As the holiday season begins, I’m certain that all of us students can’t wait for exams to be over and really get to start our Winter Break festivities. Even though we’ve had a late start to the cold weather this year, I’m sure we’ll be making snow angels in Jeanne Mance Park before long. For any students staying in Montreal over the break, this is the perfect opportunity to get out there and explore what the city has to offer at this time of year!
1. Salon des Métiers d’Art du Québec
The Salon des Métiers d’Art du Québec is a Montreal winter tradition, 67 years in the making. This year, it takes place at the Olympic Stadium, and showcases locally-made artisan products from various places in Canada. This is the perfect event if you’re looking to browse some unique art and products – you might even find the perfect gift for someone (or yourself!) this holiday season. Tickets are only $10 to visit the SMAQ as many times as you wish during their operating period, so if you’re interested in sustainable craftsmanship, definitely check it out!
Location: Olympic Stadium, Level 300
4545 Pierre-De Coubertin Avenue, Montreal
Date: December 8 to December 18
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2. Mount Royal Cross-Country Skiing
Yes, that’s correct – during the winter, you can go skiing on Mount Royal, right above campus. Cross-country skiing is a great way to spend some time outdoors during the winter (maybe even as a stress-reliever amidst all this exam studying), and Mount Royal’s central location makes for the perfect easy winter getaway. Mount Royal’s cross-country skiing lessons for adults of all skill levels make this activity even more accessible. Don your favourite coat, grab a couple friends, and make your way up there. You can rent equipment directly on the mountain too!
Location: 2000 Chemin Remembrance, Montreal
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3. The Cloakroom Bar
If you’re looking for a unique night out experience, head to The Cloakroom Bar. Hidden behind a menswear shop, this speakeasy has grown in popularity and is definitely one of my personal favourite spots for a drink in Montreal. The bartenders ask each patron specific questions about their flavour preferences, so every drink is made custom to your tastes and with the utmost quality. This spot will absolutely have you coming back for more.
Location: 2175 Rue de la Montagne, Montreal
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4. Horizons VR at the PHI Centre
Montreal has some of the best museums in the country, and the PHI Centre’s Horizons VR exhibition in the Old Port offers an intriguing immersive experience. There are four different projects within the exhibit, each with its own beautiful graphics and detailed storyline. My personal favourite was the Re-educated, which offers incisive ethical commentary and first-hand perspectives on the ethnic “re-education” camps in Xinjiang, China. All four projects are artfully crafted, so if you love an impactful museum experience, be sure to pay Horizons VR a visit.
Location: 315 Saint Paul Street West, Montreal
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5. Â鶹AV’s MustBus Co-Op Trips to Ottawa and New York
Looking to use your time off from school to do some local travelling? Â鶹AV’s MustBus Co-Op provides the perfect opportunities this Winter Break to explore Ottawa or New York. Both trips depart from Â鶹AV campus on December 21st, and return on January 3rd so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the sights of a new city. Round-trip tickets to Ottawa cost $53, and to New York, round-trip tickets cost $194. If you’ve ever dreamed of watching the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, Â鶹AV has you covered!
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6. Jean-Talon Christmas Market
The holiday season is not complete without comforting food and beverages to warm you up from the cold weather outside. Grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate or some delicious melted raclette at Jean-Talon's annual Christmas market this year. The market has multiple vendors in village-style booths leaning into the traditional Christmas market aesthetic, and you can even pick up a real fir tree and some decorations to set up at home!
Location: Marché Jean-Talon, 7070 Avenue Henri-Julien, Montreal
Date: November 26 to December 18
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7. The Nutcracker by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal
Finally, if you want to treat yourself this holiday break, check out Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal’s adaptation of the beloved holiday play, The Nutcracker. These stunning ballet performances accompanied by Tchaikovsky's score will take you on an enchanting ride with Clara and the Nutcracker to the Land of Sweets. This adaptation of the Nutcracker was choreographed by the late Fernand Nault, and has been playing since 1964.
Location: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
Date: December 9 to December 30
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For those staying in Montreal, hopefully this list gives you ample recommendations for exciting events and festive spots to try out post-exam period. Wishing everyone luck as we finish the fall semester and enter into a new year!