Holiday Themed Expos and Outings in Old Montreal

Lights are going up Old Montreal’s streets, and cultural offerings in the neighbourhood abound! Here are some Christmas-related expos and outings coming up in the next few weeks that are must-sees during this holiday season!

THEATRE

All I Want for Christmas, Centaur Theater (11/16-12/05)

“Two days before Christmas, a young elf’s first day on the job in the mailroom is plunged into chaos after an unexpected delivery.” - Summary from the program. Our thoughts? A fun play that appears light upon first glance, but is just the thing for the rapidly-approaching holidays! We love the three actors, the set, and the accessible language. An absolute must-see, good for ages 12 and up.

More information: https://centaurtheatre.com/shows/all-i-want-for-christmas/

NATIVITY SCENES

Joyeuses crèches by Dominik Trudeau, Marguerite Bourgeoys Historical Site and Bonsecours Market (11/10-01/23)

It’s a return to your childhood, as you explore this seasonal expo for the curious and the nostalgic which collects nativity scenes gathered, documented, and displayed specifically to go beyond the theme of Christmas and bring about a new unignorable cultural and artistic interest!

We were blown away by the variety of styles and materials used, by the multitude of ways to tell the same story of the times, and by the distinct sensibilities that will entertain folks of all ages.

To see the nativity scenes: https://margueritebourgeoys.org/en/temporary-exhibit/

For a free sneak peek, head to the Bonsecours Market hall to see a selection of 10 scenes on display!

MUSIC

Les Choralies

Whether on the Bonsecours Market plaza on Saturdays from December 4th to the 18th at 3:30 PM, or during Les Choralies in the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 and 3 PM, Christmas carols can be heard in full fanfare! All of these concerts are free, and this will be the twentieth year that they bring the holidays in Old Montreal to life!

More info: https://margueritebourgeoys.org/en/les-choralies/

Christmas Concert, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel (12/17)

Experience the Nativity and Epiphany Cantatas, presented to you by the Da Capo Grand Ensemble, under the direction of Jean-Pierre Brunet.

Tickets are $10 to $15 for children and $28 to $35 for adults. And early arrivals will be greeted by the Christmas Trombones in the plaza in front of Montreal’s oldest chapel!

Box Office: https://lepointdevente.com/billets/choralies

STREET ANIMATIONS

The Holiday season at Pointe-à-Callière

Take a break for a magical stop at Place Royale among Adirondack chairs and brilliantly lit trees, put on by the Pointe-à-Callière Museum from 12/11 to 01/03. Spontaneous animations will also occur on Saturdays and Sundays during the weekends of the 11th and the 19th of December. You will have a chance to spot four Christmas characters – Befana, Saint Nicolas, young Lucie, and Father Christmas – and it is a fun way for old and young alike to discover the Christmas legend across the world!

Info: https://pacmusee.qc.ca/en/calendar/collection/holiday-season-2021/

A CHRISTMAS CIRCUS!

The Pointe-à-Callière Museum is offering indoor workshops as a part of their It’s Circus Time! exhibition! Creation workshops will give children the chance to explore their abilities as a human cannonball, an acrobat, or a clown!

Info (bottom of page): https://pacmusee.qc.ca/en/calendar/collection/holiday-season-2021/

TRADITIONS BY THE FIREPLACE

Château Ramezay offers a consistently enchanting decor that makes one feel a connection with the past, and in December, it’s even stronger! We particularly love their “Around the Fireplace… Holiday Traditions” exposition, which lets you rediscover our roots and the joys of yesteryear and today that surround this time of year like none other. Christmas stockings, advent calendars, and Christmas cards – we love the participatory format that will also leave you with great anecdotes to share with your family around the tree!

Information and Schedule: https://www.chateauramezay.qc.ca/en/holidays-traditions/