The outdoor skating rink on Bonsecours Basin is officially open to the public for the 2011-2012 season.  Young and old alike can enjoy the experience, including the wonderful views of Old Montreal and the St. Lawrence River.  The rink will be open until March 11 with themed musical evenings, such as Classical Mondays, World Music Tuesdays, Alternative Rock Wednesdays, Romantic Thursdays, 1980s Fridays, Rhythm'n Blues Saturdays and French music Sundays.  There will be skate rental and sharpening on site.

Quays skating rink hours: Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, go to http://www.quaysoftheoldport.com/the-quays-skating-rink.html

The sky over the Old Port will be the backdrop for free musical fireworks shows every Saturday at 8 p.m. now until January 7, 2012, including Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve (at midnight on that night only). This year's show is inspired by famous fairy tales: Snow White, Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland. For more information, go to http://www.quaysoftheoldport.com/telus-fire-on-ice.html.

Watch a video from last year's fireworks displays.

For this first time this year, the TELUS Zone on Bonsecours Island will feature "fire dancing" shows. There will also be an ice sculptor on hand Saturday, December 24 and 31, 2011 . For more information about dates & times as well as other events, call (514) 496-7678 or go to www.quaysoftheoldport.com.

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is encouraging people to use public transportation and take advantage of its Family Outings Program. An adult who holds a valid STM card may travel with up to five children under the age of 12 for FREE Saturdays and Sundays.