This holiday season, enjoy free activities in the Quartier des spectacles
If you’re passing through or near the Quartier des spectacles during the holiday season, make the most of it! A wealth of free indoor and outdoor activities awaits: skating, luminous artworks, music, a festive market, creative workshops and more, perfect for all ages and winter moods.
Until December 24
Complexe Desjardins
Meet the one and only Santa Claus at Complexe Desjardins, where he warmly welcomes children eager to reveal the gifts they dream of finding beneath the Christmas tree. Once the wish lists are shared, let the kids delight in the carousel, mini train rides, face painting, and captivating dance, choir, and orchestra shows. Every day at 4 p.m., experience Fontaine Boréale, a breathtaking multimedia spectacle for the whole family.
An Invitation from Ciné-cadeau
December 5 to 7
Esplanade Tranquille
Celebrate the holiday season with Télé-Québec’s Ciné-cadeau at Esplanade Tranquille. Enjoy skating to classic Christmas songs, encounter the iconic Astérix, Obélix, and Smurfs, engage in a spirited snowball fight in the La guerre des tuques setting, and savor a special hot chocolate potion served by Panoramix himself.
December 5 to 24
Le Parterre
Another must-see of the winter cultural scene, Noël dans le parc, offers a free and diverse music program. Join curious visitors and music lovers at Le Parterre to enjoy the sounds of France d’Amour, Bon Débarras, and Boogát, or discover new artists like Vanille, Margaret Tracteur, and zouz!
Until January 4, 2026
Place des Festivals
At Place des Festivals, the Great Montreal Christmas Market returns for its fifth edition. Set in a magical setting sure to enchant you, this event invites you to discover nearly fifty local artisans and creators, with stations offering warm drinks and seasonal treats. All of this is complemented by a musical and theatrical program, featuring the signature show Noël à Montréal.
From November 27 to March 8, 2026
Daily from 5 to 11 p.m.
Quartier des spectacles and downtown Montreal
Make the most of the outdoors by warming up with LUMINO’s dynamic experiences. Wander along Sainte-Catherine Street West and through downtown to discover some thirty interactive, reflective, and radiant works—ranging from video projections to immersive installations—that celebrate Montreal’s distinctive Nordic heritage.
Sunday through Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Holiday season hours:
December 12 to January 3, 2026, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
With special hours on December 24 (9 a.m.–7:30 p.m.), December 25 and January 1 (12 p.m.–11 p.m.), and December 31 (9 a.m.–1 a.m.)
The esplanade Tranquille skating rink invites you to skate for free all day long! No skates? Rent some on site. Glide across 1,500 m² of chilled ice while enjoying the immersive interactive projection Au bord du lac Tranquille. Don’t miss the charming and humorous Can Santa Skate? shows featuring Santa and his elf.
For craft lovers, join complimentary workshops to create festive Christmas ornament and cookie decorations or get introduced to traditional dances and songs. Cozy up at the esplanade Tranquille pavilion where Café Tranquille offers a variety of hot and cold drinks alongside local snacks including vegan and gluten-free options. Find the schedule online here.