The busy season has begun. It may feel like the next few weekends are too busy to get out and explore our city, between gift shopping, holiday parties and lots of meal prep. But I encourage you to leave the house and discover all the fun activities in Montreal with kids in tow this month. Break up your days of crossing things off of your to-do list and sprinkle in a few of these family-friendly activities happening during December 2018!

Hanukkah Extravaganza! & Chanukah Wonderland – December 2

For those celebrating the festival of lights, two of the largest community-based parties are happening on the first Sunday of the month. In the morning, the Hanukkah Extravaganza! will include a story time, crafts, 3D art, face painting and lots of Hanukkah treats including jelly donuts (sufganiyot) and potato pancakes (latkes). Registration is recommended. Secondly, in the afternoon, the Chanukah Wonderland will feature an olive press workshop, glow-in-the-dark dreidel house, crafts, story time and more.

Hanukkah Extravaganza!, Jewish Public Library, 10:30am-12:30pm, Free
Chanukah Wonderland, YM-YWHA, 3pm-5pm, $5/child

Noël en Famille – December 8

A holiday celebration in the Sud Ouest district is the perfect opportunity to snap a photo with Santa Claus (and avoid the mall lineups). This family-friendly, fun afternoon will include inflatable structures, face painting, skating, swimming, storytelling, board games and an interactive Christmas show. With so many options, everyone in the family is certain to find an activity they will love!

Complexe Gadbois, 12:30pm-4:30pm, Free

Luminotherapie – December 11 – January 27

Now in its 9th year, this spectacular light show is back in Quartier des Spectacles and makes a great evening activity when everyone is bundled up with a warm drink in hand. This year’s theme is the Domino Effect. 120 brightly coloured dominos will be spread outdoors, each featuring unique sound and light effects.

Place des Festivals, Monday-Wednesday: 12pm-10pm, Thursday-Friday: 12pm-11pm, Saturday: 12pm-11pm, Sunday: 12pm-10pm, Free

The Nutcracker – December 13 – 30

For many the holiday season is not complete without a trip to the ballet. This year, one of our friends is a little mouse in the cast, helping to tell the story of Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King and more. Shows will be held both day and night, and tickets should most definitely be purchased in advance.

Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, $44-$149/ticket

Snow White & The Seven Dwarves – December 14 – January 6

The Hudson Village Theatre is putting on its annual holiday pantomime with the story of Snow White and the evil Queen Elvira. What is a pantomime? It’s a musical comedy performance for the whole family with singing and dancing, slapstick comedy, true love and more! This means that audience participation is a plus with actors asking questions and getting guests to join in on sing-a-longs and more. Matinée and evening shows are on the itinerary.

Hudson Village Theatre, $23/ticket

Telus Fire on Ice – December 15 – January 5

For the next four Saturdays, the Old Port’s Natrel skating rink will be transformed into a pyrotechnics show, complete with live musical accompaniment. So strap on your skates for a night under the stars, and the fireworks!

Natrel Basin, 8pm, Free

Gingerbread House Making Workshop – December 15

A seasonal cooking workshop for kids will be offered at various Provigo grocery stores throughout the city (NDG, Montreal East, Vaudreuil…) Participants will be provided an already assembled gingerbread house, icing and candies…and the chance to let their imaginations run wild. Kids under five should be accompanied by an adult and registration is required as space is limited. Be warned: they may leave on a sugar rush!

9:30am-11:30am, $18/house, the workshop may be available at additional times/days so check the website for the Provigo nearest you

La Pente à Neige – Date TBD

Back again for the season, it’s a mountain oasis in the city. Kids can participate in six-week skiing or snowboarding lessons or squeal down the snow tube course. The snow conditions will dictate when the Lasalle slope will open between December 1-15. The site offers equipment rentals, a sledding hill and even a heated yurt where guests can warm up and enjoy special events.

Ignace Bourget Park, Fridays, 4pm-9pm, Saturdays-Sundays, 8am-7pm, special hours during the holiday season, rates vary by activity, some are free