Woo hoo, it’s cold out, baby, and Montreal keeps trying to find ways to get you out.

Image + Nation: Montreal International LGBT Film Festival / Festival Film LGBTQUEER Montréal

November 21 – December 1, 2019

This is the oldest festival of its kind in Canada and often is the place to catch both innovative and new films that relate to the LGBTQ community. Watch here for more details.

November 22 – December 7, 2019

As the church composer and hired musician extraordinaire, enjoy works by Bach in a variety of venues performed by musicians who range from classical to avant-garde. More info HERE.

November 27 – December 1, 2019

SAT, 1201 St Laurent

The annual Christmas market at the SOUK is a not to be missed event where you can get one-of-a-kind gifts from local artisans who produce high quality stuff. It has a real designer flair. Keep an eye HERE for more info.

Nutcracker Market / Marché Casse Noisette

November 28 – December 8, 2019

Mall of Palais de Congrès de Montréal, 1001 place Jean Paul Riopelle

Enjoy shopping for all kinds of goods in this Austrian style Christmas market. The market raises money to allow disadvantaged children to attend a free performance of the Nutcracker as well as participate in educational workshops. Info HERE.

Annual Gem and Mineral Show / Salon Annuel de Gemmes et Minéraux

November 29 – December 1, 2019

Place Bonaventure (800 Gauchetiere St W)

If rocks are your thing, this show is a good place to pick up a few of your favourite things! Gems, jewelry, sculptures, pearls, beads, fossils, tools, and minerals are all available here. The stones come from around the world too. Professional jewellers are on site to turn your purchases into jewellery. Also, representatives from the école de gemmologie de Montréal will provide you with information about your gems. $8/$7/$6. Info HERE.

Christmas in the Park / Noel dans le Parc

November 30 – December 25, 2019

Parc des Compangons de St Laurent (4365-4375 Rue Cartier), Parc Lahaie, and Place Emilie Gamelin (Quartier des Spectacles)

This outdoor festival will get you feeling like Christmas is something homey and fun. There are multiple locations where you can enjoy the activities, music, and good vibe. Information HERE.

December 7 – 8, 2019

Palais de Congrès de Montréal, 1001 place Jean Paul Riopelle

Get your geekiest fix in plastic toys, superheroes, cosplay, card games, and the occasional guest. It’s not as big as Comiccon, but it’s perfect for getting some gifts together. Info HERE.

November 28, 2019 – January 26, 2020

Quatier des Spectacles

As days get shorter and there is less light, Luminothérapie puts on an annual light show in Place des Arts. This year the theme is POP! There are also projections on buildings around the area. Information HERE.

Atwater Market; November 29 – December 22, 2019

Ever-cool St. Henri sets up its annual Christmas Village near the marketplace and Lachine Canal. Food vendors, shops, choruses, ukeleles, and more. Check out the info HERE.

Saturdays and Sundays, November 30 – December 29, 2019

Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site (458 Rue Notre-Dame E)

Parks Canada transforms the George-Étienne Cartier residence with all the charm of the 19th century. Drink some wassail punch and revisit Christmas past. No ghosts. I hope. More info HERE.

Place Bonaventure

December 6 – 22, 2019

More incredible one of a kind goods of high quality can be found at this annual shopping event. Whether its ceramic, food, wool, wood, or stone, chances are you can find an artisan here that has what you need. Bring a credit card! Information HERE.

December 6 – 8 and 13 – 15, 2019

Eglise St. Denis (5075 Rivard, at Laurier Metro)

As fans of things you can buy that come from local artists, we adore the Puces POP events. With a room full of crafts folk, you’re bound to find something. True to the POP team, things begin with an opening party and continue on for two weekends of solid POP Shopping. For more information, click HERE.

Nutcacker. Nutcracker Market. Photo Lily Huynh

Departure point is Parc des Compagnons at Mt. Royal and Cartier

December 7, 2019

Many events take place on Rue Mt. Royal, including music and fireworks. At 7 p.m., you can join the massive candle lighting at Parc des Compagnons at Mt. Royal and Cartier. Carry a candle and join the beautiful passing of the light around the park. After exchanging the flame, enjoy the party. Info HERE.

Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul; December 8, 2019, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

OK, we may not have Choir!Choir!Choir! but at least we get a cool production done by the CBC where locals get to sing. Purchase a ticket ahead of time and join in the hour and a half singing. You’ll get broadcast on CBC. Details HERE.

Place des Arts

December 12 – 30, 2019

Salle Wilfrid Pelletier

The holiday season would be incomplete for some without Clara’s misadventures and sugarplum fairies. This annual ballet highlight is a popular event that enchants year after year. For info, click HERE.



Theatre Jean-Duceppe, December 13, 2019, 8 p.m.

IN order to profit the Starlight Foundation, local singers and performers come together. Check out Men Without Hats, Tom Cochrane, Ron Sexsmith, andJake Clemons. Info HERE.

Pointe A Calliere; December 14 – 31, 2019

Who is it? Babushka, Melchior, Black Peter and Santa Claus? Kids have a chance to meet all the Santa Clauses at this sweet little event. Info HERE.

December 14, 2019 – December 28 on Saturdays and January 4 on Sunday. 8 p.m.

Old Port

Missing those summer fireworks? Not to worry. Natrel pays for four whole rounds of sky bliss. Check it out. Info HERE.

Old Port and Old Montreal

December 21-31, 2019

In an attempt to brighten spirits and keep everyone moving, the Old Port hosts a range of events, with things ending in a massive New Years party. Some things to check out include outdoor holiday films, musical performances, an outdoor market on Thursdays to Sundays. Everything culminates in a New Year’s Eve party on December 31. More info HERE.