Press release | For immediate release
Montreal, November 8, 2023 – Starting November 15, the Quartier des Spectacles will overflow with holiday spirit thanks to the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink, holiday revelry with Noël dans le parc in Place Émilie-Gamelin, The Great Christmas Market in Place des Festivals, the Santa Claus Parade, the traditional festivities at Complexe Desjardins and an all-new series of Luminothérapie works! Montrealers, visitors and neighbourhood residents are invited to enjoy a magical program of free activities to immerse themselves in the season’s festive ambiance.
THE QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES LIT UP FOR WINTER
Opens November 15
Sunday-Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Holiday schedule:
December 15 to January 6: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Exceptions: December 24: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; December 25 and January 1: noon to 11 p.m.; December 31: 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Dowtown’s biggest refrigerated outdoor rink is back! The rink is free to use and can accommodate up to 400 skaters on its 1,500 m2 surface. Skates are available to rent, so anyone can make the most of winter downtown and be amazed by the interactive projection on the ice surface, Au bord du lac Tranquille, by Mirari and Normal studio, presented every Sunday through Thursday at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m.
The Esplanade Tranquille skating rink also hosts numerous activities, including musical lunchtimes with Classical Noon every Wednesday starting November 22. On Saturday evenings starting December 16, Disco Fever returns to get all the skaters boogieing. Finally, Santa Claus and his elves will lace up their skates for Le Père-Noël sait-il patiner? on December 16 and 24 between 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Complete programming details will be announced soon.
Sunday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Thursday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to midnight
Holiday schedule:
December 15 to January 2: 9 a.m. to midnight daily
Exceptions: December 24: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; December 25 and January 1: noon to 11:30 p.m.; December 31: 9 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
The Esplanade Tranquille pavilion is a cozy space where everyone can come warm up for free every day and evening. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet moment in the Grand salon, with its beautiful Christmas decorations by paper artist Pauline Loctin, who will host maker workshops on December 2 and 3 at 10 a.m., or enjoy free cultural activities including a Christmas cookies workshop on the weekends of December 9-10 and December 16-17, the Pavilion is sure to be a favourite destination. Complete programming details will be announced soon.
November 30 to March 10
Sainte-Catherine St. W.
A new series of local and visiting works will be presented on pedestrianized Sainte-Catherine St. West this winter. Each evening starting at sunset, the Quartier des Spectacles will be illuminated by five new works and a generative video projection accompanied by original music and scenography throughout the pedestrian zone. Complete Luminothérapie details will be announced on November 20.
