I’ve been sporadic with this typically monthly blog post this year. Oh, 2020 how you keep throwing us curve balls! I was getting back into it in October and then we went back into a red zone. But like clockwork, every Friday I see moms posting on our local Facebook groups asking: what are activities for kids in Montreal this weekend?!

While my family is staying quite close to home, I thought I’d round out 2020 (and give it a kick to the curb) by putting together a list of both virtual and in-person (socially distanced, of course) events happening in Montreal this month.

Montreal’s Christmas Market – December 1-20

The Atwater Market continues its annual tradition, even through Covid. This holiday hotspot is one of the great kids activities in Montreal that features local gift vendors, wine samples, marshmallows to roast on fire pits and more. Masks are required.

Free, weekends only

Quartier des Spectacles Holiday Magic – December 1-28

The perfect place to go for a family stroll, take the kids on an adventure as they attempt the Mischievous Elves Walk, a quest to find the elves who robbed Santa, or Rudolph’s Mission, to make sure Santa’s sleigh takes off. The quartier also features a giant Christmas tree with surrounding cozy cottages to warm up in.

Free

Jean Talon Christmas Market – December 4-23

Head to this market in Little Italy for a festive afternoon – socially distanced, of course. One of the aisles will be filled with little chalets featuring handmade gifts and delicious food like churros, hot chocolate and more.

Free, Fridays 12pm-6pm, Saturdays 10am-6pm, Sundays from 10am-5pm

Jennifer Gasoi Virtual Holiday Concert – December 6

An annual tradition, this concert featuring the Grammy award-winning singer will take place online this year. Sing and dance to Chanukah and winter songs with Jennifer and her band.

$5/Family, 11am

CP Holiday Train – December 12

This is an annual holiday tradition for us that we’ll be sad to miss in person, but luckily there is a virtual option as a replacement. Children will enjoy seeing the train all dressed up and the family can get in a festive state of mind with musical performances by Serena Ryder, The Trews and more.

Free, donations appreciated, 4pm

Brix Winterfest – December 12

Mad Science is putting on a virtual LEGO building event, free for kids 5-12. The event will feature Canada’s only LEGO certified professional who will teach kids how to build igloos and snowflakes. Kids can compete in a building contest before the event to create their favourite winter scene. Kids are encouraged to come in their holiday PJs. Registration required. Limited space.

Free, 12pm

Counting Down to the Holidays – December 12

Crayola Imagine Arts Academy is putting on a virtual art event where kids will design their own countdown calendar – to Christmas or the new year. Before the event, they can also create their own snowflakes using a an instruction sheet provided digitally. Kids are encouraged to come in their holiday PJs. Registration required.

Free, 2pm

Chanukah Drive-In Celebration & Movie – December 13

Celebrate the Festival of Lights in an atypical way thanks to the folks at Chabad TMR. The evening will include a family feature movie, outdoor menorah lighting, a Kahoot quiz game, popcorn, a pizza dinner ($) and more. Reservations required by December 9th

$25/car, 5pm, 4054 Jean Talon

Private Sessions with Coach Pickle Juice – Until December 31

Le R.E.C. Room’s very own superhero is hosting families for 45-minute or 1-hour training sessions. Siblings or individual kids can run around the gym, playing Pickle Juice’s amazing games and getting some much needed energy out. The gym will be cleaned and disinfected after every set of guests. Reservations required.

$65/45 minutes, $80/hour, contact him on instagram @coachjerrubin to book

Anytime Activities

A list of some easy things to do without too much planning:

• Ice skating outdoors
• Tobogganing
• Nature walks at the Westmount Summit
• Indoor fort building
• Mount Royal walks
• Driving around to see holiday lights and decorations
• Packing food and essentials for those less fortunate
• Cookie decorating
• Building a gingerbread house
• Watching the airplanes land
• Playing board games – our current faves are Scrabble and Uno
• Having a dance party
• Rent an indoor play space from Le P’tit Village