Complex Desjardins Christmas Village
Dates: Nov. 21 to Dec. 24
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, hours vary during the week. Check the schedule.
Address: 150 Ste. Catherine St. W. or 175 René Lévèsque St. W.
Website: http://www.complexedesjardins.com

Every year, Complex Desjardins sets up its Christmas village, which is a super destination for families with children from one to five years old. Going beyond the typical line-up-for-Santa-at-the-mall scenario, Complex Desjardins offers enough activities – targeted at different ages – that you can spend a morning there. And, it’s free.

For the littlest ones, there is a toddler play area, supervised by elves. Older kids aren’t allowed in, so they get to romp around safely in a small area with mats to climb on and jump off, and a tunnel to crawl through.
For children around age three (they have to be over a certain height), there’s a small maze that ends with a double slide.
For kids around age four and up, there’s a giant, inflated slide. Yeee-haw!

Expect a lineup for the face-painting and, of course, for Santa, who gives out a small gift to each visitor. On the weekends, you need to make an “appointment” with his secretary when you get there.

The other highlight of the Christmas village are children’s shows, which are held on weekdays and weekends. There are some shows starring Shilvi, and others starring Julie Sa Muse. Check the Complex Desjardins website for the schedule.

The village area is on the same level as the food court, so it’s convenient to get a snack or lunch before or after the Christmas village visit. Also, Complex Desjardins has a nice fountain that randomly shoots water straight up to the ceiling of the shopping centre. Kids will be impressed!

For more Christmas activities, go to the I Spy Montreal holidays page.
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