Montreal is a fantastic city for a family Christmas. Between the Santa Claus Parade, skating rinks, The Nutcracker and light trails, there’s something for every age, and many of the best activities are free. Here’s how to plan Christmas in Montreal with kids in 2026.
Confirm dates and times with each organizer before you go.
Start the season at the Santa Claus Parade
The Défilé du père Noël is the highlight of November for Montreal kids. Expect floats, marching bands, elves, the Fée des étoiles (the Star Fairy) and, at the very end, Santa himself. It’s expected on Saturday, November 21, 2026, on René-Lévesque Boulevard downtown. Parade guide
Meet Santa
- Complexe Desjardins: Santa’s Kingdom (Royaume du père Noël) is a downtown tradition, with Santa on his throne under a giant tree, a little train, face painting and children’s shows. On weekends you can book a time to see him.
- The Christmas markets: Santa has visited the Christmas Village at Atwater Market on weekends in past seasons.
See where to meet Santa in Montreal for details.
See The Nutcracker
Les Grands Ballets’ Nutcracker, with Fernand Nault’s choreography and a live orchestra, has been a family tradition for generations. It runs December 5 to 30, 2026, at Place des Arts, with 2 p.m. matinees that suit younger children. It’s best for ages 5 and up. Nutcracker guide
Go skating
The free Esplanade Tranquille rink downtown has offered skating lessons for children aged 2 to 10 on Sunday mornings, and the rink at Beaver Lake on Mount Royal is surrounded by snowy trails and a heated pavilion. Rentals are available at both. Skating guide
Walk a light trail
- LUMINO: free interactive light installations in the Quartier des spectacles, many of which react when kids touch, jump or make noise.
- Festilumi: a 1.5 km ticketed light trail through more than a dozen themed worlds at Marché Central, with free parking.
See our Christmas lights guide.
Explore the Christmas markets
Kids love the fire pits, treats and free shows at the Great Christmas Market in the Quartier des spectacles, and the smaller, calmer Christmas Village at Atwater Market is easy with strollers. Markets guide
Visit a museum
The McCord Stewart Museum is free for visitors 17 and under. For more than 75 years, Montrealers have visited Ogilvy’s mechanical Christmas windows, now kept by the museum. Their exterior structure is due for restoration starting in 2026, so check the museum’s website to see what’s on display this year.
Watch Ciné-cadeau
A truly local tradition: every holiday season for decades, Télé-Québec has broadcast classic children’s movies and cartoons in French during the school break. It’s the perfect cozy afternoon after a cold morning outside.
Tips for families
- Dress in layers. Snow pants, warm boots, a hat, mittens and a neck warmer make all the difference. See our December weather guide.
- Go early. Markets and rinks are quieter on weekday afternoons and weekend mornings.
- Use the underground city. Downtown’s indoor network of tunnels links metro stations, malls and Place des Arts, a lifesaver on very cold days.
- Plan around December 25. Stores are closed on Christmas Day in Quebec. See what’s open.
