Celebrate the Holidays in the Quartier des Spectacles

PRESS RELEASE

Celebrate the Holidays in the Quartier des Spectacles

Montreal, November 20, 2025 — The Holiday spirit arrives in the Quartier des Spectacles this weekend with the Santa Claus Parade (Nov. 22), the opening of the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink (Nov. 20), the Great Montreal Christmas Market (Nov. 21) on the Place des Festivals and the festivities at Complexe Desjardins (Nov. 22). The season continues with the 16th edition of LUMINO (Nov. 27) throughout the Quartier des Spectacles and downtown Montreal, the Noël dans le parc festival (Dec. 5) at the Parterre and a festive weekend with Ciné-cadeau (Dec. 5–6–7) at the Esplanade Tranquille.

Until the end of December, the public is also invited to enjoy a rich indoor program, followed by a variety of free activities. A cherished tradition for all ages.

Starting in November: Free Events to Celebrate the Holiday Season

The Santa Claus Parade

November 22
René-Lévesque Boulevard, between Drummond and Saint-Urbain streets

The traditional procession will bring René-Lévesque Boulevard to life, delighting both young and old alike. For this 73rd edition, families can look forward to colorful floats, beloved characters, festive music, and Kim Clavel, IBF World Strawweight Champion, appearing as the Fairy of the Stars!

Festivities at Complexe Desjardins

Until December 24
Complexe Desjardins
 
Highlights include the return of the carousel, the little train, and especially the chance to meet Santa Claus, delighting the little ones. The must-see children’s shows are back at Complexe Desjardins: dance, choirs, orchestras, and face painting for kids. Finally, the multimedia show Fontaine Boréale will be presented every hour starting at 4 p.m. daily until December 31.

Great Montreal Christmas Market

Until January 4, 2026
Place des Festivals

For its 5th edition, the Great Montreal Christmas Market will welcome visitors to a magical setting featuring nearly fifty chalets showcasing local artisans and creators, along with stations offering warm drinks and treats. A musical and theatrical program, including the signature show Noël à Montréal, will immerse the public in the festive spirit.

LUMINO

From November 27 to March 8, 2026
Every day from 5 to 11 p.m.
Quartier des Spectacles and downtown

Montreal’s iconic winter event, LUMINO blends light, creativity, and Nordic life in a a superb light-focused program in the heart of the city. Over the season, discover about thirty immersive works—from video projections to installations and interactive experiences—scattered across Sainte-Catherine Street West and the wider downtown core. This exciting northern adventure is to be enjoyed again and again all winter! 

In December: A Time for Music and Family Moments

Noël dans le parc

From December 5 to 24
Le Parterre

This must-see event of the winter cultural scene offers a rich program of free musical performances. The public is invited to the Parterre, a public space located north of the esplanade Tranquille skating rink, to discover a variety of artists in a festive Christmas-themed setting, with France D’Amour opening the series.

La magie d’être ensemble !

An invitation from Ciné-cadeau
December 5 to 7
Esplanade Tranquille

For the launch of Télé-Québec’s Ciné-cadeau programming, families are invited to a special free event at the Esplanade Tranquille. Enjoy skating to classic tunes, meet Astérix, Obélix, and the Smurfs, take part in a snowball fight set in the world of La guerre des tuques, and savor a magical potion—a delicious hot chocolate served by Panoramix—all in a festive setting inspired by Télé-Québec’s beloved Ciné-cadeau classics.

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.

Free and accessible, the largest refrigerated outdoor skating rink in downtown Montreal will welcome skating enthusiasts starting November 20, spreading over 1,500 m². Skates are also available for rent to fully enjoy the winter in the city and be amazed by the on-ice interactive video projection, Au bord du lac Tranquille by Mirari and Normal Studio, presented as part of the 16th edition of LUMINO. Showings take place Sunday to Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. 

The skating rink also offers many activities and a rich holiday program, including Santa Claus and his elf lacing up their skates for the show Le père Noël sait-il patiner? on December 13 and 20, with performances at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Pavillon de l’esplanade Tranquille

Sunday to Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Thursday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to midnight

Warm and free, the Esplanade Tranquille pavilion is open daily for visitors to warm up, staying open until midnight from December 12 to January 3, 2026. Enjoy a peaceful moment in the Grand Salon, specially decorated with Christmas-themed paper art by artist Pauline Loctin.

Take part in numerous free holiday activities:

• Christmas ornament decorating workshops with Lézard Créatif on November 29 and 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Christmas cookie decorating workshops with Café La Chouette on December 13, 14, 20, and 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Traditional dance and song workshops with Espace Trad on November 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. 

Additionally, Café Tranquille offers a cozy spot to relax and connect. The menu features quality, fair-trade coffee made with Café Pista beans, a variety of hot and cold drinks, as well as local sweet and savory snacks. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

About the Quartier des Spectacles and the Partnership

The Quartier des Spectacles is the cultural heart of Montreal, boasting North America’s largest and most diverse concentration of cultural amenities. The Quartier’s 1 km² of urban space delights audiences year round thanks to nearly 80 performance venues and creative spaces and 50 annual festivals. The district also showcases innovative urban installations and cutting edge digital art and lighting design. The Quartier des Spectacles positions Montreal as an international leader in urban animation, making it a prime destination for culture and tourism. 

The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, founded in 2003, is a non-profit organization with more than 85 members active in the district. It is responsible for animating the Quartier des Spectacles by programming cultural activities, managing and animating public spaces, providing distinctive illumination and promoting the Quartier as a must-visit cultural destination. The Partnership benefits from the support of the Ville de Montréal.
 

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MEDIA CONTACT

Mélanie Mingotaud
Communications Mingotwo
melanie@mingo2.ca
514 582-5272

SOURCE

Laurie Coulombe 
Quartier des Spectacles Partnership
laurie.coulombe@quartierdesspectacles.com
581 998-6066