The last month of the calendar. The holiday season is fast approaching. School strikes are looming. And Montreal is bustling. There’s no lack of Montreal family activities December 2023 has to offer. Keep reading to start planning out your month.

Luminotherapie – Until March 10

Back for its 14th year, Quartier des Spectacles lights up each evening after 4pm with beautiful illuminated displays. This year’s program includes a 10-metre high illuminated tower, a constellation, and an enormous flower. Make an evening out of it and bring your skates along for the Esplanade Tranquille ice rink. It’s also a great opportunity to visit the Christmas Market.

Holidays at Complexe Desjardins – Until December 24

Just across the street, you can warm up at Complexe Desjardins, where a bevy of activities are taking place this holiday season. Santa Claus will be on-site, as well as a carousel, train ride, face painting and theatre shows. Kids also love the fountains at this downtown mall with their immersive music and light show. To meet Santa arrive early to make an appointment later that same day.

Noel dans le Parc – December 9-23

This annual festival takes place in 3 parks around the city: Place Émilie Gamelin (near Quartier des Spectacles), Parc des Compagnons and Parc Lahaie. Festivities include live music, food kiosks, and even a tree market.

The Grinch with Live Orchestra – December 10

Imagine watching a classic holiday movie in a cool theatre like Espace St-Denis, accompanied by the musical talents of the Orchestre Symphonique de Trois-Rivières. The show will take place at just one time on December 10th at 3:30pm. The movie will be screened in English with French subtitles. Tickets are currently being sold for 30% less on Tuango.

The Nutcracker – December 14 – 30

A holiday tradition, this show put on by Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, wows audiences young and old alike with the story of Clara and her new nutcracker. The show is on daily at 2pm and 7:30pm and tickets range between $99-$165 each making it a true holiday treat.

Puss & Boots – December 15 – January 7

The Hudson Village Theatre is putting on its annual holiday show, with a nod to a favourite Shrek character, the fluffy yet fierce cat. The play is filled with humour, dancing and singing and is appropriate for all ages. Showtimes include 11am, 2pm and 7pm, depending on the day. Tickets are $26.

Lighthouse Immersive Disney – December 15 – February 25

One of the most anticipated activities of the season, is coming to Montreal as part of a worldwide tour. We’ve had similar local experiences featuring famous artists but this time around we can immerse ourselves in the world of Disney. Each room at L’Arsenal will feature a different interactive experience; from under the sea with a gazillion bubbles to some of our favourite Frozen songs. Tickets start at $39.99 depending on the day, but if you want to go for the VIP package you can get wristbands that change colours with the music.

Holiday Movies!

In December two new family movies hit the big screen. On December 16, the newest Wonka movie opens and on December 22, Migration a story of ducks will premiere. If you want to see it early at the screening on December 16th, enter my contest currently on Instagram!