13 magical Holiday activities in the Quartier des Spectacles

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Montreal’s cultural heart is the ideal place for getting into the Holiday spirit. This winter, the Quartier des Spectacles is shining bright, offering a cornucopia of events and activities for all ages. Whether you’re looking to enjoy some Christmas magic with the whole family, as a couple or with friends, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect activity. Here’s a look at some of this month’s festive shows and activities!

SHOWS TO ENJOY WITH FRIENDS

Christmas Songs with Rafael Payare
Maison symphonique de Montréal
December 14 and 15

Attention, music lovers: the OSM invites you to Christmas Songs with Rafael Payare, a show featuring the OSM Chorus and Les Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal. During this festive evening, the audience will be invited to sing along with the artists!

Expérience Noël Gospel
Le Balcon
December 27, 28 and 29

Le Balcon, on Sainte-Catherine St. W., invites you to enjoy a Gospel Christmas. For three evenings, talented artists will take the stage to spread joy and hope. The series begins on December 27 with HOWzik, followed on December 28 by Montreal’s Imani Gospel Singers, and concludes with singer Michelle Sweeney on December 29.

Noël dans le parc
Place Émilie-Gamelin
Until December 31

Place Émilie-Gamelin is still one of the best places to soak up the Christmas spirit, have a drink and enjoy shows and activities. Christmas in the park will conclude with a big New Year’s Eve show!

EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Décembre
Théâtre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts
December 8 to 29

This musical extravaganza is one of the country’s biggest Christmas productions. Presented by Québec Issime, Décembre celebrates seasonal traditions with 24 artists performing on enchanting sets, all under the Christmas tree.

The Nutcracker
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
December 9 to 30

The Grand Ballets’ famous production of The Nutcracker, an annual tradition since 1964, is synonymous with Christmas. Whether it’s your first Nutcracker or your tenth, the experience is simply magical! Captivated by Tchaikovsky’s score and Fernand Nault’s choreography, we are transported back to childhood as we watch the tale of little Clara’s adventures in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets.

Noël au Gesù
Gesù
December 11

Poetry and music are the centrepieces of this Holiday celebration. Harpists Gisèle Guibord and Robin Grenon, the Chorale des enfants de la Rive-Sud children’s choir and poetry readers Vicky Bertrand and Dominique B. Marier host an evening guaranteed to fill you with the Christmas spirit.

Great Montreal Christmas Market
Place des Festivals
Until December 31

Follow the aroma of mulled wine and you’ll find around 30 cabins occupied by local and regional artisans, as well as plenty of activities to delight the whole family!

L'Odyssée
Sainte-Catherine St. W.
Until January 6

L’Odyssée, presented by XP_MTL, features a program that will help spread the Holiday spirit throughout the downtown core. Sainte-Catherine St. will host a giant work by Cree artist Jason Carter, The Legend of the Bears, symbolizing strength, hope and comfort. Finally, on December 11 and 18, the choirs of L’Odyssée will give free concerts to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Luminothérapie, 13^th edition
Sainte-Catherine St. W. and Esplanade Tranquille
Until March 5

The famous series of interactive and luminous works is back for a 13^th year. This year, the interactive experience Au bord du lac Tranquille will make skating on the Esplanade Tranquille rink even more magical. Created by local companies Mirari and Normal Studio, the work reveals the aquatic world of northern Quebec. And you don’t need to skate to appreciate the dazzling ballet of whales, tortoises and other aquatic life!

Lights by Montréal centre-ville
Several locations in downtown Montreal
All winter

Since Christmas is also the feast of lights, why not take advantage of the season to explore the half-million lights festooning the downtown core? This initiative of SDC Montréal centre-ville highlights the city’s architectural heritage, public spaces and commercial arteries.

FOR THE KIDS

Le Royaume de Noël
Complexe Desjardins
Until December 24

Until Christmas Eve, Complex Desjardins is a truly enchanting spot, thanks to the real Santa Claus and his village, which always delights and amazes children. Outside, on the Grande-Place, you’ll find the inspiring Marché de Lëon and performances of the impressive multimedia show Fontaine Boréale.

Nicolas Noël
Théâtre Jean-Duceppe, Place des Arts
December 27 and 30

In this new show presented by Gregg Musique, Nicolas Noël, aka the real Santa, reveals himself. In a magical setting, the children’s hero tells and sings his most wonderful stories to rapt audiences of children and adults!

La guerre des tuques
Grande bibliothèque
December 29

Here’s one the kids won’t want to miss: the 2015 animated version of André Melançon’s classic movie. La guerre des tuques, directed by Jean-François Pouliot and François Brisson, tells the story of two groups of children battling to control a snow fort during the Christmas holidays.