Oh November. You leave us with pantries full of Halloween candy and the realization that winter is officially upon us. It’s still too early to play outside in the snow but too cold to spend too much time outdoors. November can be a challenging month in Montreal with kids. But it doesn’t have to be. Forget about their supposed cabin fever by filling up your weekends with some of these fun (and energy exerting) activities.

NËNË Pop – November 1-30

What was once a weekend artisan market focused on kids’ clothing, toys and gifts is now a month long pop up shop. Throughout November, 30 local makers will feature their wares at the Raplala store. Some of the local products include wooden toys from Jules Mon Poisson Bulle, organic clothing from Balloune Design and tableware from Poterie Bon Matin, to name a few. But this pop up is more than just shopping! Every Sunday between 9:30am-11:30am there will be an atelier for kids offered in French with themes including story time, a movie and art projects.

Free, Raplala, 69 Villeneuve W.

Create & Share Unique Artist Cards at the MMFA – Weekends, November 3 – January 6

In preparation for the holiday season, this is the perfect activity to get the entire family into the DIY spirit. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts will be hosting workshops every weekend inspired by the paintings of Alexander Calder. Each participant (6+) will have the chance to make two greeting cards using a variety of art techniques and tools. Sign up at the museum ticket counter as of 10am to participate.

Free, Saturdays & Sundays, 11am-4pm, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Montreal ToyCon – November 4

If you have a toy or comic book collector this is the place to be! The convention will feature over 55 tables of action figures, comic books and other collectibles on display. If toys from G.I. Joe, Transformers, Star Wars, Lego, Marvel and DC superheroes are on their wish lists, this is where you’ll find them.

Free, 10am-4pm, Courtyard Marriot Montreal Airport, Saint Laurent

MKR Lab Sunday Young Maker Club – November 4, 11, 18, 25

If you have yet to visit this new NDG maker-space for both adults and kids, their Sunday Young Maker Club is the perfect opportunity to stop by. Geared to children 7+, the drop-in workshops get kids creating and learning at the same time. Activities on the November calendar include: paper marbling (4th), wizard wand making (11th) monster box making (11th), mini deck skateboard construction (18th) and a paper crafting workshop (18th) where 9-12 year olds can build a circuit board with no soldering required.

$15-$20, MKR Lab, 5835 Sherbrooke St. W.

Montreal Santa Claus Parade – November 17

You know the holidays are just around the corner when Santa Claus comes to town. This annual parade will feature 20 floats transporting the Star Fairy, musicians, dancers entertainers and the holly guy himself. The parade runs along Sainte Catherine street beginning at the corner of Fort and ending at Saint Urbain.

Free, 11am-1:30pm

Dream Land – Where Magic Happens – November 23 to January 6

Another way to get into the holiday spirit is to get into the car and drive to Sami Hajjar’s house located near the bridge to Chomedey. Last year, this fan of all things bright and shiny went all out with a Frozen display and this year promises to wow the crowds with Mickey and Minnie, plus more Frozen and Star Wars too. There will be four shows every evening where the 250,000 light bulbs will be synchronized to music!

Free, 9035 Jean-Bourdon Ave., Shows at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm & 9pm daily

Holiday Concert with Jennifer Gasoi – November 25

This Grammy award winning children’s entertainer is back for another holiday concert at the Jewish Public Library. Joined on stage by her band, Jennifer will perform some of her classic songs as well as holiday favourites. The concert is suitable for children ages 2-8 and their families. A light refreshment will be served to all guests.

Free, registration required

Just for Kids Foundation GLEE High School Showdown – November 25

This is one of my kids’ favourite shows of the year. They get to enjoy an afternoon watching high school glee clubs shine on stage while knowing that we are supporting a very important cause. This year’s theme is Broadway hits with 10 english Montreal high schools performing songs and dances from some of the greatest theatre performances. Funds raised help Just for Kids Foundation purchase urgently needed medical equipment for the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

$30/person, 1pm-4pm, Oscar Peterson Hall, Concordia Loyola Campus

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train – November 27

Bundle up, bring some spare change for hot chocolate and get ready to see a train, up close like never before. With two stops in Montreal (Montreal West at 6:45pm and Beaconsfield at 8:20pm) the holiday train is making its way across Canada. Decked out in Christmas lights, the train can be spotted from miles away. When it pulls into the station, get ready for a live musical performance from Terri Clark, Sierra Noble and Kelly Prescott. All aboard!

Free, Montreal West & Beaconsfield EXO stations