From mid-November to Epiphany, Quebec’s stages play Christmas: The Nutcracker and its stage rats, tales read by the fire, choirs, world music concerts and the musicals that return every year. This guide gathers the holiday season shows playing this winter, with each event’s listing, dates and venue. The list follows the calendar: it fills up as programs are announced and empties once the holidays are over.
Booking at the right time
The big classics go on sale in October; the best seats for performances from December 20 to 30 go first. Weeknights before the 20th and matinees from the 26th to the 30th are the easiest to get. Many venues offer a child or family rate, and a reduced rate for preview performances.
On the night
Arrive half an hour early: coat check, parking and bar lines are longer in December. Check the running time and intermission on the listing, and the recommended age for storytelling and puppet shows, often designed for a specific age.
With kids
For a first trip to the theatre, choose a tale or a one-hour show without intermission, and an aisle seat. The Nutcracker works from age five; younger ones get lost in the second act. Tell the kids what will happen before the lights go down: we clap, we whisper, we can leave if it gets too long.
🎄 Shows by region
Montreal
20 places
Chaudière-Appalaches
3 places
Read next
Read next: Christmas markets in Quebec and Christmas lights and illuminated trails.
