Holiday magic for the whole family in the Quartier des Spectacles
Santa Claus on the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink, 2022
When the cold season arrives, the Quartier des Spectacles turns into a prime destination to entertain both young and old. Put on your best winter clothes and come skate, enjoy dazzling light experiences, and attend holiday shows and films—and most importantly, come meet Santa Claus!
Santa Claus—the one and only!
Festivities at Complexe Desjardins
Until December 24
Complexe Desjardins
Year after year, Santa Claus chooses the Complexe Desjardins as the home of his magical kingdom. And it is easy to see why: free face-painting, rides on the little train or carousel, and daily shows, including the Forêt Boréale sound-and-light performance featuring the grand fountain’s water jets. And of course, the jolly man himself is on hand to hear every child’s holiday wishes (free, onsite reservations).
Enjoy playful moments at Esplanade Tranquille
Esplanade Tranquille skating rink
Sunday to Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Holiday Hours:
December 12 to January 3, 2026: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Except on December 24, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., December 25 and January 1, from noon to 11 p.m. and December 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
After enjoying a delicious hot chocolate at Café Tranquille, burn off some energy (and all that sugar) with your family! The Esplanade Tranquille ice rink welcomes you from morning till night—and it’s free. Glide across 1,500 m² of refrigerated ice and enjoy the interactive video projection Au bord du lac Tranquille by Mirari and Normal Studio or watch Santa and his elf’s playful antics in the fun show Can Santa Claus skate?
La magie d’être ensemble !
An invitation by Ciné-cadeau
From December 5 to 7
Esplanade Tranquille
Télé-Québec’s Ciné-cadeau has been a beloved holiday tradition for decades. Celebrate the program launch by heading to Esplanade Tranquille to skate to Christmas tunes, meet Astérix, Obélix, and the Smurfs, join a snowball fight set in the world of The Dog Who Stopped the War, or enjoy a magical potion (a hot chocolate served by Panoramix himself)!
Explore the luminous world of LUMINO
LUMINO
From November 27 to March 8, 2026
Every day from 5 to 11 p.m.
Quartier des Spectacles and downtown Montreal
Wander along Sainte-Catherine Street West and through downtown this December, as LUMINO lights up the early nights. With nearly thirty immersive works—ranging from video projections to interactive installations and creative experiences—this radiant festival invites you to experience the unique nordic spirit of Montreal, inside and out.
“Shadow” by TILT on Sainte-Catherine Street West, in front of the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink
When the holidays take center stage
Ballet Ouest de Montréal | The Nutcracker
December 6 to 7
Salle Pierre-Mercure | Centre Pierre-Péladeau de l’UQAM
See or revisit this timeless Tchaikovsky classic, in a striking adaptation featuring 35 professional dancers joined on stage by more than 80 children from the Montreal area. Follow Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy on an enchanting journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets!
Peter Pan, la comédie musicale
December 12 to 31
Théâtre Saint-Denis | Espace Saint-Denis
Rediscover your inner child with Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, and Tinker Bell! The most magical musical of all time is coming to Quebec for the very first time: 22 talented performers on stage and a six-piece orchestra will transport you to a magical world where dreams are born and no one ever grows up.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 21
Cinquième Salle | Place des Arts
Rediscover this iconic holiday soundtrack, featuring a warm jazz trio, a soloist, and a children's choir: an unforgettable moment for everyone, young and old alike!
Nicolas Noël | Entre deux mondes
December 27 and 28
Théâtre Jean-Duceppe | Place des Arts
Father Christmas invites the whole family to his new musical show, accompanied by his faithful elves Pamalin and Trémaline. Fresh out of elf school, Trémaline has a plan to modernize Christmas: goodbye reindeer, hello delivery drones; no more meetings with Father Christmas, hello virtual calls and augmented reality! Torn between respecting traditions and the need to adapt to new technologies, what will Father Christmas do? There's only one way to find out: come and see the show!
“The Nutcracker” by Ballet Ouest de Montréal
A touch of cinema!
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
December 20
Grande Bibliothèque | BAnQ
The Grinch hates Christmas and has only one goal: to ruin this beautiful holiday for everyone. Will he succeed? This film is presented dubbed in French, with free popcorn—reserve your seats!
Elf
December 23
Grande Bibliothèque | BAnQ
A clumsy but big-hearted man was raised by Santa’s elves; now he must leave the North Pole to find his real dad in New York. This film is presented dubbed in French—reserve your seats!
