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Ok, people, what’s up with winter? It showed up early and started eating all the good hors d’oeuvres, hogging the remote, and taking up the whole couch. Not cool, old man winter. As the year comes to a close, I have yet to see the line get shorter outside the new legal cannabis store. Has anyone actually from Montreal gone yet or is this just tourists? Construction frustration hits record levels because in addition to dodging snow cleaning trucks, we now need to dodge construction trucks that drive with the same regard for people. Canada Post offers yet another inconvenient strike, ensuring that Amazon will be using FedEx this holiday season instead. But at least we can look forward to Verdun’s long-overdue beach next summer. It’s not the Cayman Islands, but it’ll due in a pinch.

For a list of last year’s bazaars and markets, click HERE.

Bach Festival

November 22-December 7, 2018
various

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

Image + Nation

November 22-December 2, 2018

Montreal’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans film festival knows that the dreary end of November is a good time to celebrate your identity, no matter what your sexual preference. The line-up includes feature-length films intended for wide release and other films that only appear on the festival circuit. More information can be found HERE

SAT SOUK

November 28 – December 2, 2018
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 with its curated sellers. Keep an eye HERE for more info.

Nutcracker Market

November 29 – December 9, 2018
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.

Luminothérapie

November 30 – January 28, 2018
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, giant dominoes will create sound and lighting effects. There are also projections on buildings around the area. Information HERE.

Complexe Desjardins 100% Noel

Complexe Desjardins
November 18 – December 24, 2017

There are fountains that spew lots of light and water to the sound of music. Trains, rides, Santa, performances, and more are in the mall. Info HERE.

Montreal’s Christmas Village

Atwater Market; November 30-December 23, 2018

Ever-cool St. Henri sets up its annual Christmas Village near the marketplace and Lachine Canal. Food vendors, shops, and a bit of entertainment are promised. Check out the info HERE.

Christmas at the Cartiers

Saturdays and Sundays, December 1-30, 2018
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.

Christmas in the Park (Place Émilie Gamelin)

December 1 – 23, 2018
Berri and St. Catherine

Place Émilie Gamelin has become a must stop place when it comes to checking out free events daily. Noel dans le Parc is an outdoor festival that has music and multicultural activities. For details on what’s happening, click HERE.

Salon des Métiers d’Art

Place Bonaventure
December 6-16, 2018

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.

Montreal’s Grand Christmas Market

Sadly, this won’t be happening until 2019.

Urban Tales. Feathers

Centaur Theatre, St. Francois Xavier
December 7 – 15, 2018, 8 p.m.

Stories are so much better when you add the spice and nothing nice. Short works by different writers feature local talent in what feels like a family party. More info HERE.

POP Montreal : Puces Des Neiges

December 7 – 9, 2018 and 14 – 16, 2018
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.

Noel sur L’Avenue (du Mt. Royal)

Focal point is Parc des Compagnons at Mt. Royal and Cartier
December 8, 2018, 7 p.m.

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.

CBC Christmas Sing-In

Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul;  December 9, 2018; 3 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.

The Nutcracker Ballet

Place des Arts
December 13-30, 2018

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. 
 

Andy Kim Christmas Benefit

Corona THeatre, December 15, 2018, 8 p.m.

IN order to profit the Starlight Foundation, local singers and performers come together. Check out Coeur de Pirate, Ron Sexsmith, Brad Barr of the Barr Brothers, and more. Info HERE. 

Who Is the Real Santa Claus?

Pointe A Calliere; December 15-31, 2018

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.

Natrel Fire on Ice

Old Port; December 15, 22, 29, 2018 and Jan 5, 2019, 8 p.m.

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

Montreal en Fetes

Old Port and Old Montreal
December 21 – January 1, 2018

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.