Looking for things to do in Montreal when the days are short and the nights are long. Suddenly it’s cold out and the trees are naked without their leaves? November is an ugly month. No getting around it. But it’s the time of year that the big coats come out and the light show of Christmas lights comes on the heels of Halloween. For those that venture out into the night, there is much to enjoy. Montreal’s creative scene revels no matter how the wind blows.
Bixi Season
April 15 – Nov 15, 2025
The Bixis are back and everyone loves Bixi. Some guy even put in a respectable time at the Mt. Tremblant IronMan 5150 this year on one. This year, Bixis are appearing in other places outside of Montreal: Sherbrooke and Quebec City. They’re easier than ever to use in the city with different pricing levels based on how far you go and how long you use the bike or opt in for the usual annual or monthly membership. Electric Bixis will change your life. $112 for the season, $23 for the month, or pay per ride. Info about Bixis is HERE.
Gardens of Light
August 29 – November 2, 2025
Botanical Garden
4101 Sherbrooke E
The Botanic Gardens light up with hundreds of intricate lanterns shaped to look like animals, flowers, and objects. The lanterns come from Shanghai and take three months to mount in the Botanic Gardens. Every year there are about 200 new lanterns added to the group. This is one of the most beloved fall seasonal activities in Montreal and anyone can enjoy it. More info HERE.
SPASM
October 22 – Nov 1, 2025
This cinema festival is all about zombies and horror, with plenty of old blood bath themed horror film to revisit. Short films are grouped by themes such as Trash Cabaret, Mukbang, and WTF. There’s also a quiz night and a dance party. Keep an eye HERE to know more.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Oct 29 – Nov 1, 2025
Rialto Theatre and the Decarie Theatre
It wouldn’t be Halloween without the annual showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. This is the film along with a shadow cast. If you want to shout at two very clueless virgins and help them discover just how sexy their night can get (and yours) with the help of Frank N Furter and Rocky, attend this campy cult classic. Props and audience participation expected. Details HERE.
MTL à TABLE
October 30 – November 16, 2025
Various restaurants
For two weeks (and a little extra), top restaurants offer fixed price meals. If there’s a restaurant you’ve been hoping to check out, now is your chance. The faves sell out quickly, but there are plenty of undiscovered gems among the 150 participating restaurants. ($25, $35, $50, $65, or $80). It’s a chance to dine at old faves and try new places too. Weekend brunches are back! On the list are Foiegwa, Renoir, Maggie Oakes, Fishbone, Heni, Bonaparte, and more. Information HERE.
Festival du Monde Arabe / Montreal Arab World Festival
October 31 – Nov 16, 2025
Various venues in the city
Celebrating Arab culture and art through performing arts and cinema, the Arab World Festival delights the city with dance, music, film, and more. This year’s event includes Olé Persia, Y Una Noche, Moeen Shreif, and many more. The offerings are extensive and diverse. More info HERE.
Cinemania
November 4 – 16, 2025
This festival brings French films from around the globe to Montreal. Films compete for best in Quebec as well as globally. In addition there is a competition for documentaries and another for shorts. North American Premieres include Adam’s Sake and Muganga. From Nov 5 – 9 is an immersive film experience as well. Info about the festival available HERE.
Coupe de Coeur Francophone
November 6 – 16, 2025
Various locations
The Coupe de Coeur Francophone brings in… surprise… francophone singers from around the globe. Most play in small venues, which is an absolute treat to catch some outstanding international acts. Some to watch out for are Marie Pierre Arthur, Dumas, Klo Pelgag, DVTR, Bon Enfant, and Bibi Club. Details HERE.
La Grande Dégustation de Montréal
Nov 6 – 8. 2025
Grand Quay
200 R. de la Commune O, Montréal, QC H2Y 4B2
Ticket entry gets you a tasting glass so you can head from kiosk to kiosk and see what alcoholic beverages are avails this holiday season and beyond. Information about this boozy event can be found HERE.
La Meche Courte
Nov 7 – 16, 2025
Various Venues
Geared towards the young public, this festival features concerts, magic, dance, paper theatre, and all kinds of delights. It’s gotta be better than watching more videos on the IPad again. Info HERE.
MIGS – Montreal International Game Summit
November 11 – 12, 2025
Grand Quay
200 De la Commune Street West, Montreal, QC H2Y 4B2
Players and creators celebrate all things video games. Considering how many studios are here in Montreal, this a see and be seen events. Also it’s a chance to check out the video games you’ve been waiting for ahead of everyone else. Info HERE.
Montreal Heels Festival
November 13 – 16, 2025
Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain
1050 Rue De la Gauchetière Ouest Montréal, QC H3B 4C9
A festival dedicated to Heels, a new style of dance that combines jazz, burlesque, groove. Take classes or watch performers battle it out, and learn about this hot crave. Info HERE
Bachata Festival
November 14 – 16, 2025
Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain
1050 Rue de la Gauchetière Ouest
Concurrently with the Heels festival is the Bachata Festival, which brings in DJs from around the world. There are competitions, social dances, galas, and workshops. Get yourself prepared the dance. Info HERE.
Tibetan Bazaar and Cultural Fair
November 15, 2025
Eglise Santa Cruz
60 Rachel Ouest
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Come for the momos, stay for the mask dances. The annual Tibetan cultural fair happens just in time for the holidays, so you can pick up a singing bowl, a set of flags, and some good eats all at once. Details HERE.
Expozine
November 15 – 16, 2025
Église Saint Arsène
1025 Bélanger
Every year Montreal Rampage relishes in this celebration of the zine, small press, pinback button, poster, and other indie creations. It’s a total madhouse, but a good one. Artists draw, knitters knit, and everyone who loves the written word gathers. All you need to know HERE.
Bach Festival
Nov 15 – Dec 7, 2025
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 Elias by Mendelssohn with Samy Moussa directing. Joseph Ripka offers an organ concert, a free choral performance takes place at Eglise St Andrew and St Paul, and the closing show has the Swiss choir JS Bach de Saint Gall singing some of his most important works. There’s also an Off-Bach Festival! More info HERE.
Montreal Vegan Festival / Festival Végan de Montréal
November 15 – 16, 2025
Gare Windsor
1100 Av. des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 2H8
Two days of sampling, shopping, workshops, and conferences define the annual vegan festival. With over 80 exposants, learn about the vegan lifestyle or network with those who already live the dream. Best of all, it is totally free. Click HERE for more info.
Salon du Livre de Montreal / Montreal Book Fair
Nov 19 – 23, 2025
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.
Mundial Montreal / North America World Music Summit
November 18 – 22, 2025
Various venues
This boutique festival celebrates musical diversity by bringing musicians from around the world to perform in Montreal. Over 50 different cultures and communities are represented this year. While some shows are intended for industry folk, there are plenty of showcases available to the public. Some of the acts this year include Less Toches, Bel and Quinn, Boubé, Maia Barouh, Orkestar Kriminal, and Pick a Piper. For information about shows and venues, click HERE.
M for Montreal
Nov 19 – 22, 2025
Various Venues
Many bands play at this festival, designed to spotlight Montreal’s music community. These are bands about to break through to “selling out” or just widespread acclaim. Music industry types come in to see what’s hot right now. Public shows include Afternoon Bike RIde, Leonie Gray, Beli, Patche, Koko Love, Badbadnotgood, and The Franklin Electric. Get tickets and info HERE.
RIDM / Montreal International Documentary Festival
Nov 20 – Nov 30, 2025
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. Opening film is Letters from Wolf Street and the closer is The Blueberry Blues. Everything in between is usually thought-provoking and intriguing. Info HERE.
Image + Nation Film Festival
Nov 20 – Nov 30, 2025
Various Venues
The longest running festival dedicated to queer, lesbian, bisexual, trans, and two spirit film around. Every year offers fantastic full length films and shorts that are moving, enlightening, and offer a multiplicity of voices. Programming TBD. For details, click HERE.
The Great Montreal Christmas Market
Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
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.
Pere Noel / Santa Claus Parade
November 22, 2025, 11 a.m.
Rue René Levesque Ouest
Centre Ville gets to be the North Pole for a few hours as Santa, his elves, local organizations, and marching bands take to the street for this annual event. Dress for the weather and bring a smile to enjoy the floats and fun. No surprise to anyone, this is an event for kids more than adults. Info HERE.
Village de Noel / Atwater Christmas Market
November 27 – December 21, 2025
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. For info, click HERE.
Amnesty International Marathon of Writing
TBA
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.
Jean Talon Christmas Market
Dates TBD
Jean Talon Market
If you’re up near the Jean Talon Market, this year’s market is kind of a go big or go home with twice as many vendors compared to last time. Get ready for food like cider and foie gras and lots of delicious foods to buy. Oh yes, of course, there’s shopping. Info HERE.
Esplanade Tranquille Skating Rink
end of November, 2025 – April, 2026
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.
Upcoming and Announced
Disney on Ice
December 18 – 21, 2025
Place Bell, Laval
If you’ve got kids to treat for the holidays, an early gift for fans of the Mouse, but also Frozen, Encanto, and Moana too. The skaters are incredibly talented, and adults are sure to be wowed by their athleticism and skill. Tickets and showtimes HERE.
Igloofest
January 15 – February 7, 2026
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.
Monthly Festival Links
November
For Montreal Rampage’s daily events calendar, click HERE. If you have an event you would like to include, send an email to montrealrampage@gmail.com
