Sign up for our newsletterThere’s always something going on in the West Island and Vaudreuil-Soulanges area . . something fun to do. Local exhibits, events, workshops and festivals are listed here with activities that will interest everyone. Email us at: editor@westislandhomeandlife.com if you’re planning a public event that will interest our readers.
BEACONSFIELD
> The Holiday Spirit Arrives in Beaconsfield
* Some surprise seasonal entertainment is planned for the whole family at Beaconsfield’s recreation centre.
When: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 1:30 p.m. to Sunday, Dec. 4 at 4:15 p.m.
Where: Recreation Centre, 1974 City Lane, Beaconsfield.
Good to know: Free. Family activity.
> Tree Lighting
* Celebrate the spirit of the season at the annual outdoor Christmas tree-lighting event at Christ Church Beaurepaire. The church will accept donations of hats, scarves, gloves and socks for youth in need.
When: Sunday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m.
Where: Christ Church Beaurepaire, 455 Church St., Beaconsfield.
> Christmas Stories and Cookies
* Children aged 3 to 9 are invited to listen to holiday stories and decorate their own gingerbread cookies while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa.
When: Saturday, Dec. 17 (see below for times).
Where: Beaconsfield Library, 303 Beaconsfield Blvd.
Good to know: Time slots: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration required via Eventbrite.
> Holiday Recess Event
* Celebrate a holiday event that features fun activities for the whole family, including a hoverboard course, a Mario Kart battle, a Christmas tree toss, and more.
When: Sunday, Dec. 18
Where: Recreation Centre, 1974 City Lane, Beaconsfield.
Good to know: Special activities from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to this, use the arena from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the pool from 2 p.m. to 5:20 p.m.
DOLLARD-DES-ORMEAUX
> Magical Holiday Parade
* To celebrate the holiday season, Dollard-des-Ormeaux residents are invited to view a magical parade. Beginning at 10 a.m., magical floats will move through the city, accompanied by colourful characters, including Santa Claus. Elves will be on hand to pick up children’s letters to Santa Claus. Children can write a letter addressed to: Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0, Canada. No stamp required, but do include a return address to receive a response.
When: Sunday, Dec. 4
Where: See the parade route map here.
Good to know: The city will collect non-perishable food items for the West Island Assistance Fund, inviting you to donate generously to help people in need in the community.
DORVAL
> Dorval Holiday Market
* The second annual holiday market will be held again in Dorval Village. Inspired by European holiday markets, the site will showcase local artisans and products in an enchanting atmosphere, enhanced by beautiful lighting, background music, and small wooden cabins serving as merchants’ booths. This is an opportunity to shop local and support your community during this three-week-long event.
When: Begins Friday, Dec. 2 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the Christmas tree lighting, a visit from Santa Claus, and entertainment.
Where: Corner of Tulip and Dawson Avenues, Dorval.
Good to know: Lots more information here.
> Tree-Lighting Ceremony
* Celebrating the opening of this year’s Dorval Holiday Market, the city will hold its traditional tree-lighting ceremony. This event will coincide with the arrival of Santa Claus. The tree-lighting event is part of a larger series of activities that include the opening of the Holiday Market and entertainment.
When: Friday, Dec. 2 — 6:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Corner of Tulip and Dawson Avenues.
> Christmas on Ice
* The City of Dorval will celebrate Christmas in the newly renovated Edgar Rouleau Arena. Skaters are invited to a free themed recreational skating session. Surprises and fun await you in a festive atmosphere for the holiday season.
When: Sunday, Dec. 18 — 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Where: Edgar Rouleau Arena, 1450 Dawson Ave., Dorval
HUDSON
> Centre for 55+ Grand Opening
* Hudson residents are invited to attend the official opening of a new drop-in centre for people aged 55 and older. Meet the volunteers behind the project and learn what the centre has to offer.
When: Thursday, Dec. 8 — 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: Stephen F. Shaar Community Centre, 394 Main Rd., Hudson.
Good to know: Refreshments will be served.
> Coffee With The Mayor
* Mayor Chloe Hutchison invites residents to visit and discuss subjects of concern in an informal setting.
When: Saturday, Dec. 10 —10 a.m. to noon.
Where: Halcro Cottage, 549 Main Rd., Hudson.
> Winter Birds — A Virtual Seminar
* Learn about the bird species that overwinter in the Hudson area and how they adapt to survive the cold. This presentation will be given in English with a bilingual question period and is offered on Zoom. There is no fee for the seminar, but donations of any amount are encouraged to support Le Nichoir’s bird care and education programs.
When: Sunday, Dec. 11 — 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Virtually on Zoom.
Good to know: Lots more information here.
> Lighting of the Menorah
* This free event is organized by Chabad St. Lazare, Hudson & Vaudreuil, and will take place following a reception at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.
When: Sunday, Dec. 18 — 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Stephen F. Shaar Community Centre, 394 Main Rd., Hudson.
KIRKLAND
> Breakfast With Santa
* Join Santa Claus when he stops at the Kirkland Sports Complex’s gymnasium to fill his belly with breakfast. Activities on the program include music, entertainment, face painting, arts and crafts, and much more. Take your camera to take pictures with Santa himself.
When: Sunday, Dec. 4 at 9 a.m.
Where: Kirkland Sports Complex, 16950 Hymus Blvd., Kirkland.
Good to know: Admission for adults: $15; Admission for children: one unwrapped gift in a gift bag to be given to a child at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. Required online registration here.
> Kirkland Food Drive
* The Kirkland Library will be a collection centre for non-perishable food donations that may be deposited in the donation box there during regular opening hours until January 1. Also, on Dec. 4 (as of noon), volunteers will be at your door to collect non-perishable food items. Place them in a marked bag and leave it on your front porch. If you can help out with this activity, go to the Holleuffer park chalet (75 Charlevoix). The departure time is at noon.
When: Sunday, Dec. 4
PINCOURT
> Three Holiday Craft Workshops
Make a decorative wool stocking with felted wool — for ages 12 and up (Tuesday, Dec. 6 — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.).
Craft a Christmas ornament from old books (Saturday, Dec. 10 — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. — all ages). Decorate gingerbread cookies (Saturday, Dec. 17 — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. — all ages).
Where: Pincourt Library, 225 Pincourt Blvd.
Good to know: Registration required online or by phone (514-453-8981 ext. 229).
> Santa’s Little Helpers
* Children of Pincourt are invited to a free indoor activity in which they’ll be invited to participate in workshops in the hope of becoming the Best of Santa’s Little Helpers. This activity features games and prizes for the children; a Christmas concert with Les Boîtes Vocales of Notre-Dame de Lorette School (6 :30 p.m); Joïeux et Nowel family circus show with two funny elves (7 p.m.). Wear your elf cap and to take your letter for Santa.
When: Friday Dec. 2 — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Omni-Centre, 375 Cardinal Léger Blvd., Pincourt.
Good to know: Reserved for Pincourt residents.
SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE
> Holiday Food Drive
* Volunteers from municipal services and the community will hold a food drive to help those in need. To support them by contributing, here’s what to do: When you hear sirens and air flutes, step outside your door to hand over your donations of non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, cash, or cheque made to the order of “Comptoir alimentaire.”
When: Sunday, Dec. 4 at noon.
Good to know: Please note—they do not knock at your door. If you will not be home, leave your boxes and bags on your front porch, labelled “Guignolée.” For information, click here.
> Holiday Crafts
* Children aged 8 to 12 are invited to make a candy box in the shape of Christmas gnomes.
When: Sunday, Dec. 11 — 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Where: Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Library, 40 Saint-Pierre St.
Good to know: Free for library members / $5 for non-members on waiting list. Registration required at the library. Limited seating. Priority to library members
SAINT-LAZARE
> The Saint-Lazare Christmas Market
* Created in the image of a European Christmas market, it will feature more than 40 artisans, illuminated outdoor kiosks, holiday music and many more activities to install the magic of Christmas and the holiday spirit in the community.
When: Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Saint-Lazare Community Centre, 1301 rue du Bois.
Good to know: Photo with Santa Claus on Saturday (11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.). Children’s show (in French) on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
VAUDREUIL-DORION
> Zero-waste Christmas
* Christmas Done Differently is a virtual workshop that shows you how to adopt consumption habits to eliminate food waste during the holiday period. Learn how to cook hearty meals inspired by the zero-waste lifestyle. You will also discover that it’s possible to make zero-waste gestures without compromising the pleasure of receiving and giving. Presented in virtual mode by Florence-Léa Siry from Chic Frigo Sans Fric.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.
Where: Online.
Good to know: Free but registration required here.
> Christmas ornament creation workshop
* Craft your own Christmas ornaments with artist Monica Brinkman. This event, for all ages, which will allow you create a gift for others or yourself, will take place in a festive atmosphere, featuring music and hot drinks.
When: Sunday, Dec. 11 — 10:30 a.m. to noon AND 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Maison Félix-Leclerc, 186 Chemin de l’Anse, Vaudreuil-Dorion.
Good to know: Free but registration required online here.
