holiday time in montreal december 2012

written by Patricia Oliver

It’s December. Our first snow is here and looks like it will be staying. The kids are wearing winter coats, boots, hats and mitts. It’s that wonderful holiday time in Montreal! Here are some lovely things to do in Montreal in December.

Telus Fire on Ice fireworks in December?

Yes every Saturday at the Old Port there is a display of fireworks with Telus Fire on Ice. I plan on taking the kids, grab a hot chocolate and watch a beautiful display light up a wintery sky. If you are really coordinated you can skate at the same time.

Sounds really nice right? Skating to fireworks. When you’re done you can wrap up the evening with something wonderful to eat, or you could start your evening off that way too.

Santa Village

If your in town with little ones why not take a beautiful drive up to Val David and visit Santa at his village? Santa’s Village will be open on December weekends 8th & 9th, 15th & 16th and then open every day from December 21st to January 6th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Dress warm for all kinds of outdoor play. Oh and if you’re child is at the age where they are ready to give up their pacifiers, they can swap it with Santa for a little gift ( which you can give ahead of time.) Really cute idea.

There is snow-tubing, skating, and of course reindeer! Santa’s little cottage is on a hill, and there are waiting lines but it’s lot of fun. There is food you can buy on site too. A really fun thing to do over the holidays.

Ogilvy’s Mechanical Window

One of my favorite things to do over the holidays is head downtown to Ogilvy’s. They always have the most beautiful detailed holiday window. We get the kids a hot chocolate, coffee for us, and just watch the window for a while.Since 1947 this window display called The Enchanted Village is a delight to young and old. There are various mechanical stuffed animals, all made by Steiff.You can visit this little gem in Mid November to January. If your in Montreal over the holidays you should definitely check it out.

You can find Ogilvy at 1307 Ste-Catherine Street West, at the corner of De la Montagne Street. You’ll find it’s very easy to get to and the closest metro stations are Peel and Guy-Concordia.We try to get there earlier in December as it’s not as cold. You can then walk around, head into the indoor shopping malls underground do a little shopping, get warm, and grab a bite to eat. Another perfect day in Montreal.