Montreal in December : Festivals and Events
luminotherapy. Place des Arts. Photo MIchael Bakouch.
December is when Montreal seems to give up its year-round love of festivals and settle into shopping and cultivating holiday cheer with friends and colleagues. So, this month’s list of festivals is rather short.
Christmas Markets
We’ve already compiled an extensive list of Christmas markets for you week by week. If you’re interested, click HERE.
A Victorian Christmas
Saturdays and Sundays, November 24 – December 24
Image + Nation
November 27-December 6
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. This year the festival seems larger than ever before. More information can be found HERE
Sefard Festival
Theatre Outremont
November 30 – December 12
Montreal celebrates the richness of Sephardic culture with this festival. Artists from around the world will perform. There is also a series of colloquium centered on the theme of communication between Jews and Muslims in Quebec. More info HERE.
Montreal en Fetes
Old Port and Old Montreal
December 3 – January 1
In an attempt to brighten spirits and keep everyone moving, the Old Port hosts a range of events over the month. Some things to check out include Out Door Holiday Flicks, a Christmas market on Thursdays to Sundays at Place Jacques Cartier, a dip into the icy river on December 12, outdoor yoga on December 19, and even a gift scavenger hunt on December 5, 12, and 19. Everything culminates in a New Year’s Even ball. More info HERE.
Empire City Troopers
December 5, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
St. Denis, between Sherbrooke and Ontario
Empire will be setting up a slopestyle snowboarding event in the city. Guest athletes and registrants will compete for the $15,000 purse. At night, there’s a Jagermeister party at l’Abreuvoir. More info HERE.
Winter Swap O Rama
December 5, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
137 St Ferdinand #153
Clear out the old before bringing in the new — and bring something back instead. Montreal hosts many swap events if you keep an eye on facebook and craigslist. A massive one is taking place as a fundraiser for Communidee, a community centre for homeschooling families. Even if you don’t have anything to swap, pay $10 and you can take home two bags worth of stuff. Otherwise, it’s pwyc. More info HERE.
Mini-Comiccon
December 6, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Palais de Congres
If you are pining for the costumes and the goods, check out the Mini-Comiccon, a pop-culture pop-up. Shopping is at the fore, but it’s a chance to squeeze into those tights one last time before it gets too cold. More info HERE.
Luminothérapie
Quartier des Spectacles
December 10 – January 9
If you don’t have one of those SAD lights and are pining for some light, hit the Luminothérapie event at Quartier des Spectacles. Light shows, projections, and 30 illuminated seesaws (called Impulsion) promise to add some extra hours of light to the darkest days of winter. The opening night promises the Gaufrabec and Queen B food trucks. More info HERE.
Urban Tails. An Erotic Christmas
Centaur Theatre
December 10-19, 8 p.m.
Stories are so much better when you add the spice and nothing nice. Six erotic stories hit the stage at the Centaur, including Feliz Navidad performed by Nadia Verrucci and Mankind written by Marianne Ackerman. Should add a little heat to your fireplace for those cold nights. More info HERE.
Puces Des Neiges
December 11-13
5035 St. Dominique
Ever fans of things you can buy that come from local artists, we adore the Puces POP events. With a room full of craftsfolk, you’re bound to find something. True to the POP team, things begin with an opening party on December 11 that will feature bands to make your shopping experience extra special. For more information, click HERE.
