Time to cue Mariah Carey and the countdown to the holiday season. November may have just started, but Montreal’s event calendar has a month packed full of holiday-themed events. As the weather gets colder and winter starts to set in, here’s everything you need to start planning with my list of Montreal with kids November 2025 activities and events.

Toycon – November 8-9

This annual toy fair takes place at the Courtyard Marriott airport and is free for all. Toy and collectible vendors will gather to sell their highly desirable toys and games like Funkopops, action figures, and other rare collectibles. It’s the perfect holiday shopping opportunity to find that gem of a gift. Daily from 10am to 4pm.

Holiday Train – November 19 and 24

The CPKC holiday train will be making its way across Canada and the United States to raise money for community food banks. A few stops are planned in the Montreal area. On November 19th, it will travel to the Montreal West train station at 7pm and then to the Beaconsfield station at 8:30pm. This evening will feature musical performances by Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde. On November 24th, it stops in Kanawake, Delson and Saint Constant with Tyler Shaw and Brittany Kennell. Hot tip: between these two dates, the train is usually parked – with its amazing lights on – in the Cote St Luc train yard.

Salon du Chocolat – November 20-23

Everything chocolate is coming to Gare Windsor for this sweet show. Tastings, fashion shows and chocolate works of art are on the itinerary. Kids will enjoy a special space just for them on Saturday and Sunday. The ateliers du P’tit Choco takes place from 10am-5pm and includes a special kids space, workshops, tastings, the history of cacao and more. Reservations are required and tickets range between $20-$28, with special discounts available on their website for advance purchases.

Santa Claus Parade – November 22

When Saint Nick heads to town you know the holidays are approaching. This annual parade kicks off at 11am along René-Levesque Blvd and will be full of floats, music, and other surprises for all ages.

The Great Christmas Market – November 21 – January 4

Quartier des Spectacles is being transformed into a holiday wonderland. This outdoor market comes to life with over 40 pop-up chalets featuring local artisans. Aside from it being a pre-holiday shopping opportunity, the market will have over 150 free animations to enjoy and get in the holiday spirit. Opening times depend on the day, but in November the market opens at 3pm on weekdays and at 11am on weekends.

Lumino – November 27 – March 8

While you’re down at Quartier des Spectacles, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover the Lumino outdoor light exhibit that will be on all winter. This year’s edition will feature a giant holographic hand, cool projections on the skating rink, and the polar circle – featuring life size lit-up polar bears, penguins and wolves.

Sherlock Holmes Exhibit – November 27 – March 8

The Pointe-à-Callière museum is getting a new temporary exhibit called Sherlock Holmes: Cracking the Case. The immersive experience will teach visitors about the famous detective. It will also feature Montreal’s police presence in the 19th century and investigative tools like photography and botany. A family day pass to the museum is $55.

NCAA Northern Classic Basketball Tournament – November 28-30

Montreal gets its first dose of basketball this year with this Northeastern American tournament featuring teams like the Albany Great Danes, the Fordham Rams and the Colgate Raiders. Single-game tickets are available, as well as a 3-day pass to see it all. Tickets start as low as $20 for this event at Place Bell in Laval.