With the annual Noël dans le Parc Festival underway until Christmas Eve, Montrealers can enjoy approximately 80 outdoor shows in three locations: Compagnons-de-Saint-Laurent and Lahaie Parks in the Plateau and downtown at Place Émilie-Gamelin.

The Festival promotes up-and-coming local artists and francophone music, and will provide the holiday spirit to all Montrealers with bonfires, poetry, animation and more.

Park des Compagnons-de-Saint-Laurent and Park Lahaie will be hosting a variety of shows and activities for children and families.

For example, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Park des Compagnons-de-Saint-Laurent every Sunday during the festival. Gilobo the clown will be entertaining crowds on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Santa’s Elves will also make appearances on Dec. 14 and 22, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Place Émilie-Gamelin will be hosting several musicians including rock band GrimSkunk on Dec. 20 and the Quebec City jazz band The Lost Fingers on Dec. 21.

Wood fires or propane will be available at all three parks for visitors to keep warm. The shows are free but to help finance the festival, Christmas trees will be sold at all three locations. You can buy one on-site or online.

For more information about all the programming, click here.