After a sunny, mild and rather magical October when it comes to nostalgic movie autumn, Montreal is in for a rather kitchen sink November with clouds, wind and wet snow.
Fortunately, Montrealers are used to months that darken into winter, and we’ve got a special serotonin calendar to get us in the holiday mood, find the warmth inside and use seasonal depression as a stepping stone to a semi-gothic, semi-hysterical vibe that will keep us happy through the cold, rainy days of November.
November calendar
November 1: All Saints’ Day, Dia de los Muertos
November 1 is All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos – a day to honor our dead and our ancestors. We recommend a visit to the cemetery, a thought for those who have passed on, and a time of gratitude and reflection.
November 2: Changeover to winter time
On the night of Saturday November 1 to Sunday November 2, the clock will go back one hour. The sun will technically rise “earlier” but (inevitably) set earlier too. Can we console ourselves with a happy hour?
Daylight saving time has a simple aim: to align our lives (metro, work, cocktails, exhibition, bedtime) with the hours of sunshine. We’ve all noticed that not only is the sun setting earlier and earlier, it’s also rising later and later.
With daylight saving time, we’ll be getting up as the sun rises – and that’s just as well.
November 2: Municipal elections, voting day
Like every 4 years, this fall we’ll be electing our municipal representatives in Montreal. After a back-to-school season that was still too hot to handle, it’s time to get serious again and take the time to study each other’s candidacies.
On November 2, 2025, we’ll be voting for the city mayor, borough mayors, municipal councillors and city councillors.
November 2 & 8: Horror films at Cinéma Public
The spooky season stretches into November with two movie nights at the Cinéma Public featuring a special horror double bill . The films screened are;
WE’RE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR by Jane Schoenbrun:
“Reality and fantasy begin to blur when a teenager, alone in her attic bedroom, immerses herself in a role-playing horror game online.”
BEDROOM PEOPLE by Vivien Forsans (short film):
“A man searches through documents of an unknown USB key found in his bag, and discovers a strange series of recordings.”
Where? Casa d’Italia, 505 rue Jean-Talon Est
When? November 2 at 8 p.m. (sold out), November 8 at 8:30 p.m.
How? Tickets $12, more info here!
November 4-16: Cinémania
Over a hundred films, a spotlight on Moroccan cinema and Juliette Binoche – this 31st edition of this French-language film festival will feature Quebecois and international films, as well as illustrious guests.
Where? Depending on the screening, at Cinéma Cineplex Odéon Quartier Latin, Cinéma du Musée, Cinéma du Parc, Monument National, Cinémathèque Québécoise, Cinéma Moderne, Studio-Cabaret du Théâtre Saint-Denis, Cinéma Beaubien, Théâtre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts, Usine C and Maison Alcan.
When? November 4 to 16, 2025
How? Single tickets from around $10, 6-film booklet for $80 – for more info, click here!
November 5: Full Beaver Moon – November Supermoon
It’s going to be the biggest, brightest moon of the year, and we’re going to get to see it on the evening of Wednesday, November 5. The November full moon is called the “Beaver Moon” because it’s the time of year when beavers build their dams before winter.
November 5-15: Life, Death, Dessert
To celebrate the natural cycle of life and death with absolute luxury and a transcendental dinner experience, we recommend a ticket to La Vie, La Mort, Le Dessert at the Société des Arts Technologiques.
Between November 5 and 15, 2025, the Society for Technological Arts is offering immersive five-course culinary evenings on the theme of the cycle of life -life, death, rebirth.
The experience will include five gastronomic courses designed by chef Clément Boivin (Cuisine Libre!), known for his local and forest cuisine, accompanied by artistic performances and immersive scenography projected under the SAT’s cult dome.
Part fairy tale, part semi-morbid transcendence and part sensory forest walk, this banquet-style dinner and performance will have us loving the coldest autumn nights.
It’s also the kind of date that’s a little spooky, for our foodie crush and our crush who performs witchcraft rituals in the forest under a full moon…
Where? Société des Arts Technologiques, in the Satosphère, 1201 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
When? 6 p.m. (duration approx. 3.30 hrs.) evenings November 5 to 8 and November 12 to 15, 2025
How? individual ticket $190, group 10-14 people $171, group 15-19 people $161.5, group 20 people or more $152 / for more info, click here!
November 6: Encore Poetry open mic @encorepoetryproject
For a bit of poetry in this world of bullies (and in the rain, which makes Montreal as sad and romantic as Wuthering Heights), we’re going to the Encore Poetry Project open mic. This multilingual event is open to all poets.
Where? Frigo Vert, 1440 Mackay St.
When? Thursday, November 6, 8 p.m.
How? The event is pay what you can , and you can register online here!
November 6: Fashion Show Golden Goddess
A party for the most fashionable (and goddess-like) among us… There’ll be a catwalk featuring the latest creations of 4 local designers, cocktails, a photobooth, a dj and surprises. It’s the perfect way to beat the post-Halloween funk !
Where? Location to be revealed…
When? November 6, starting at 6 p.m.
How? Tickets are $73, and for more info, click here!
November 7: Soirée Québec Nostalgie special Pussycat Dolls (dance class)
To learn the cult choreography of Don’t Cha by the Pussycat Dolls, and boost our serotonin as the November days turn gray, we’re going to spend the evening at Studio Bizz with the equally cult Québec Nostalgie.
It’s for everyone – you don’t have to be a pro – and afterwards, there’s a cocktail to end the evening in style (and for those horrified by their moves, a chance to forget).
Where? Studio Bizz, 551 Avenue Mont-Roral Est (3rd floor)
When? Friday, November 7, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
How? $45 + taxes, and tickets are on sale on the Studio Bizz website here!
November 8-9: DDO Arts & Crafts Market
One of the first holiday markets of the year is at the Centre des Arts de Dollard… It’s in the suburbs, and we use this time to go for a walk and get out of Montreal (sometimes, it feels good).
Where? Dollard Arts Centre, 1200 boulevard de Salaberry, Dollard-des-Ormeaux (entrance #5) – 30min drive from downtown Montreal
When? Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How? free admission (free parking and checkroom) / more info, here!
November 8-9: Montreal makers’ market
Where? Église Saint-Jean Berchmans, 5945 rue Cartier
When? November 8 and 9, 11am to 5pm
How? free admission
November 8 & 22: Natural perfumery workshop at LVNEA
In the atmosphere of cinema, literature and gothic-revival style that has turned our long autumn evenings into scenes of dramatic emotion, we can now learn to create our own perfume…
On Saturdays November 8 and 22, in LVNEA’s Mile End workshop, we’ll be learning the secrets of perfumery from the creator of this darling boutique for Montreal weird girls .
Where? LVNEA Perfume, 108-160 rue Saint-Viateur East
When? Saturday, November 8 and Saturday, November 22
How? The workshop costs $140, and to find out more and register, click here!
November 11-December 9: SéminArts at MAC
After a summer of dancing in the streets, we’re craving a serious artistic obsession that we can feed from our beds this winter. The program lasts 5 weeks, and it’s an opportunity to develop our eye.
At the MAC, by taking part in SéminArts on Tuesdays, we’ll learn how to collect contemporary art – to take a look behind the scenes and become, even if we can’t spend millions, a patron of the arts. We’ve always told anyone who’d listen that we’ve got great taste…
Where? Each meeting takes place in a different location, which is communicated in advance.
When? Tuesdays, 6pm to 8pm
How? 225$ for the 5 sessions (15% discount for MACarte holders), and for more information click here!
November 13: Canine Evening at Festilumi
Festilumi, Montreal’s attraction of lights, invites pooches to join in the Canine Soirées, because our furry friends can take a turn in these little worlds of wonder too.
Where? Festilumi, 315 rue du Marché Central
When? November 13 and December 7
November 15-16: ExpoZine, fair
To meet and read the coolest and most interesting Montrealers in town, we’re stopping by the Festival International de l’Édition Indépendante to discover the zines… It’s Expozine 2025!
Where? Église Saint Arsène, 1015 rue Bélanger
When? November 15 and 16
How? free admission
November 15-16: Marché et Café Opium Den
For a vintage pop-up with ultra-sharp curation, we’re going to the Opium Den pop-up-and it’s a café, too.
Where? Espace Transmission, 5435 Avenue des Érables
When? November 15 and 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How? free admission
November 16: Roller Dance at SAT (RnB, Hip Hop)
To learn to skate, or to dance and show a date that you really have the grace you claim to have, go to the Roller Dance at the SAT. You can rent skates on site, and drink a cocktail to build up your courage…
The theme of this year’s event is as nostalgic as in-line skating: 90s hip hop and RnB.
Where? Society for Arts and Technology, Espace SAT, 1201 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
When? Sunday, November 16 – 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.
How? Tickets at $25, and more info here!
November 18: Derniers Remparts, RV experience
It’s the 14th century, and the people of Carcassonne need your help to protect their fortress. The city is under siege from an insider threat that is far from giving up on victory. Inspired by real events, Les Derniers Remparts takes you to the heart of the instability, blending history and fiction for a thrilling experience.
The streets of Carcassonne need your help. Can you join the defenders? The journey begins on November 18 at Expériences Infinity, in Montreal’s Old Port.
Tickets are available – reserve your place here!
November 19: Canadian Pacific Holiday Train visits Montreal
For 27 years, Canadian Pacific Railway has been taking its Holiday Train across Canada and the U.S. to bring concerts, wonder and holiday spirit to children – and to collect donations for local food banks. Because holiday spirit is the perfect excuse to be generous.
In 2025, the Holiday Train departs Montreal on November 19 and ends its journey in Gleichen, Alberta, on December 21.
The train stops in the Montreal area and in Quebec are;
- Wednesday, November 19, 7 to 7:30 p.m. – Montreal West, EXO station
- Wednesday, November 19, 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. – Beaconsville, EXO station
- Sunday, November 23, noon to 12:30 p.m. – Lac-Mégantic, on Cartier Street
- Sunday, November 23, 4:45pm to 5:15pm – Sherbrooke, 795 rue de la Rand
- Sunday, November 23, 8:30 to 9 p.m. – Farnham, 191 rue Victoria
- Monday, November 24, 5pm to 5:30pm – Kahnawake, Old Malone Road
- Monday, November 24, 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Saint-Constant, Sainte-Catherine EXO station
- Monday, November 24, 6:55 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. – Delson, 1 chemin de la Gare
- Monday, November 24, 7:50pm to 8:15pm – Saint-Mathieu, at École Jaques-Barclay
- Monday, November 24, 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. – Lacolle, 10 rue Sainte-Marie
Performers at the November 19 stop include the cult Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde. On November 23 and 24, Tyler Shaw and Brittany Kennell will be performing.
November 20: Celebrate Children’s Day at Art of the Brick
Celebrate Children’s Day with the whole family at Art of the Brick, the exhibition made entirely of LEGO® bricks! The adventure has already seduced over 10 million people, and it’s now open in Montreal! Little ones will be in awe of the exhibition’s works of art, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex over 6 metres high and a life-size reproduction of Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Plenty of other surprises await you at Art of the Brick, so reserve your seats!
Where? 312 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
When? Various dates and times
How to get there Tickets from CA$24.90 for adults and CA$17.90 for children
November 20-30: Image+Nation Festival
In celebration of LGBT2SQUEER cinema and filmmakers, this festival will present 10 days of film screenings and parties around the voices and talent of the community.
Opening the festival is Gail Maurice’s highly anticipated BLOOD LINES-a gentle film by the director of Rosie about intergenerational trauma in the aboriginal community.
Where? Montreal
When? November 20-30, 2025
How? For info and tickets, click here!
November 22: Santa Claus Parade
On November 22, 2025, one month before Christmas, Santa Claus visits children (and grown-ups) in Montreal with a downtown parade – and it’s time to say hello in case he’s forgotten us while making his list…
Where? Boulevard René-Levesque (nearby metro stations: Peel, McGill, Place-des-Arts, Lucien-l’Allier, Bonaventure, Place Victoria OACI, Place d’Armes) -the full parade route will be announced later.
When? November 22, 2025 -parade begins at 11 a.m.
How? It’s free, but you’ll need to arrive a little early to get a good spot on the parade route.
November 22-23: Marché de Noël Artisanal de Montréal
Decorate your tree, your apartment or buy gifts from some of Montreal’s finest artisans at this ephemeral market on the weekend of November 22-23.
Where? 1844 rue William
When? Saturday, November 22, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. / Sunday, November 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How? free admission
and all through November…
*Kent Monkman at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
In the chaotic patchwork of the contemporary art scene, between installations, PVC, naive drawings, ceramics and deco revival, Kent Monkman’s work reminds us of art with a capital A – with a twist.
From September 27, 2025 to March 8, 2026, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is devoting a solo exhibition to the artist. The exhibition brings together 40 monumental Monkman paintings – a rare and impressive show that we recommend for its themes, its beauty and because Kent Monkman is probably the most important artist of his generation.
Kent Monkman is an aboriginal, member of the Ocêkwi Sîpiy, Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba’s Treaty 5 territory. Through his works and his alter ego, Miss Chief Eagle Testickle, he reinterprets colonial history from an Aboriginal perspective, with humor and poetry.
Where? at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1380 Sherbrooke Street West
When? September 27, 2025 to March 8, 2026, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much? $31 for those 26 and over, $15.50 on Wednesday evenings, free for those 25 and under, members of aboriginal communities and people with disabilities and their companions.
*Candlelight concerts
Coldplay, Hans Zimmer, Tchaikovsky, the Beatles: there are Candlelight concerts all through November for a bit of classical music, in the dark and with an edge…
Happy November!