Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the festive magic in Saint-Laurent with our ultimate holiday guide. From Saint-Laurent regulars to holiday explorers, our guide highlights the season's best events and activities.
One highlight is the Montreal Christmas Village, where visitors can experience charming festive markets filled with local crafts and seasonal treats. Luminotherapie captivates with its innovative light displays that transform public spaces into a winter wonderland. And the vibrant Igloofest is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a unique outdoor party atmosphere amidst the chilly weather. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Saint-Laurent Holiday Markets and Shopping
Montreal Christmas Village
- What to Expect
- Ethical and eco-responsible local products with family-friendly activities.
- Description
- The Montreal Christmas Village at Atwater Market offers a variety of local and regional artisans selling eco-responsible products, along with free programming for families. This year, it features movie-trains and activities in the Kingdom of the Elves, aiming to help Santa save Christmas.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Montreal Christmas Village
Santa’s Kingdom
- What to Expect
- Interactive activities to help Santa save Christmas.
- Description
- Santa’s Kingdom is an interactive area within the Montreal Christmas Village where families can engage in activities designed to help Santa Claus save Christmas. The Kingdom features movie-trains and various activities for both young and old, including the Golden Cookie recipe.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Santa’s Kingdom
The Great Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- A showcase of local crafts and seasonal delicacies in a lively outdoor environment.
- Description
- A vibrant gathering that showcases local artisans and their handcrafted goods. Visitors can stroll through the market, enjoying delicious seasonal treats and festive drinks. The atmosphere is filled with music and activities for all ages, creating a sense of community and celebration. This event embraces the spirit of the holidays in a bustling outdoor setting.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : The Great Christmas Market
Saint-Laurent Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Santa Claus Parade
- What to Expect
- Iconic parade with over 119 years of tradition.
- Description
- The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is a historic event that has been kicking off the Christmas season since 1905. It brings hundreds of thousands of people together, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, celebrity clowns, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Santa Claus Parade
Image+Nation
- What to Expect
- Showcase of diverse queer storytelling through film and discussion.
- Description
- Image+Nation is an annual film festival celebrating queer stories with award-winning films, special screenings, and discussion events.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Image+Nation
M for Montréal
- What to Expect
- Showcasing diverse Canadian talent in an international setting.
- Description
- M for Montréal is a renowned showcase festival and international conference that highlights emerging and unique Canadian artists, fostering networking opportunities and export potential in the music industry.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : M for Montréal
Bach Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of traditional and modern interpretations of Bach's music.
- Description
- The Montreal Bach Festival is a celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach's music, featuring renowned conductors and musicians performing classical and baroque compositions. The festival includes a variety of concerts, recitals, and events showcasing Bach's repertoire and its influence on contemporary music.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Bach Festival
Saint-Laurent Other Holiday Activities
Luminotherapie
- What to Expect
- Interactive light and sound installations reflecting cosmic themes.
- Description
- Luminothérapie is an illuminated works walk in Montreal's Quartier des Spectacles, featuring five colorful installations and an original video projection that changes with weather fluctuations. The event invites visitors to explore the farthest reaches of the universe, with works inspired by the complexity of the cosmos and its forces.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Luminotherapie
Igloofest
- What to Expect
- Unique winter electronic music festival with striking architectural visuals and a tacky snowsuit contest.
- Description
- Igloofest is a winter electronic music festival in Montreal's Old Port, featuring a lineup of local and international DJs, icy decor, and a playful Igloovillage.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Igloofest
Holidays on The Pointe
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of historical and archaeological exhibits.
- Description
- Explore the rich history and culture of Old Montréal at Pointe-à-Callière, featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions, guided tours, and family activities.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Holidays on The Pointe
MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
- What to Expect
- Combining light shows, live music, and gastronomy in a vibrant winter celebration.
- Description
- MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE is a 10-day winter festival featuring light shows, live music, performance arts, and fine food and wine. It transforms the Quartier des Spectacles into a vibrant destination with free outdoor activities, including circus acts, street theatre, and live musical performances.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
Cabane Panache et Bois Rond
- What to Expect
- Celebration of Quebec culture with festive music and culinary specialties.
- Description
- Cabane Panache is a four-day celebration of the sugar season and springtime, featuring festive music, culinary specialties, and lumberjack-style entertainment. The event showcases Quebec culture and its many heritages, with a rich musical program and various activities throughout the site.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Cabane Panache et Bois Rond
CINEMANIA
- What to Expect
- Unique portal to view French-language films with a diverse selection of masterpieces and innovative works.
- Description
- CINEMANIA is a premier French-language film festival showcasing the best of francophone cinema with English subtitles, featuring feature fiction films, documentaries, short films, master classes, and special events.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : CINEMANIA
Montréal International Documentary Festival (RIDM)
- What to Expect
- Premier showcase of auteur documentaries with industry forums.
- Description
- The Montréal International Documentary Festival (RIDM) is one of North America's leading documentary film festivals, showcasing over a hundred Canadian and international documentaries. It features masterclasses, round tables, and thematic discussions, aiming to bring artists and audiences together through diverse visions of documentary cinema.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Montréal International Documentary Festival (RIDM)