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Santa Claus returns to Downtown Montreal — plus more free magical family fun

A holiday concert series, visits with Santa and more memorable holiday moments — all at no cost.

Laura Osborne
Written by
Laura Osborne
Editor, Time Out Canada
Santa
Photograph: Time Out Market Montréal
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Santa is making his way back to Downtown Montreal and he’s bringing some serious holiday magic.

Head to Time Out Market Montréal—home to some of the best chefs and restaurants in the city under one roof—over the next two weekends and you’ll find Santa and his elves handing out surprises to children (and adults!) who’ve made the nice list.

You’ll also feel the holiday spirit come alive thanks to the choral harmonies of the Hummingbirds Trio—an unforgettable musical experience that takes holiday cheer to another level—plus free make-up for the kids.

Bonus: don't forget to get your photo taken with the gigantic teddy bear located right in front of the elevator.

Holiday market
Photograph: Laura Osborne | Time Out

When is Santa Claus coming to Downtown Montreal?

Head to the big Christmas tree inside Time Out Market Montréal. on December 14 and 21, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

It’s a guaranteed magical, memorable holiday moment with Santa—plus free make-up for the little ones, and a festive musical experience by the Hummingbirds Trio featuring beloved holiday classics and enchanting melodies.

Hummingbirds Trio Vocal Christmas Choir
Photograph: Hummingbirds Trio Vocal Christmas Choir

Located inside the Montreal Eaton Centre, one of the city’s best shopping malls, Time Out Market Montréal is a winter wonderland during this time of year.

The giant 40,000-square-foot space is adorned with countless twinkling lights, sparkling baubles, and thousands of festive decorations suspended from the ceiling.

Holiday market
Photograph: Time Out Market Montréal

While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Market’s limited edition holiday menu featuring all your comfort food favourites—plus a killer cocktail menu, beers galore and Montreal’s first dedicated mocktail bar and exclusive zero-proof menu.

Come for the next-level holiday vibes and stay for the festive menu: expect refined dishes to comforting classics and indulgent treats, this special menu offers something for every taste and every budget.

Holiday menu
Photograph: Time Out Market Montréal

Time Out Tip: Ask about the new wine menu at either one of the two wine bars.

Wine bar
Photograph: Time Out Market Montréal

What else is happening in and around the Montreal Eaton Centre?

As of November, the Holiday Studio opens on the Sainte-Catherine level, featuring two immersive, photogenic worlds—Pink Candy Cane and Chic Gingerbread—with interactive photo stations for families and visitors to capture festive memories. 

A highlight will be Pet Photo Day on December 7 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., letting visitors snap magical moments with their furry friends.

For the first time, Lumino returns with Canadian artist Jeremy Shantz’s luminous installation Between Now and Infinity, on display from November 27 to March 8 near the Tissot store, delighting visitors of all ages.

Montreal Eaton Centre
Photograph: Melanie Olmstead

The holiday spirit comes alive on December 6 and 13 with musical performances and roaming entertainers, including an electric harpist and Nutcracker characters, transforming the Sainte-Catherine level into a sparkling festive wonderland from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The season also features holiday concerts from November 5 to December 18. Downtown Montreal will buzz with mid-day concerts at Place Ville Marie on Wednesdays in November, plus performances at the Eaton Centre on Saturdays, December 6 and 13 at 3:30 p.m., and Thursdays, December 11 and 18 at noon, in front of the Samsung store, Sainte-Catherine level—bringing families and friends together in a joyful, festive atmosphere.

Montreal Eaton Centre
Photograph: Melanie Olmstead

Visitors can also support the Fondation Rêves d’Enfants at the gift-wrapping station from December 1 to 24, spreading generosity while preparing their presents.

Is the REM connected directly to the Montreal Eaton Centre in Downtown Montreal?

Yes, the REM connects directly to the Montreal Eaton Centre in Downtown Montreal via the McGill Station, offering seamless access from its new lines into the shopping centre—making it super convenient to get to the mall from various parts of the greater Montreal area.

Check out the quick video below on how to get from the REM to Time Out Market Montréal. 

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