MTL en Lumière sign. Photo Rachel Levine

It’s so dark. At 4 p.m. But not to worry, Montreal knows how to do Christmas lights and the trees, parks, and main arteries are lit. Literally. Besides, there are plenty of festivals and events that will carry you to the shortest day of the year and back on out again. The bitter cold is coming, so take advantage of winter’s more mild side and check these awesome events out.

Salon du Livre de Montreal / Montreal Book Fair

Nov 15 – Dec 1, 2024
Palais de Congrès
201 Ave Viger O

The not-independent-book gets its moment at this festival that focuses on French publications. Quebec literature in particular gets plenty of visibility. Author talks, discussions, debates, and public readings make this an exciting event. Meet your favourite Quebecois authors and watch live recordings for Radio Canada. More info HERE.

RIDM / Montreal International Documentary Festival

Nov 20 – Dec 1, 2024
Various Venues

How lucky we are to get to see the world’s greatest documentaries in the cinemas of the city. There’s something for everyone in the selection. Already announced is an appearance by Sky Hopinka. Opener is Reparations for a Miracle by Tobias Nolle, and Ninan Auassat: We the Children by Kim O’Bomswain and Info HERE.

Festival Triste

November 28 – December 1, 2024
Various Venues

Sensitive souls take note of this moody festival featuring music, film, theatre, poetry, dance, and readings. Among those performing are Hawa B, Vagalâme, Sarah Boutin, and Julie Byrne. Mental health is definitely a theme. For more info, click HERE.

Bach Festival

Nov 16 – Dec 8, 2024
Various venues

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. Things open with a Mass in C Minor conducted by Leonardo García Alarcón, feature artists like Bruno Philippe and Serhiy Salov, and a closing concert with JS Bach, extracts from Magnificat, and works by Haydn. There’s also an Off-Bach Festival! More info HERE.

Esplanade Tranquille Skating Rink

November 22 – April 6, 2024
Espace Tranquille, Quartier des Spectacles

Free to access and with skates to rent, take a few laps around the city’s calmest public space in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles. Up to 400 skaters can skate at once. Rent your skates on site or bring your own. There’s free instruction, musical lunches and Saturday night disco to make this a skate to remember. Details HERE.

The Great Montreal Christmas Market

Nov 22 – Dec 30, 2024
Quartier des Spectacles

Walk along St. Catherine Street in front of Place des Arts for booth after booth of unique boutique goods from 75 different artisans. Some are food, some are not. If you get lucky, you might catch a musical or theatre performance on the street too. The ambiance is lovely and festive. Info HERE.

Village de Noel / Atwater Christmas Market

November 28 – December 24, 2024
Atwater Market

Perennial favourite in the St. Henri hood, small cabins are set up to create a little outdoor village of 45 different artisans. There’s plenty to eat, a sugar shack and fries. There are also circus performances, sledding and movie nights, and kind of general joy. A Raclette Party with all you can eat takes place on Nov 29, but book in advance. For info, click HERE.

Luminotherapie

November 22, 2024 – March 9, 2024
Quartier des Spectacles,
12:30 – 8:30 p.m. daily

In the days of darkness, it’s time to check out the light and video show near the city centre. Follow the path to check out different sound and light exhibits. A massive skating rink is featured at the Esplanade Tranquille. This year includes projections on buildings, a tunnel of light, and a giant hand . Info HERE.

Weihnachtsmarkt

November 30 – December 1, 2024
3594 Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, QC H2X 2K3, Canada

If Christmas is all about German Christmas Markets, this is where you can get all that good stollen, mulled wine, sausages, and gingerbread, not to mention an assortment of artisanal wares. Info HERE.

Bazar Japonais des Fêtes / Japanese Bazaar

December 1 , 2024
Japanese Cultural Centre of Montreal
1700 Rue Akenaten

Japan goods at bargain prices! Books are just $1, but also checked out baked goods, kimonos, and pottery. If you know a Japanophile or just love all things Japan yourself, don’t miss this annual market. Info HERE.

Comiccon Holiday Edition

December 3 – 5, 2024
Palais de Congrès
247 Rue St-Antoine O, Montréal, QC H2Z, Canada

If you’ve been missing your dose of cosplay and comics, head down for two days of solid shopping at the Palais. It doesn’t matter if you prefer Marvel or DC, Star Wars or Star Trek, sci fi or dystopia. It’s just like the Comiccon marketplace, but entrance is free and it’s a great chance to pick up all the figurines your heart desires. There’s some opportunities for group cosplay too. Over 225 exhibitors and artists will be there. Info HERE.

Noel dans Le Parc

December 6 – 31, 2024
Place Émile Gamelin

If you love free music, and we all love free music, check out the series of shows taking place at Place Émile Gamelin. Among those performing are Urban Science Brass Band (Dec 6), Bruno Rodéo (Dec 7), Dumai Dunai (Dec 12), Banitsa (Dec 14) VioleTT Pi (Dec 19), Sarahmée (Dec 20), and plenty more. Check out the offerings HERE.

Victorian Christmas at the Cartiers

Weekends, December 7 – 22, 2024
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.

Amnesty International Marathon of Writing

December 7, 2024 11 a.m. – Maison du développement durable
December 7, 2024 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Centre culturel et communautaire de Cartierville
December 8, 2024 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – YMCA du Parc
January 26 2 p.m. – Bibliothèque interculturelle de Côte-des-Neiges

Stand up for human rights, especially political prisoners and the wrongfully detained by writing letters to governments and political leaders as part of Amnesty International’s writing marathons. Use a prepared letter or write one from your own heart. Info and details HERE.

Vegan Christmas Market

December 7 – 8, 2024
200 Sherbrooke O

If you want to buy gifts but want to be conscientious about your treatment of animals and living beings (not to mention the planet), get your gifts at the annual Vegan market. Entrance is free. Info HERE.

Handel’s Messiah with Orchestra Classqieu de Montreal

December 9 and 11, 2024
Basilique Notre Dame de Montréal
110 R. Notre Dame O

What was the equivalent of Wham’s Last Christmas in the year 1741? The epic Messiah by Handel is probably it. Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads a spectacular line up in this fabulous piece in the crypt of the oratory. Info HERE.

Salon des Métiers d’art du Quebec (SMAQ)

December 12 – 22, 2024
Palais de Congrès
247 Rue St-Antoine O, Montréal, QC H2Z, Canada

Seems like it’s been a few years, but this high end market features beautifully crafted goods by 215 artisans of Quebec. POttery, knitting, jewelry, tableware, furniture, and more. Info HERE.

The Nutcracker Ballet

December 12 – 30, 2024
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts

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.

Cirque de Boudoir Carnavalesque Snow Ball

December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Theatre Paradoxe

Dance is back, in crowds, with music, with lights, with… a kinky dungeon, gogo dancers, and visuals to make sure any recreational substances you’ve taken to ring in the new year have their desired effect amplified or at least… entertained. Anyway, lots of New Years events are happening, but this one is usually kinda more… well… It requires fetish or themed costumes. That’s an event, isn’t it? Info HERE.

Upcoming and Announced

Igloofest

January 16 – February 8
Old Port

Strap on your snowpants and don the parka. Dance away the cold every weekend and claim the long nights. Igloofest brings in top DJs from around the world and offers a selection of art and other delights to bring the city back from the weeks of post-holiday quiet. Info HERE.

Montreal Clown Festival

April 23 – 24, 2024
tbd

Who are you calling a clown? Get ready to laugh and laugh and laugh as performers of all sorts show you the variety that clowning can be. Workshops as well as performances. Send ’em in! Details HERE.