A LITTLE HOLIDAY MAGIC IN THE QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES

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Meet the real Santa Claus, find very special items to put under the tree, dance and sing to gospel, carols or disco, enchant the little ones… the Quartier des Spectacles has everything to charm even the biggest grinches this Christmas. Here are some tips to help you make the Holiday Season just what you want it to be!

Enjoy a dazzling show

Luminothérapie

Place des Festivals
December 8 to January 29 – Free

For seven years now the Place des Festivals has hosted awe-inspiring Luminothérapie installations. This year, Loop gives the city a splash of winter colour. Thirteen giant illuminated wheels and their music boxes will give visitors a chance to take a break, climb inside a cylinder and enjoy short animations inspired by fairy tales.

The Nutcracker

Place des Arts
December 10 to 30

The beloved classic production by Les Grands ballets canadiens is back. For more than half a century, the colourful ballet has seduced audiences and left spectators wide-eyed, whether they’re seeing it for the first time or the fiftieth!

Delight the kids – and adults!

Santa Claus Parade

Sainte-Catherine Street
November 19, 11 a.m. – Free

Every year, families gather by the thousands on Sainte-Catherine Street to admire the Christmas-themed floats, mascots and dancers in the big parade. Stake out some sidewalk in the Quartier des Spectacles, between Bleury and Saint-Urbain, to make sure you see the parade’s centrepiece: the arrival of the faeries and the big man with the white beard and red suit!

Mary Poppins

Théâtre St-Denis
December 8 to January 7

A truly supercalifragilistic show! It comes as no surprise that there’s a revival of this 100% Made-in-Quebec production, a hit last summer, in time for the Holidays. Come spend some quality time with the Banks family, the chimneysweeps and the world’s most adorable nanny! (In French)

The real Santa Claus

Complexe Desjardins
November 19 to December 24 – Free

Do you know where to find the real Santa Claus? In his Kingdom in Complexe Desjardins’ grande place, of course! He’ll arrive on November 19, after his big parade on Sainte-Catherine Street, and stay until Christmas Eve, ready to hear everyone’s wishes for the season.

Le loup de Noël

Place des Arts
December 28 to 30

Talented storyteller Michael Faubert transports children back in time to a bygone Quebec, as he tells the story of a famished but endearing wolf. With traditional musical accompaniment by Bon Débarras. (In French)

Have a musical holiday

Noël dans le parc

Place Émilie-Gamelin
December 1 to 25

For the first time, this festival will be held in the Quartier des Spectacles. For nearly a month, Place Émilie-Gamelin will be transformed into an old-fashioned village where you’ll find plenty of free activities and shows including Loco Locass (December 2), La Bronze (December 4), Poirier (December 8), Alaclair Ensemble (December 9), Philippe Brach (December 10), Qualité Motel and Le Couleur (December 16), Karim Ouellet (December 17), Mara Tremblay (December 23) and more. 

Décembre

Place des Arts
December 9 to 30

It has become a true Holiday tradition. Under the tree, the characters of the Québec Issime company come to life, inviting you to a grand celebration featuring the great Christmas classics. Join them in their wonderland. (In French)

Le petit Noël

Place des Arts
December 11 to 18

A few years ago, the creators of Décembre added this show for young children to their repertoire. Kids aged 2 to 6 are invited to dance and sing along with the performers of Québec Issime. (In French)

Holiday special at Le Balcon

Le Balcon
December 1 to 22

Throughout December, Le Balcon adds a special Holiday touch to its highly danceable shows featuring soul, Motown and disco hits. If you’re looking for a great party, this is the place to be!

Enjoy a moving evening

One16

St. James United Church
December 10 and 11

The Montreal Gospel Choir always puts on a stunning show. For its annual Christmas concert, the choir will be joined by the Jireh Gospel Choir in the magnificent St. James United Church. Simply uplifting.

Christmas with Valérie Milot

Maison symphonique
December 18, 3 p.m.

Acclaimed harpist Valérie Milot joins the Orchestre métropolitain for a performance of Glière’s Harp Concerto. The orchestra and guest conductor Julian Kuerti will also play selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and Symphony No. 2 to round out an inspiring evening.

A Multicultural Christmas

Maison symphonique
December 21 to 23

To the sounds of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal and the traditional music of Vent du nord, the words of Boucar Diouf take on a new colour in this uniquely poetic Christmas show. (In French)

A Festive Russian Holiday with the OSM

Maison symphonique
December 14 to 16

Soprano Hélène Guilmette, a children’s choir and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, conducted by Kent Nagano, come together to make some Christmas magic with Tchaikovsky, Mozart and a selection of Russian Christmas songs.

Find the perfect present

Christmas Market

Place des Arts Esplanade
From December 2 – Free

This outdoor market, inspired by traditional Christmas markets, will turn the Esplanade and Sainte-Catherine Street into a magical kingdom. Featuring merchants, artisans and free performances.

Salon des artisans récupérateurs

Centre for Sustainable Development
December 2 to 4 – Free

If you want to give environment-friendly presents this year, this is the place to shop. For a weekend, some 40 local artisans will be offering their creations.

Souk @ SAT

Society for Arts and Technology (SAT)
November 30 to December 4 – Free

Find a rare gem at the SAT’s annual Holiday sale. The vendors are sure to have just the right thing for those who love original contemporary design.