I’m officially cueing Mariah Carey and starting the countdown to the holiday season. November may have just begun, but Montreal’s event calendar is already packed with festive, family-friendly outings. As the weather gets colder and winter starts to settle in, I’m using this list of Montreal with kids November 2025 activities and events to help plan a fun month ahead.
Toycon – November 8-9
I always love a good holiday gift-hunting opportunity, and Toycon is a fun one to keep on the radar. This annual toy fair takes place at the Courtyard Marriott airport and is free for everyone. Toy and collectible vendors will be selling sought-after toys and games, including Funkopops, action figures, and rare collectibles. It runs daily from 10am to 4pm, making it a great spot to search for that one gem of a gift.
Holiday Train – November 19 and 24
The CPKC holiday train is one of those seasonal events that always feels special. It will be travelling across Canada and the United States to raise money for community food banks, with a few Montreal-area stops on the schedule. On November 19th, it will arrive at the Montreal West train station at 7pm and then continue to the Beaconsfield station at 8:30pm, with musical performances by Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde. On November 24th, it stops in Kanawake, Delson and Saint Constant with Tyler Shaw and Brittany Kennell. My hot tip: between these two dates, the train is usually parked – with its amazing lights on – in the Cote St Luc train yard.
Salon du Chocolat – November 20-23
If chocolate is part of your love language too, Salon du Chocolat at Gare Windsor is worth adding to the calendar. The show includes tastings, fashion shows, and chocolate works of art. Kids can enjoy a dedicated space on Saturday and Sunday, with the ateliers du P’tit Choco running from 10am-5pm. The family-friendly programming includes workshops, tastings, the history of cacao, and more. Reservations are required, and tickets range from $20-$28, with advance-purchase discounts available on the website.
Santa Claus Parade – November 22
When Saint Nick heads into town, I know the holidays are getting close. Montreal’s annual Santa Claus Parade kicks off at 11am along René-Levesque Blvd and will be filled with floats, music, and surprises for all ages.
The Great Christmas Market – November 21 – January 4
I’m always happy for an excuse to wander through Quartier des Spectacles during the holidays, and The Great Christmas Market transforms the area into a festive outdoor wonderland. More than 40 pop-up chalets will feature local artisans, making it a great pre-holiday shopping stop. Beyond the shopping, the market will also offer more than 150 free animations to help everyone get into the holiday spirit. Opening times vary by day, but in November the market opens at 3pm on weekdays and at 11am on weekends.
Lumino – November 27 – March 8
While I’m already down at Quartier des Spectacles, Lumino is an easy add-on for a winter evening out. This outdoor light exhibit runs all season and brings bright, playful installations to the city. This year’s edition will include a giant holographic hand, projections on the skating rink, and the polar circle – featuring life size lit-up polar bears, penguins and wolves.
Sherlock Holmes Exhibit – November 27 – March 8
The Pointe-à-Callière museum is opening a new temporary exhibit called Sherlock Holmes: Cracking the Case. I like that this one blends mystery with history, giving visitors an immersive look at the famous detective while also exploring Montreal’s police presence in the 19th century. The exhibit will also highlight investigative tools such as photography and botany. A family day pass to the museum is $55.
NCAA Northern Classic Basketball Tournament – November 28-30
Montreal gets its first dose of basketball this year with the NCAA Northern Classic Basketball Tournament at Place Bell in Laval. This Northeastern American tournament will feature teams such as the Albany Great Danes, the Fordham Rams, and the Colgate Raiders. Single-game tickets are available, along with a 3-day pass for anyone who wants to catch it all. Tickets start as low as $20.
Inspired by this post on Midnight Mom.
