Celebrate the festive season with the whole family in Quebec's museums, and brighten up your holidays!
Nathalie Lampron, museologist & writer
This December, set aside some time for a family outing to a museum and get together to discover the brilliant program that awaits you. Heartwarming experiences for one and all!
Quebec's museums offer families an embarrassment of choices to enjoy the holiday season: special exhibitions, Christmas markets, art workshops, shows… A smorgasbord of activities for the kids, parents, grandma and grandpa to join up and create memorable memories!
Yesterday’s toys, today’s magic
There is nothing like a collection of colourful toys from various periods to spark joy in children’s hearts… and to awaken memories in the adults who accompany them!
In the Greater Montreal region, make your way to the Musée d’archéologie de Roussillon, in La Prairie, to discover yesteryear’s games and toys. Are you up to the challenge of trying out a few skill-testing games? You could also try your hand at making your own craft toy. At Musée d’histoire et dupatrimoine de Dorval, indulge in a “spatial” pleasure: admire an exceptional collection of vintage toys on the theme of space exploration. Did Santa Claus use a rocket to deliver toys? This free exposition also offers you the opportunity to create an original decoration.
In the Quebec City region, join in the fun at the Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines: check out the antique dolls, board games, bowling and other playful surprises. Fun for kids and parents alike! At Wendake, co-create your own doll out of cornhusks at the Musée huron-wendat during the Christmas holidays. Take a guided tour and learn about the Huron-Wendat Nation’s traditional games of the. A fun way to broaden your horizons!
From joy to wonder
In Old Montreal, at the Site historique Marguerite-Bourgeoys let the voices and melodies of the Choralies sweep you away. Presented in the magical setting of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel, these free concerts are sure to put you in a festive mood! A little further west, Pointe-à-Callière museum will transform Place Royale into an enchanting that’s well worth a visit. In addition, several artistic creation workshops held inside the museum will certainly appeal families. Let your imagination run wild!
In the Centre-du-Québec region, an enchanting atmosphere, shows and family activities await you at Moulin Michel, in Bécancour. Take part in the “Meunier tu fêtes!” event to explore the magnificent flour mill dating back to the 18th century. Stroll along the stands of the Christmas market and meet local craftspeople... and maybe even a famous old man with a white beard!
Holiday treats
The warm atmosphere of old-fashioned Christmas Eve dinners comes alive again at the Musée Beaulne in Coaticook, Eastern Townships. The museum has brought out beautiful pieces from its collections to evoke the festive season. Imagine the many succulent dishes, served in special-occasion tableware, that once made for merry dinners!
Do your toddlers like to roll up their sleeves and get cooking? At the Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier, in Laval, children become up-and-coming chefs by taking on a challenge: precisely measure various ingredients. The reward? Tasty chocolate chip cookie mixes to be baked at home.
Exciting, eco-friendly celebrations!
Is your family at a loss for original holiday gift ideas? If so, make your way to MEM - Centre des mémoires montréalaises, for the “Zero-Waste Holidays” workshops. Bring materials to recycle or reuse, and learn how to transform them. The activity team awaits you with great ideas for zero-waste gifts and packaging. An inspiring initiative to be kept up throughout the new year! In Quebec City, set aside some time to visit the Aquarium du Québec and make an eco-friendly gift with the help of animal guides. A concrete way to reduce your ecological footprint!
This December, add a museum to your list of surprising places to discover and have a merry time with the whole family! Be sure to check the museum opening dates for the holiday season, as well as the schedule of family activities. Enjoy your visit!