November 2026 is going to be very mild in Montreal—just cool enough to elegantly herald a long and charming holiday season. In Quebec, the holiday season starts early—on November 15, with the first snowfall of the year.
Throughout November, the trees will shed all their leaves, and we’ll dig out our matching gloves and scarves, quickly finish knitting the hats we promised our friends and parents, and spend more time indoors, staying warm. We’ll say a prayer that the heating bill won’t be too high this winter.
This month, we’ll go to the Book Fair, to the movies, donate blood, get ready for the holidays, and hang out at the library. And to watch the Canadiens’ games, we’ll check out all of Montreal’s sports bars—diligently, of course.
November 2–December 1: MARTIN MCDONAGH FILM SERIES AT THE CINÉMATHÈQUE QUÉBÉCOISE
For the darkest season, the Cinémathèque Québécoise is presenting four films by the filmmaker with the blackest humor of our time: the British-Irish director Martin McDonagh. It’s mean, it’s violent, it’s tender, and the characters are just as bad at expressing their emotions as we are when we’re suffering from seasonal depression.
On the agenda:
- IN BRUGES (2008), November 2, 2026
- THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (2022), November 4, 2026
- SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (2012), November 19, 2026
- THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (2017), December 1, 2026
The complete program for the MARTIN MCDONAGH, SHADES OF BLACK series is here
November 5: A NIGHTMARE ON STRIP STREET
A burlesque bloodbath that blends chills and bursts of laughter.
A 90-minute burlesque show that parodies horror movie classics, presented at the National in Montreal from November 5 to December 6, 2026. Recommended for ages 18 and up, the show combines dance numbers, sketches, and dark humor.
A Nightmare on Strip Street – Montreal
5 November 2026 19:30 + more dates
Le National
November 6: RIFT, ANAHITA NOROUZI AT THE UQAM GALLERY
On Thursday, November 5, there’s the opening of Anahita Norouzi’s exhibition *RIFT* at the Galerie de l’UQAM. The project—delicate yet powerful—explores the dynamics of colonial domination and capitalism through the oil industry in Iran.
The artist’s installation explores “imperial debris,” geopolitics, and archives.
The opening reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. and is open to everyone.
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A co-production of the Galerie de l’UQAM and the Musée d’art de Joliette, presented in two parts in the fall of 2026, and touring to the Galerie UQO (Gatineau, 2027) and VOART (Val-d’Or, 2028).
Curators: Ariane De Blois and Louise Déry
Artist: Anahita Norouzi
November 8: POCKET ALTAR WORKSHOP AT MY FRIEND FRANKIE’S HOUSE
The days grow darker and darker until the winter solstice, and November is one of the longest months of the year—one of the most melancholic, one of the most liminal. To keep a little (esoteric) love with us all year long, and to practice gratitude and keep our (many) loved ones close to our hearts, we’re going to make ourselves a “pocket altar.”
To reserve a spot for the workshop, click here.
November 13: MONTREAL’S BIG CHRISTMAS MARKET IN THE QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES
Montreal’s big Christmas market, which transforms the Quartier des Spectacles into a sea of red and gold and fills the air with the scent of mulled wine, cinnamon, and melted cheese, sets up early to quickly get Montreal into the holiday spirit.
It’s also a craft fair, and throughout downtown, we’ll softly hear Christmas carols drifting from the speakers at Place des Arts all the way through New Year’s.
November 14: Pajama Day at the McCord Stewart Museum
The McCord Stewart Museum, the beating heart of Montreal’s archives and history, is opening its doors for a pajama day that will (officially) kick off the 2026 holiday season on the island.
This will mark the official return of the mechanical holiday window displays from the (now-defunct) Ogilvy department store, on display outside the museum. Also on display will be 21 figurines depicting Santa Claus, brought out for the occasion from the Macdonald Stewart Foundation’s collection.
The museum’s exhibitions—including Carrie Allison’s lovely and nostalgic show exploring beadwork—will be open for guided tours in pajamas and slippers. There will also be a storytelling session and a concert by the Artémis Ensemble.
Reservations are required here!
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- Storytelling | Limited seating—Important: You must reserve your seat upon arrival at the Museum.
In French: at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. + Sign language interpretation during the 10:30 a.m. session.
In English: at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p
.m. Recommended for children ages 2 and up. Duration: 20 minutes.
- Face-painting workshop: the little ones’ favorite activity!
From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Family Workshop – Rooted Stories: When Plants Tell the Story of the Land
Inspired by the world of Carrie Allison, this family workshop invites participants to discover a native plant of Quebec and create a portrait of it. By observing its forms, its habitat, and the relationships it shares with other living things, participants will imagine the stories it might hold within.
Ongoing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Duration: 20 minutes
November 14, 15, 21, 22: HOLIDAY MARKET AT LOCOSHOP ANGUS
The first holiday market is early, but it might snow, so we’re not saying anything yet. The colder it gets, the more we crave comfort—and doing our holiday shopping is incredibly comforting.
And then, for those who are running late or turning a blind eye to the approaching winter, it’ll be the perfect opportunity to shop at Montreal designers and artisans for hats, candles, and art to transform our apartment into a cozy winter nest.
November 24–29: SAD FESTIVAL
For lovesick souls, those suffering from depression, those in pain like Werther, the melancholic, and poets, there are six days of festivals in November. With a little luck, it’ll be cold and dreary—it’ll be so much more romantic…
The Triste Festival is all about poetry, music, broken hearts, and an artistic and emotional gathering place for those who see life through a (very chic) black veil.
On the evening of November 28, we’ll be able to dance wistfully at the SAT to the sounds of Anna Arrobas, Quinn Bachand, Kee Avil, and Leila Bordreuil. Violin, electronic music, folk, and a trembling voice—a melancholy too delightful to pass up.
For the full program of the Festival Triste, click here.
November 25–29: MONTREAL BOOK FAIR
November is a bookworm’s favorite month…
For our winter “reading list”—because if we’re going to spend our weekends at home anyway, we might as well travel in our minds—we’re heading to the Montreal Book Fair in November.
The Salon’s schedule is coming soon, and you can check it out here.
And, starting November 13, 2026, there will be events in town: the “Salon en Ville” schedule is here.
