10 Holiday Magical Places
Rated by 21 members
#3 of 10: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Montreal is magical any time of year but during the holiday season -- which starts at the beginning of Advent and goes to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th -- the French Canadian love for good parties, great food, noisy parades, and glittering lights is at its height. The fun and festivity of the season is so over-the-top kid-friendly that you're apt to see a talking Christmas tree singing Jingle Bells or bump into an oversized snowman walking down the street. The city sparkles with lights and everywhere you'll find sumptuous things to eat like candy-studded bûche de Noël (Yule logs), spiced pork pie, and chocolate mousse with candied chestnuts.
Don't miss:
- X'mas Fairies, Old Montreal
December 2008 to January 2009
Old Montréal
The holiday spirit comes alive in Old Montreal every December for a decidedly French Canadian Christmas Extravaganza. Activities abound: Open air Christmas caroling on Place Jacques-Cartier, a glitteringly decorated skating rink, themed exhibitions in the museums, and free samples of Québec's culinary delights at Marché Bonsecours.
- The Nutcracker - Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal
December 2008
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts 514-849-8681
www.grandsballets.com
No one does the Nutcracker as well as the Grands Ballets Canadiens Magic, which has dancers come from all over the world to put on a multicultural performance full of wonder and surprise in the land of snow and the kingdom of sweets. An hour before each show children and parents can come hear the story of the Nutcracker, read in both French and English, when one lucky child is chosen to be the "Mouse of the Day" go on stage during the performance!
- Christmas at the Garden, Montréal Botanical Garden
December 5, 2008-January 4, 2009
www.museumsnature.ca
Your family will feel the warmth and beauty of the Christmas season at a slower yet just as enchanting a pace at the Montreal Botanical Garden as you visit the greenhouses decorated for Christmas, enjoy the Christmas carols and the storytelling for children.
- Marché Jean Talon
December-January annually
www.marchespublics-mtl.com
If you come to Montreal at Christmastime, you have to visit one of the open air markets where vendors deck things out in true holiday splendor, offer free samples galore, and make the most scrumptious and unusual holiday delights that you'll fill your shopping bags and come back for more.
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