Festive Montreal: Food, markets and holiday shows to fill the calendar

Festive events, foodie gatherings and holiday craft fairs are going to dominate Montreal's calendar into the New Year but with so many options, deciding which direction to go in can be overwhelming.

Here are a fewoptions happening around Montreal that always draw big crowds.

For foodies

Weihnachtsmarkt(Traditional German Christmas market): This food-focused market will help shoppers stock up for winter with frozen mealslike soups and stews, along with traditional foods like tortes andStollen. Handmade crafts will also be on sale.Glhwein(mulled wine) and ahot lunch of German sausages,sauerkraut and pea soup is being served. At St-John's Lutheran Church in theMcGillGhetto neighbourhood onDec. 1 and 2.

Montreal's Christmas Village: The Atwater Market is hosting its third edition ofMontreal's Christmas Village. Since the market is all about food, this is a hot spot for marshmallow roasting, a Raclettetheme night, and chalets with 70 local artisans and chefs. There are also Christmas trees for sale. Over four weekends starting Nov.30.

Outdoor holiday spots

Nol dans le parc: This Christmas fair sets up inPlacemilie-Gamelinand includes a market, more than 100 free shows and events, and of course, toasty bonfires. Dec. 1 to 25.

Marche de Nol aux flambeaux (Torchlight Christmas Walk): More than 10,000 people take part in this annual walk down Mont-Royal Avenue to La FontainePark. Costumed characters join people carrying small candles and choirs fill the streets with music. Bring a candle, or buy one at the starting point,Compagnons Park (corner of Mont-Royal and Cartier avenues), for $2. Funds raised go to the food bank Moisson Montreal. Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.

Ogilvy's holiday window in its new location: Don't head to the landmark store to check out the annual mechanical Christmas window (where it had been since 1947) its new home is up on Sherbrooke Street at the McCordMuseum.The scenes feature dozens of handcrafted animals working and playing. One window is installed outside the museum and another is inside. Until Jan. 6.

Indoor markets

Salon desmetiers d'art du Quebec:This annual market started in 1955 and is still going strong. More than 400 artisans come from around the province to take part in it. AtPlace Bonaventure, from Dec. 6 to 16.

The Nutcracker Market:This market also features thousands of items from local artisans, includingfoodand handmade soaps. AtPalais des congrs de Montral, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 9.

Puces POP: This indie craft and food fair has been growing steadily over the past decade. Items such as crocheted earrings and cheese-making kits are typical finds here.glise Saint-Denis (5067 RivardStreet) from Dec. 7 to 9 and 14 to 16.

Souk@ SAT: This increasingly popular local artisan fair features high end items, like jewlery and handmade hats. It'sspread over two floors in the trendySociety for Arts and Technology on St-Laurent Boulevard. There's a caf and restaurant on site for when shoppers run out of steam. Nov. 28 to Dec. 2. Event page.

Hanukkah Market: The Jewish Museum on St-Laurent Boulevard at Duluth Avenue is bringing its marketback by popular demand. Local artisans take over the small museum space and the adjoining caf,Fletchers, promisesspecial Hanukkah treats during the event.Dec. 2 and 9.Event page.

Events

The Nutcracker:This is the 55thedition of theannualballetat Place des Arts. Up to 70 musicians in the orchestraplay Tchaikovsky's music.Tickets are $74 to $149, children under 17 get 40 per centoff.Dec. 13 to 30.