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 05, 06 & 19, 2023 -- 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, 09, 19 & 20, 2023 -- 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 05, 06, 07, 08, 13, 14, 17, 20 & 21, 2023 -- 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!
December 21 to 31, 2023 -- Centre Bell
Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL, explores a brand new creative territory for the first time in the company's 39-year history. This unique production pushes boundaries of the circus arts by combining stunning skating and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination. In Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL, acrobats and skaters perform on the ice and in the air, seamlessly combining multiple disciplines for a world class audience experience. Synchronized skating, freestyles figures, and extreme skating are featured alongside traditional circus disciplines such as swinging trapeze, aerial straps and hand to hand.
December 16 to 30, 2023 -- 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!
Throughout the month of November & December 2023 -- 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 07, 2023 -- Let's Tango
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 07 to 17, 2023 - 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.
November 24, 2023 to January 07, 2024 -- McCord Museum
Relive the magic of the Ogilvy Christmas mechanical windows at the Museum Montrealers have been spellbound by the mechanical displays in Ogilvy's department store window for over 70 years -- a Holiday tradition that began in 1947. The Bavarian scenes, custom made by the German toy manufacturer Steiff, feature dozens of handcrafted animals working and playing.In 1911, the firm began producing mechanical windows featuring moving animals, which stores could rent or purchase -- an effective way of entertaining children while promoting their merchandise. James Aird Nesbitt, who owned Ogilvy's department store from 1927 to 1985, bought two -- The Enchanted Village and The Mill in the Forest.Similar to those of department stores in other parts of the world, such as Macy's in New York or Galeries Lafayette in Paris, these window displays are among the last of their kind in North America. They were donated to the McCord Stewart Museum in March 2018 by Holt Renfrew with the goal of preserving and ensuring the continuation of the iconic Montreal displays.Through a partnership with İÖGO nanö, the Museum is proudly maintaining this holiday tradition that has amazed Montrealers of all ages for over 75 years!
November 24, 2023 to January 3, 2024 -- Canadian Railway Museum
Exporail, the Canadian Railway Museum will transport its visitors into the Magic of Christmas. Many vehicles will be decorated and illuminated in the Grand Gallery, activities will be offered and Santa will meet the visitors! Railway Christmas is a must-see event for the whole family!
December 08 to 10, 2023 -- 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!
November 19 to December 10, 2023 -- Centre Segal
Jake Epstein's been "that guy from Degrassi", starred in the US National Tours of Spring Awakening and American Idiot, played Spider-Man on Broadway, and starred in the original production Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Not bad for a kid from Toronto who dreamed about performing on Broadway ever since he was a child. But the thing about dreams is, they don't always go as planned. Through a series of entertaining and soul-baring stories and songs, Epstein shares the rejection, stage fright, and heartbreak behind a seemingly successful career in this showbiz tell-all. Boy Falls From The Sky is a must-see for anyone who's ever chased their dreams.
As of October 2023 - 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.
December 06, 09, 12, 13, 15, 21 & 22, 2023 -- l'Église St-Jean-Baptiste, à la Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-bon-Secours et à l'Église Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs !
These magnificent candle-lit classical music concerts are in Montreal!
Montreal now hosts the famous classical music concerts that have caused a stir around the world! Candlelight shows adopt a new concept that engages all of your senses for a magical musical experience. Do not miss ! This series of candlelit concerts, simply named "Candlelight", invites you to relive the greatest moments of classical music in the most magical places of Montreal. In an intimate and warm atmosphere, rediscover the works of Vivaldi, Mozart, Chopin or even Beethoven. After having been a huge success around the world - in cities like New York, Barcelona or London - this unique experience is finally coming to Montreal.
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, 2023 to March 10, 2024 -- 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!
Notre-Dames Basilica
A luminous experience in the heart of the Basilica Light unveils the richness of Notre-Dame's heritage and invites you to celebrate its beauty. The AURA Experience immerses you in a captivating visual and musical universe, presented upon one of the most sublime canvases imaginable: the French-inspired, Gothic Revival architectural interior of Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal. The experience offers a four-act multimedia display of dynamic light, orchestral music, and expressive architecture.
Year round exhibits -- Palais des Congrès
OASIS immersion offers a new, permanent, all-immersive 2,200 m2 (over 23,500 ft2 ) space located on the ground floor of the Palais des congrès de Montréal. The site is home to enthralling exhibitions inspired by the people, places and ideas that shape and galvanize our world, here and now. OASIS immersion is a sort of immersive magazine where spirited minds come to refuel and escape the routine of everyday life. There, visitors find fresh new ideas and inspiring works. It's a place to rethink society and its foundations through the prism of optimism. The mood is upbeat, energizing and inspiring, one that calls to action. Light and movement are at the heart of the experience and this is reflected in our logo. The rays of the light spectrum criss-cross, reminiscent of the rich yet playful multi-sensorial projections of light, sounds, colours and themes, while the esthetics of the logo draw on contrasts and refinement.
Developed by local entrepreneurs and creatives, the OASIS immersion space features a world-class contactless, walk-through experience. 3X All-Immersive Galleries, 2X Light Exhibits, 1X Lounge & 1X Podcast.
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.
December 02, 04, 07, 10, 13, & 16, 2023 -- Centre Bell
Watching a hockey game in Montreal is the ultimate hockey experience.www.centrebell.ca
December 06, 08, 09, 22, 29 & 30, 2023 -- Place Bell
Watching a hockey game in Montreal is the ultimate hockey experience.
