THE HOLIDAY SEASON FESTIVAL
The Odyssée is THE holiday festival to visit by day and by night, totally free and accessible by car or foot.
XP_MTL is back in downtown Montreal with Odyssée, where tales and legends come to life. To add to the magic of the holiday season, giant installations, showcase contests, musical performances and animations await visitors on Sainte-Catherine Street West to revive our children’s hearts for the time of a stroll and invite Montrealers and Quebecers to live their very own holiday adventure in downtown Montreal.
From the end of November until the New Year on Sainte-Catherine Street West, between Crescent Street and McGill College.
Legend of the bears
Cree artist Jason Carter imagined 3 bear sculptures exclusively for XP_MTL and built by Quebec artisans. An artwork inspired by the legend that when a bear visits us in our dreams, it is an omen that beautiful things will happen.
“I hope these sculptures can remind us that we can always count on hope; that hope comes from within! Strength, willpower, compassion, comfort: everything has to be shared since we all have a shining light within us.” Jason Carter
Guardians of Odyssée
Admire these tall, 20-metre high guardians who watch over Montrealers and the entire Holiday Odyssée. Their smile is their best weapon, and legend has it that they can break the hardest of diamonds with a snap of their jaws.
The rendez-vous corner
On Sainte-Catherine Street you will find the perfect place to hang out. Who knows, during the holiday season, you might even see a choir perform! Plus, young and old can have fun turning the handle on the musical boxes to transport themselves into a holiday musical universe and make the Terrace’s Christmas lights shine.
It is said that spontaneous meetings are more frequent at this terrace and that if you meet someone there, they will never be late. Is this true or just a myth? Let the magic happen and don’t forget to immortalize your moments under the lighted arch!
The Odyssée’s choirs
Every Saturday during December, come and see the Odyssée’s choirs for FREE as they warm up the hearts of everyone, even the #CoolKids ones. Oh yes, Fredy V., Melissa Pacifico, Nadia Baldé and Wayne Tennant singers reinterpret Christmas classics to hip hop tunes.
If you’re lucky, you might even run into our mascot Réal, the ultra-fashionable giant dog, who could do his special dance moves, perfect for your Instagram stories.
Snowball Operation
Our dog-fluencer, Réal, has hidden somewhere in the downtown area with a cauldron of snowballs! Watch out! You could be the target of his first ball. If you see him, take a picture and share it on your social medias to warn others!
The Holiday window displays
During the holiday season, which begins after Black Friday and continues a bit after Boxing Day, downtown merchants are preparing magical window displays that will get you in the holiday spirit. Stroll the downtown streets in search of those that will amaze you. Find unforgettable Christmas gifts for your loved ones and enter our window display contest starting December 10 on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.
The biggest gift by Fido
Giving presents is a tradition that follows the hearts of children even when dozens of winters have passed in their lives. Who wrapped this package? What is missing from this gift to be closed and decorated?
Musical Christmas by Audiogram and XP_MTL
Come to the Audiogram and XP_MTL Holiday Party, an exclusive and festive show in the heart of downtown. On December 16th at 5pm at Centre St-Jax Garden, it’s a rendez-vous not to be missed!
On the program,
- Bubbles
- Fun
- Balloons
- Réal the mascot
- A suprised DJ
- Fanny Bloom
- Marilyne Léonard
- Comment Debord
- Elliot Maginot
- Qualité Motel
Hurry, tickets are limited! Go to the Facebook event to get yours.
PSST: You will need your vaccination passports to enter.
How to get there ?
By public transportation : Peel and McGill metro stations on the green line give you almost direct access to the Odyssée – many bus circuits are also available
By car : Free street parking will be available downtown on weeknights from 6 to 9 pm and on weekends from December 3 to January 2 inclusively
By bike : for the bravest, four-season bike paths run through the downtown area
