas in the park, December 2026
The festival celebrates its 33rd year in various neighbourhoods across the city. Head to Compagnons-de-Saint-Laurent park, Lahaie park, or the Parterre in the Quartier des Spectacles for a free lineup of events: outdoor concerts, dance, bonfires, poetry, and family-friendly activities.
Candlelight Concerts, various venues, December 18 to 22, 2026
Enjoy a dazzling musical experience in the glow of candlelight. The Christmas Classics series in Montréal features several concerts worth adding to your holiday calendar:
- Christmas Classics: At Pointe-à-Callière museum on December 18, 2026, and at Église Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs on December 17, 19, and 22, 2026.
- Holiday Classics: At Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church on December 19, 2026.
- Christmas Carols by a String Ensemble: At Théâtre Rialto on December 20, 2026.
Railway Christmas, Exporail / Canadian Railway Museum, November 27, 2026, to January 3, 2027
This family-friendly event on the South Shore invites you inside Exporail’s Grand Gallery, which will be adorned with twinkling lights. The programme features special activities, visits from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves, and the chance to admire a train specially decked out for the Holidays.
Holiday day camps: a few ideas to keep the kids busy
Several Montréal organizations offer day camps that combine sports, creativity and discovery during the school break.
- Montreal Chess Camps – Plateau-Mont-Royal: a camp for chess enthusiasts ages 5 to 14, from beginners to experienced players, featuring lessons, tournaments, game analysis and complementary activities.
- Le Livart – Plateau-Mont-Royal: an art camp where kids ages 4 to 12 can discover different artists and mediums, including painting, sculpture, collage and photography, through creative workshops and fun activities.
- Sports Montréal – North End: multisport camps for kids ages 5 to 12, with introductions to different disciplines, including wrestling, track and field and fencing, along with festive games and outdoor activities.
- Montreal Children’s Theatre (MCT) – West Island: four days of exploring the performing arts through theatre, singing and creative activities. For kids ages 4 to 12. No previous experience required.
- Hockey 100 Limites – East End: a camp for young hockey enthusiasts featuring on-ice training, synthetic-ice sessions, off-ice exercises, competitions and Christmas-themed games.
Original article in French by Laure Juilliard, adapted into English by Ayesha Lobo.
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.