THURSDAY
The hottest two weeks in winter start with the famous Wildside Festival at the Centaur Theater. It’s a fantastic fun-filled festival showcasing the creative talents of four amazing and diverse Montreal women, including a brilliant Japanese director/performer/Fringe Festival favourite and a very funny clown guy making his return to Montreal following his fabulous work with Cirque du Soleil. It’s 14 days featuring the best and brightest!
Shen Yun brings to life 5,000 years of Chinese civilization through classical Chinese dance and music in an exhilarating show you will never forget. Capturing the spirit of a culture long lost, the show moves quickly through regions, dynasties, and legends. Ethnic and folk dances fill the stage with colour and energy with athleticism, thunderous battle drums, and masterful vocalists and animated backdrops that transport you to another world. It is a stunning production with nearly 100 artists, 400 costumes, and the only orchestra in the world featuring both classical Western and Chinese instruments. A true feast for the eyes.
FRIDAY
The Casino de Montreal has recently reinvented itself and created a new, younger and hipper image across the board. The big changes can be seen in their four restaurants. Tonight is a perfect night to go and do a little gambling with friends and get a tasty dinner at the same time. The restaurants boast four unique atmospheres and one stunning view of our city. You can choose from the following: Le Montreal, restaurants a la carte with reinvented classics for renewed pleasure, an easy choice for everyone; Ajia, Asian counter, featuring exotic aromas from all corners of Asia; L’Instant, Deli & Pasta, hosting a variety of dishes for busy young professionals, an easy and quick choice; and finally, the Pavilion 67, a gourmet buffet filled with a gastronomic experience with abundance, freshness and flavour. For more information and hours visit them here.
In the mood for some soul? The Legends of Soul and Pop with Carlos Morgan takes places tonight at Balcony on Notre Dame. The evening will feature a turbulence of Pop, Soul and Motown for you and your friends to swirl away to! Carlos Morgan, a recipient of a Juno Award and an international presence, will be the host of this fun evening that will feel like you have relocated to a New York cabaret and a dinner theatre in Paris all in the same place!
SATURDAY
All you artsy young professionals, this one is for you: The Racine Crystal Gallery presents the group exhibition Cosmos. Officially opening today, it will feature a conglomerate of very talented local artists. Tonight specifically, if you attend you will have the chance to discover the Red Garden piece, which includes yoga, storytelling and dance music with the participation of multidisciplinary artists Elysabeth B., Kelli Hanrahan and Jennifer Spiegel.?You will also have the opportunity to attend music and singing with Stéphane Robert and Stephanie.?
Party people! Girl Crush at Time Supper Club takes places every Saturday, specifically dedicating this night to the ladies and featuring a complimentary dinner with a reservation ‘exclusively’ for girls.?The menu tonight features appetizing dishes like tuna tataki with vegetable caponata, grilled scampi and shrimps, seafood linguine with lobster bisque sauce and much, much more. Enjoy a social setting with your closest girlfriends to reminisce about your holidays and cheers to 2013 resolutions together!
SUNDAY
With the freezing weather and a true winter feel all over the city, this is a perfect time to make a stop at the Atrium Le 1000 for their Holiday Magic on Ice, since today is the last opportunity to do so. Spectacular settings, enchanting music and lights are yours to enjoy from December 22 to January 6, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.?Fun activities start from noon to 4 p.m., including Virginie the face painting artist, Patrick the Magician and our mascot Émile! Evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., have the “Hot chocolate & Marshmallows” in supply, including a special marshmallow contest. If you feel like travelling back in time to your childhood, this is the ideal place.