Holiday magic comes to the Quartier

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It’s especially important to get into the Holiday spirit this year, and in the heart of Montreal we’re doing it in grand style! Discover a dazzling array of installations lighting up the Quartier des Spectacles, along with many activities for all ages. You can also feel the magic at home thanks to a host of online cultural events.

Sur les traces du Père Noël 
Until December 28, 2020
Sainte-Catherine Street

The beloved parade floats on display downtown are just the first of many wonderful things you’ll find on this fun walk! With their special pass, children and their parents can participate in two free activities in downtown Montreal: the Mischievous Elves Walk, a quest to find the elves who robbed Santa, or Rudolph’s Mission, to make sure Santa’s sleigh takes off on schedule on the 24th!

Luminothérapie | Cœur battant 
December 3, 2020 to March 14, 2021

One of Montreal’s favourite winter events has a twist this year: instead of one installation, there will be a series of them to discover on a stroll through the Quartier des Spectacles. Between interactive and contemplative sound-and-light works, visitors can enjoy several comfortable rest areas. In the evening, there’s the moment cœur battant, a moment of sound and light in solidarity with the cultural sector.

Winter Gardens 
December 5, 2020 to January 3, 2021
Place des Arts Esplanade and Sainte-Catherine Street

Christmas magic reigns on this enchanting site whose centrepiece is a glorious tree surrounded by cozy little cottages. Just follow the path to explore original dioramas that will delight kids and adults alike. Plus, two beautifully lit terrasses, La Forgerie and La Fabrique, make fun and welcoming stops for shoppers who want to take a break.

LES FENÊTRES FANTASTIQUES 
December 18, 2020 to January 17, 2021
Maison Théâtre

Since the public health situation has kept theatres closed, the famous Ontario St. venue has decided to open its windows. Maison Théâtre’s four tall windows will come to life every night with a cast of strange characters and mysterious creatures, to the delight of viewers of all ages.

Online

BAnQ - A symphonic Christmas story time 
December 12, 2020

To attend this free story time, just download the Zoom app (if you haven’t yet) and sign in. It’s a touching and funny tale about celebrating differences and the joy of meeting new people. A relaxing way to let the Christmas spirit into your heart.

Total Crap - Virtual Christmas special  
December 12, 2020

If you’re a bit of a Scrooge and prefer to keep Christmas in your own way, the Total Crap team has you covered with this wild night featuring some of the very worst Christmas movies and TV specials of all time. By pushing the boundaries of bad taste, this special presentation – which really isn’t fit for kids – will have you cringing and laughing until it hurts!

The OSM celebrates the Holidays with Vivaldi and Handel, under the direction of Bernard Labadie 
December 15 to 24, 2020

You can count on the OSM to bring joy and light into your home for the Holidays! Under the direction of Bernard Labadie, the orchestra will perform two timeless classics by Baroque masters: Vivaldi’s Gloria and the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. Guaranteed enchantment!

Concerts under the tree by Christmas in the Park festival 
December 18 to 24, 2020

This charming Christmas festival invites you to online presentations of its “concerts under the tree.” There will be eight virtual events in all, featuring popular artists and shows for children. It’s all free – just sign up beforehand. The event’s spokesperson, Damien Robitaille, will get the ball rolling with Bleu Jeans Bleu, and he’ll also be part of the traditional Christmas shows on December 24 and 25.

Décembre: the grand Holiday extravaganza by Québec Issime
December 19, 2020 to January 2, 2021

While the beloved Holiday-themed musical extravaganza Décembre won’t be staged live this year, you can still enjoy it at home. This recording of the country’s biggest Christmas production is your chance to see the original cast in an inspiring all-out celebration of the Holiday spirit.