Enjoy break week in the Quartier des Spectacles 

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School break week is almost here! Whether you prefer crisp winter air or cozy interiors, you’ll find a ton of great outdoor and indoor activities in the Quartier. Here are six ideas for spending some quality time with the family in the Quartier des Spectacles.

INDOORS

Break week at Place des Arts
March 1 to 4

Place des Arts presents free activities for the whole family, including the Fabuloscope exhibition and a variety of workshops – cooking, an introduction to circus arts, crafts. There will also be story time for children from 3 to 10 years of age in the Espace culturel Georges-Émile-Lapalme. Le souhait de Petite Souris is a musical tale scheduled for March 1 and 2. Told by Jacinthe Lavoie, it is for very young children. The fantastical story Orphée aux doigts de fées, told by Mélanie Nadeau on March 3 and 4, is aimed at the 6-to-10 age group.

MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
Until March 5

Among the many activities at this year’s MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, small children won’t want to miss Coucou Passe-Partout, le spectacle on February 28 at Théâtre Maisonneuve in Place des Arts, featuring Passe-Partout, Passe-Carreau and Passe-Montagne. The famous characters will sing the most popular songs from their beloved TV show and lead games with audience participation.

Inside the Esplanade Tranquille pavilion, The Wonderful World of Biscuit and Cassonade will be presented for free from March 3 to 5. Accompanied by her loyal stuffed-animal friends, author Caroline Munger invites children to experience an unforgettable story time.

Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma

The 41^st edition of the Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma, the grand annual celebration of Quebec’s films, continues until March 4.

OUTDOOR

MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
Until March 5

For 24 years, this festival has been lighting up the downtown core during the chilly season. It’s got something for everyone, and a mission to entice people to get out of the house in the winter with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities.

An enchanting show for all ages, The Fairy Gwendoline with her Illuminated Wings, will be staged for free in Place des Festivals on March 3. Descended from a cloud to the land of fireflies before coming to us, the fairy with the magical smile and her companion, Awen the bear, will tell stories inspired by Celtic legends.

There’s no shortage of attractions at the outdoor site, so be sure to dress warmly before heading out. You’ll be able to play on the slides and skating trail, or ride the Ferris wheel to catch some spectacular views of the Quartier des Spectacles.

Luminothérapie
Until March 5

Luminothérapie, lighting up the Quartier for a 13^th consecutive year, is a perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy the winter air. The event features a series of colourful interactive works on Sainte-Catherine St. W. as far as Phillips Square. It makes for a fun and intriguing stroll for the whole family.

The interactive experience Au bord du lac Tranquille by Mirari and Normal studio brings the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink to life. It’s a tribute to northern life and Quebec’s biodiversity that offers a unique dreamlike experience for skaters and spectators alike.

APIK
Until March 5

A new winter event is happening this year in the Quartier Latin. APIK is free for all ages, and it will be most appealing to anyone who loves a good thrill! There will be a host of sporting activities to delight skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Not only will APIK transform Saint-Denis St. into a snow park where boarders can show off their best moves, the event will also include an obstacle course, a climbing wall and plenty of great après-ski!

Esplanade Tranquille skating rink

Montreal’s biggest outdoor refrigerated rink beckons you to experience skating in the heart of downtown. On Sundays, children and their parents are invited to explore the Ice Garden, a special zone for beginning skaters where instructors use flags, mini-Zambonis and other teaching aids to get you up and gliding.

After skating, the Esplanade Tranquille pavilion offers a variety of ways to take a break, sip a coffee or grab a bite. It is also home to the Ludothèque de l’esplanade Tranquille, where you can borrow, for free, a wide selection of games and game baskets with multiple games.