8 Christmassy things to do in Montreal that won't cost a dime

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jean-François Savaria (@jfsavaria)

Giant nutcrackers, an huge Christmas tree made out of scaffholding that you can climb up into, a Winter Garden made of art installations; if there's one place guaranteed to get you into the mood for the holidays (and not cost you a single thing), it'd be—spoiler alert—going downtown. What used to be avoided like, well, a pandemic is now the site of Montrealers lining up to see sights, sounds and shopping opportunities before the clock strikes Christmas Eve. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Promenade Wellington (@promenadewellington)

While Verdun's SDC Promenade Wellington has geared up for the holiday like crazy to encourage shoppers, the decorations they've arranged for shouldn't be missed: A festive alleyway to go gramming in, their moose sculpture for their urban sugar shack Cabane Panache has been covered in lights, a Christmas tree made of ornaments, and no one has been stealing the main strip's Christmas trees. A good place to go if you want to just walk and get a little jolly.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Les Grands Ballets (@grandsballets)

We all would love to see a blockbuster or two (or three, or four) on the big screens these days, but the finer arts have been hit hard too, especially ones that are a part of our Christmas traditions. While Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal will not be performing what would be the 57th edition of the Nutcracker this year, they will be broadcasting it online and on TV for free: Tune in on ICI TÉLÉ on Friday, December 18th at 7 PM and on ARTV, as part of LUNDI CULTURE, on December 28th, at 8 PM.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jean-François Savaria (@jfsavaria)

To us, it's just a cool art installation mounted atop the Canadian Malting Silos found in Saint-Henri, down the street from the Saint-Ambroise Brewing facilities. To so many others (we're looking at you, clickbait media), people lose control of their bodily functions every time someone makes adjustment to the tiny house. This season, someone stuck a Christmas tree up there and it lights up at night. Enjoy checking it out with someone and try figuring out how it happened. Don't go in, though: We heard it smells TERRIBLE on the inside.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Montréal en Fêtes (@montrealenfetes)

Bonjour-Ho, Montrealers! For the last few years, Merry Montreal has been turning Place Jacques-Cartier in Old Montreal into an "ambient hub of intimacy" (whatever that means) full of lights and art installations, all together creating a very festive vibe. Plans this year are going to be different with social distancing and masks, but from December 17 to 27, this central section of the historic quarter ought to be a notch or two above your neighbour's lights this year. It'll be an all-around good spot to chill out, pun intended.*

*note that this may change if lockdowns are enforced

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Martha Wainwright (@martha.wainwright)

OK, this one isn't exactly free: On December 20 at 3pm, a live concert that will combine performances from Los Angeles, Montreal and New York will be taking place online with Rufus, Martha and Lucy Wainwright headlining for the McGarrigles and the Roches. The show is a fundraiser for the Kate McGarrigle Foundation through a pay-what-you-want ticketing model as well as donations on the stream itself (so if you're really and truly strapped for cash, you can still watch it). Here's information on how to purchase a ticket, and please give what you can.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Musée des beaux-arts (@mbamtl)

From now until January 11, 2021, one of our favourite museums in Montreal is providing virtual tours to see until we'll get to gather indoors again. This includes checking out the works of their most current exhibitions, from Riopelle and the work of Signac and the Indépendants to Yehouda Chaki and Manuel Mathieu. It's even better if you've got some VR goggles kicking around, but still worth it if you're using a browser!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NOELMTL (@noelmontreal)

If you're simply looking to get into the Christmas spirit but can't spend on anything, we'll admit that the Christmas markets set up at Atwater and Jean-Talon markets (open until December 20 and December 24, respectively) are good places to see some lights and decorations, get gift ideas if you're making them yourself, and huff the smell of freshly-cut Christmas trees and hot chocolate. The only thing is that you'll be window shopping.

.