What better time to rediscover the many facets of our city and fall in love again with its rich cultural heritage, not to mention its many culinary offers and the irresistible joie de vivre! From planning culinary adventures to organizing a weekend getaway, we are here to ensure you a most memorable experience. Nothing in life is guaranteed but we can assure you that we will do our utmost best to make it happen.
December 07, 10, 11, 14, 15, 21, & 22, 2022 -- Place Des Arts/Maison Symphonique
Since its founding in 1934, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal has distinguished itself as a leader in the orchestral life of Canada and Québec. A cultural ambassador of the highest order, the Orchestra has earned an enviable reputation internationally through the quality of its many recordings and tours. Internationally acclaimed conductor Rafael Payare was named the OSM's Music Director Designate for the 2021--2022 season following a unanimous vote by the Orchestra's selection committee. The Venezuelan conductor will commence full duties in 2022--2023--his tenure will last a minimum of five years--becoming the ninth Music Director in the OSM's history.
December 02, 03 & 18. 2022 -- Places des Arts/Maison Symphonique
Comprised of Quebec-born musicians, who are also mainly Quebec-trained, the Orchestre Métropolitain boasts an international calibre of excellence as an organization dedicated to promoting wider public access to classical music and to strong community involvement, as well as to artistic innovation and creativity. The Orchestre Métropolitain owes its international calibre to the quality and reputation of its Principal Conductor and Artistic Director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
December 21, 2022 to January 01, 2023 -- Bell Centre
Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.
December 09 to 30, 2022 -- Place des Arts/Salle Wilfrid Pelletier
Opening our holiday show this year is a brand new creation full of childlike innocence and joyful cheerfulness! Ivan Cavallari, Les Grands Ballets' Artistic Director, let his imagination run wild in creating The Enchanted Gift, a fairy tale for the whole family, set to the music of Heitor Villa-Lobos.
Christmas Eve finds Professor Christmas in his laboratory. This year he'd like to offer children toys that they won't tire of in a hurry. Struck by an ingenious idea, he sets to work and succeeds in creating… magical toys that come to life! The toys take turns entertaining the dazzled Professor in a flurry of performances featuring well-known characters from various ballets: Harlequin, Puss in Boots, the doll Coppelia and more!
In the show's second part, rediscover the wonder and enchantment of the second act of The Nutcracker by Fernand Nault and Tchaikovsky with Clara's Journey. Let yourself be carried away to the sound of the "Flower Waltz" and the "Mirliton Dance".
The Nutcracker has transformed into a charming Prince and takes Clara to the Kingdom of Sweets where the little girl, along with the King of Sweets, discovers a world of happiness and fantasy. It is the most beloved holiday tale!
December 03, 04, 07, 08, 09, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 2022 -- Bourgie Hall
Recitals, chamber music, vocal art, Baroque music, jazz, world music, family shows, and more: each year, Bourgie Hall produces over a hundred concerts at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in its exceptional venue.
Inaugurated in September 2011, Bourgie Hall offers top-rate artistic programming and welcomes on its stage Canadian and international artists in equal numbers. Whether they are just starting out or already critically acclaimed, these musicians are chosen to perform in Bourgie Hall on the basis of their immense talent. The public can't go wrong: audiences know that they can count on the quality of concerts "approved by Bourgie Hall!" In addition to offering remarkable concerts at affordable prices, Bourgie Hall organizes music workshops for families and amateur musicians. These friendly encounters enable participants to develop their musical gifts in a convivial environment.
Bourgie Hall's programming also brings out astonishing connections between music and art collections. To be discovered at the concerts or during events in the Museum's exhibition rooms!
Throughout the month of November & December 2022 -- Various Locations (see schedule online)
Founded in 2005 by Alexandra Scheibler, the Festival Bach Montréal is North America's premier destination for the timeless musical genius of Johann Sebastian Bach and the cultural legacy he inspired. Each year, in November and December, Festival Bach Montréal presents some thirty events (recitals, concerts, open rehearsals, discussions, children's events, etc.) over a three-week period, bringing together more than 20,000 local and international festival-goers. The Festival Bach Montréal takes place across a dozen different venues in the city, including the Maison symphonique, the Bourgie Hall of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, and many churches in Montreal. The artists that have been welcomed to the festival over the years include some of the biggest names on the international classical music scene as well as young talents from across Canada and abroad. Ton Koopman and Julie Payette have been in turn patron and honorary patron of the festival respectively.
December 08, 2022 -- IN DREAMLAND : ANDRÉ ROBITAILLE AND MAX POLLAK
Founded in 1984 by Yuli Turovsky, the I Musici de Montréal Chamber Orchestra has been sharing its passion for classical music for over 35 years. The 15 exceptional musicians who make up the orchestra bring to life a varied repertoire ranging from the 17th century to the present day, accompanied by their principal guest conductor and artistic advisor Jean-François Rivest. With a program based on tradition, originality and innovation, the Orchestra stands out for the place it gives to numerous emerging and renowned artists with whom it partners to offer you a colorful and meaningful musical experience. I Musici de Montréal has built a solid reputation thanks to its numerous international tours and 40 recordings that meet the highest standards. The Orchestra also acts as a creative catalyst within the city of Montreal and continues to strengthen its roots in the community by collaborating with various organizations and schools on its territory.
December 03 to 23, 2022 -- Théâtre Saint Denis (English & French dates)
THE MYTHICAL AND EMBLEMATIC MUSICAL THE SOUND OF MUSIC COMES TO THÉÂTRE ST-DENIS IN A COMPLETELY UNIQUE AND EPIC ADAPTATION. DIRECTED BY NONE OTHER THAN GREGORY CHARLES, THE SHOW FEATURES MORE THAN 25 ACTORS, SINGERS AND DANCERS, IN ADDITION TO A 10-PERSON ORCHESTRA. THEY'LL BE REVIVING THE HIT MOVIE AND BROADWAY MUSICAL THAT IS ADORED BY MILLIONS AROUND THE WORLD. COME DISCOVER OR REDISCOVER THE INSPIRING STORY OF MARIA AND THE VON TRAPP FAMILY THAT TAKES AUDIENCES TO THE HEART OF AUSTRIA IN THE 1930S, ON THE EVE OF WORLD WAR II.
Evoking a wide range of emotions, the story reminds us that any hardship can be overcome through the strength of love, family and music. Immerse yourself in the songs you have come to adore and be swept away by this legendary story that will charm the whole family in a new, modernized and colourful. way.
December 08 to 18, 2022 - Palais des congrès de Montréal
A new meeting space at the heart of a multifunctional and ultramodern site. For 65 years, the Salon des Métiers d'Art du Québec (SMAQ) has been the premier meeting place for Quebec creation. Bringing together the greatest local craftsmen, and welcoming 350 exhibitors from all over Quebec, Canada and internationally, this major cultural event is a must in Montreal, a privileged meeting with the creators and the creators. The products exhibited and sold at the Salon are recognized as crafts, according to the norms and standards of the Conseil des métiers d'art du Québec.
December 09 to 11, 2022 -- Mont Tremblant
The 24h of skiing event is accessible to everyone! It's a fundraiser that benefits children, it's a skiing or snowboard relay race that kicks off on Saturday morning, lasting until Sunday morning, and it's a 3-day festival of concerts and entertainment!
As of October 05, 2022 - Laval
As night falls, Illumi transforms into a 3-kilometer course allowing visitors to experience magical moments by car or on foot. Installed all around the gigantic tree of lights, the brand new configuration of the course offers 18 fantastic tableaux. In total, 20 million LED lights bring more than 30,000 dazzling structures to life. A safe and clearly delimited three-kilometer route allows visitors to wander at will through each of the universes or a new configuration of the car route allows visitors to experience the magic of this nighttime adventure, with their family bubble, cozied up in the comfort of their car.
October 15, 2022 to February 19, 2023 - Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Organized in collaboration with the Cité de la musique -- Philharmonie de Paris, Seeing Loud: Basquiat and Music is the first large-scale multimedia exhibition devoted to the role of music in the work of one of the most innovative artists of the second half of the 20th century.
Music holds a prominent place in Jean-Michel Basquiat's painterly practice in the form of sign, symbol and sound. His oeuvre is replete with depictions of musical instruments alongside references to opera, classical music, jazz, bebop, hip-hop and rap. Presenting some 100 works by the artist together with numerous sound clips, film footage and archival documents, the exhibition provides an innovative in-depth look at Basquiat's career as a musician, the sounds that accompanied his mark-making and the musicians who inspired him, from Beethoven to the New York underground scene of the 1970s and 1980s and, notably, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Maria Callas.
Beginning with an exploration of the music that shaped Basquiat's New York, the exhibition sheds new light on his career as a performer and musician, notably with the band Gray. It also looks at his painting compositional techniques as they relate to music, and references his ties to particular record labels, musicians, cultures and sounds
Dates may vary according to the market -- Various Locations
Experience Christmas like you've never experienced it in Montreal before!
The Government of Québec is proud to support the Grand Circuit féérique de Montréal, which returns this year with three Christmas markets to bring the city to life. For visitors, this is a great way to encourage local artisans and producers.
We salute the organizers' initiative, which will make it possible to showcase the know-how of the agri-food industry and the wide variety of local products.
In addition to highlighting the quality work of our creators, the Christmas markets diversify Quebec's tourism offering by proposing gourmet destinations.
This festive season, we invite you to visit the Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal, the Village de Noël de Montréal or the Marché de Noël de Jean-Talon to find finds that will please you or your loved ones. This is your chance to encourage local businesses, discover the city's attractions and experience the magic of Christmas with family and friends!
December 01, 2022 to March 10, 2023 -- Basin Bonsecours
At the Old Port, the joys of winter come earlier than anywhere else, thanks to the skating rink opening on December 1! Perfect ice, incredible views of historic Old-Montreal and the river, and dynamic, exhilarating and entertaining activities are what await you at the Old Port skating rink all winter long! The great music and special lighting only add to the fun!
Since August 13, 2021- Notre-Dames Basilica
Notre-Dame Basilica proudly welcomes the reopening of Aura, a luminous experience in the heart of the Basilica. To usher in this bright new era, starting August 13, 2021, the universally-acclaimed experience returns in a renewed form, featuring extended visual and musical moments.
Since July 20, 2017 -- Mont Tremblant
Montreal multimedia phenom Moment Factory has just launched a new nature walk. A night walk in search of the giant! Deep in the heart of Mont Tremblant, the last of the giants has awoken. Follow your sense of adventure to discover the secret he wants to share. The Tonga Lumina illuminated trail is a sensory experience in the forest. This 1.5-km nocturnal walk takes place on a stone dust pathway at the heart of nature. To start off, visitors show up at the bottom of the Flying Mile chairlift that will take them up to the midway station where they will be led to the entrance of the trail. After taking visitors on a brief ascension, the trail slowly weaves its way down the hill through the woods, crosses streams and clearings. Participants can anticipate being on the pathway an average of one hour. Departures are continuous from sunset to closing, with a maximum of 300 people admitted per half-hour on the course.
Opened in February 2022 -- Quartier des Spectacles
Esplanade Tranquille is the newest public space in the Quartier des Spectacles. Montrealers are welcome to visit this fun and inviting all-seasons spot, inspired by urban backyards. Families and other visitors will discover a diverse and entertaining cultural program -- a true reflection of the city. Esplanade Tranquille is named in honour of the Tranquille bookstore, once located on the site, and its owner, Henri Tranquille (1916-2005). It is an important site in contemporary Quebec history, having hosted the launch of the Refus global manifesto in 1948.
Throughout Old Montréal
Loosely inspired by the history of Montreal, Cité Mémoire invites you to meet a host of characters who've witnessed the city's evolution first-hand. Poetic, dreamlike and occasionally playful, the tableaux come alive with images, words and music. Projected throughout Old Montreal, the work appears on the very walls that surround us, the ground on which we walk, the trees that frame our present. A creation by Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon, in collaboration with Michel Marc Bouchard.