by Ariane Gagnon
It’s undeniable; if the holidays are a time for joy and celebration, they’re also very expensive! Between presents, preparing good food and buying festive clothes, there's no escape. That's why we've prepared this list of free activities that you can enjoy for Christmas and New Year’s!
December 2 to 23, 2017
What's more magical than a Christmas village? A Christmas village with mulled wine and Christmas film screenings! Let yourself be charmed by the decorations and lights of Christmas and its small on-site market.
Until December 24, 2017
Complexe Desjardins is hard to recognize during the festive season, with its magical holiday atmosphere and Santa Claus Village around the legendary fountain. Many activities and promotions will be held on-site for free, and young children can enjoy the train and carousel for a small fee of $2.
December 25, 2017
On Christmas day, we start the feast in Émilie Gamelin Park at 9:00 am! Warm up around the bonfire, enjoy a good mulled wine and roast your marshmallows with the magic of the holiday season!
At the Grande Bibliothèque on December 29, 2017 at 2:00 pm (ages 13 and under)
Young and old alike will be charmed by this classic animated film by Tim Burton, where the main character, tired of only celebrating Halloween, kidnaps Santa Claus in hopes of discovering the secret of the magic of Christmas. What's more, the popcorn is free!
In Montreal and the suburbs, several rinks are accessible free of charge. This includes the rinks at Jarry Park, Mont Royal Park, LaFontaine Park, Maisonneuve Park and the Centre de la Nature in Laval. Whether you want to take a leisurely walk or play a friendly hockey game, go outside and celebrate in style.
At Mont-Tremblant, December 24 at 3:30 pm
At Mont-Tremblant, or more precisely at the Place des Voyageurs road in Saint-Bernard Square, Santa Claus will stop by just before handing out gifts. This will all begin on-site, as surprises await the visitors of Place Saint-Bernard!
Big Countdown at the Quai de l'Horloge
At 11:45 pm, the Jacques Cartier Bridge will be illuminated, with a unique Montreal soundtrack played live. And at midnight, let yourself be amazed by the fireworks display launching from multiple points around the bridge!
At the Place des Festivals, from November 30 to January 28, 2018
If the cold doesn't scare you, enjoy the annual installations of the huge light playground at the Place des Festivals. This interactive exhibition includes 30 fun scales that can be activated to light up in different bright colors.
Enjoy this week of festivities! What could better than celebrating ... for free?
