While it definitely may not feel like winter yet (snow, where are you?) there are plenty of holiday-themed events and activities happening all month long. Celebrate the last month of 2022 (!) with some tried and true Montreal family activities, and some new ones too!

Luminotherapie – December 1 – March 5

What has now become a winter tradition, remains an amazing, free family activity in the heart of downtown. Bigger than ever before, six illuminated installations will overtake Ste. Catherine St. from Place des Arts to Philips Square. This year’s theme is biodiversity, and as always there will be fun activities for the entire family. While you’re there, check out the Christmas Market too.

Esplanade Tranquille – Now Open

Once the temperatures dip cold enough, you can make a day-long adventure to Place des Arts. The outdoor skating rink is set to open and will be open 7 days a week from 9am-10/11pm. Skates and helmets can be rented on-site, and hot cocoa isn’t too far away. Even if you don’t feel like getting on the ice, watching the Zamboni is fun in and of itself!

Noël dans le Parc – December 3-31

Back for another season, this is a great holiday celebration that takes place in 3 parks throughout Montreal: Place Émilie-Gamelin, Parc des Companions and Parc Lahaie. Just a few of the activities on the schedule include Gilobo the clown, live performances, bonfires, Christmas trees to purchase and more. Free admission.

The Jennifer Gasoi Holiday Concert – December 4

Montreal’s very own Grammy award-winning children’s performer, Jennifer Gasoi is back to celebrate the holiday season at the Préville Fine Arts Centre. Two shows will take place at 11am and 1:30pm and 100% of all proceeds will go to the Préville Belva Thomas Charity Bursary. Tickets are $15 for children under 12 and $20 for adults. The shows take place at Theatre de la Providence, at Collège Notre-dame-de-Lourdes in Longueuil.

The Nutcracker – December 9-30

Nothing says the holidays quite like this annual performance at Salle Wilfred Pelletier. Along with the amazing orchestra, the ballet dancers will take to the stage for multiple performances including a 2pm show on weekends. Tickets are $89-$159 for adults and 40% less for children under 17 years old.

Free Weekend at Espace pour la vie – December 10-11

As part of COP15, an international summit on biodiversity, and to celebrate the importance of preserving biodiversity, Montréal Space for Life is offering free access to its 5 museums – the Planetarium, Biodome, Insectarium, Biosphere and Botanical Gardens. Tickets must be reserved in advance online.

Frozen Fairways – December 10-15

Mini golf meets hockey at this fun event at Fairview Pointe Claire. Part of the shopping mall’s parking lot will be transformed into a 9-hole hockey game on ice. Reservations are required, and can be booked online, with a $5 donation to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Space is limited.

Cirque du Soleil Corteo – December 21 – January 1

The perfect memorable activity during school break, this Cirque du Soleil show is back over the holiday season at the Bell Centre. Take advantage of the special family offer that features 4 tickets at a discounted rate for various show times at 1pm, 3:30pm and 7:30pm.

December Movie Releases – All Month

December is a huge movie release month and perfect timing as we book up our Montreal family activities over winter break. We love to stay for the movie at Cinema Guzzo (with discount tickets from Costco including concessions) and then hang out for the arcades, making it a day-on activity. On December 16, Snow Day releases and on December 21, Puss in Boots come out. If you’re more of a movie at home family, on Christmas Day, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical debuts on Netflix.