Top 5 things to do in Montreal — the holiday edition

1. MAGIC MUSICAL MOMENTS

Christmas in the Park | Place Émilie-Gamelin, Parc Lahaie and Parc des Compagnons de St-Laurent | December 1 to 25

Take in the magic of the season with free musical performances! Christmas in the Park is an outdoor festival that runs throughout December at three locations around the city. It promises to transport visitors to the days of yore with a warm, yuletide atmosphere.

Check out the full program. Events are taking place at Place Émilie-Gamelin (Quartier des Spectacles), Parc Lahaie and Parc des Compagnons de St-Laurent (Plateau-Mont-Royal).

2. 'TIS THE SEASON FOR FUN!

Merry Montreal | The Old Port | December 1 to January 1

This month, the Old Port will transform itself yet again into a wintery destination. Merry Montreal, the city’s flagship holiday event, is underway for the fourth year in a row.

Merry Montreal’s programming runs throughout December and offers a variety of free activities and attractions. From the Christmas market to outdoor holiday flicks and a wonderful New Year’s Eve bash, there’s something for everyone.

Check out the entire program.

3. A WINTER WONDERLAND

Le Grand Marché de Noël | Place des Arts | December 2 to 24

The heart of downtown will light up with holiday cheer this season as it turns into a sprawling winter market.

Warm yourself at fireplaces surrounded by comfortable chairs, listen to boisterous choirs, sample gourmet delights, shop to your heart’s desire and enjoy a myriad of free outdoor activities.

Find out more about what Le Grand Marché de Noël might hold in store for you!

4. SKATING FOR A CAUSE

Stingers Holiday Skating Party | Ed Meagher Arena | Loyola Campus | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 2 to 4 p.m.

Bundle up the kids and pull on your skates at the Ed Meagher Arena to glide around with Santa Claus, and Stingers student athletes from Concordia’s many varsity teams. Admission is free. There will be complimentary face painting, hot chocolate, candy canes and cookies. All food donations go to the NDG Food Depot.

Find out more about Stingers news, games and events.

5. 800 WORKS OF ART ON FOUR LEVELS

The Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace | The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts | 1380 Sherbrooke W. | Free admission until January 15

This massive new pavilion at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts opened in November. It contains hundreds of works, including a major donation of Old Masters by the late Hornsteins, who both passed away in 2016. The husband and wife philanthropic team received honorary doctorates from Concordia in 2014.

Find out more about the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace.

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