Enjoy the Magic of the Holidays from Dec. 9 – 11 at the Centre de la Nature
If you’re hoping to get into the holiday spirit with Christmas less than three weeks away, there’s still time next weekend to get on over to Laval’s Centre de la Nature in Duvernay for the 11th annual Marché de Noël.
The first of two weekends for the Marché took place from last Friday Dec. 2 to Sunday Dec. 4. There’ll be a repeat beginning this Friday Dec. 9 until next Sunday Dec. 11.
A magical event
Some fifty exhibitors will be offering visitors their creations, including handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing, beauty products, decorations and delicacies. The exhibitors will be located in wooden huts, lending the event a European market style.
The magical atmosphere of the holiday season will be reigning supreme over a large area of the sprawling Centre de la Nature site, which will be dressed up with festive décor for the occasion. Christmas carolers and a few of Santa’s helpers will also be making their way around entertaining the moms, dads and children who take part.
A Christmas tradition
“Laval is known for its tourist attractions, and its Christmas market is well worth the detour,” Mayor Stéphane Boyer said during a visit last weekend, when he was accompanied by more than a half-dozen city councillors. “It has now become an essential part of Laval residents’ holiday shopping habits,” he continued. “It’s the perfect opportunity to come and enjoy the warm and magical atmosphere of the Centre de la nature.”
Activities for the whole family will be offered next weekend, including a visit from Santa Claus and the Star Fairy, a mini-Christmas tree-planting activity, and some lively storytelling. Holiday music, street food trucks and a very friendly atmosphere are all in store for visitors.
An old-fashioned Christmas
As well, a new tradition is beginning at the Marché de Noël this year: old-fashioned Sundays. On Dec. 11 starting at 2 p.m., the public is invited to come and enjoy a unique shopping experience in an atmosphere reminiscent of how Christmas was celebrated in the old days.
The afternoon will include musical performances, with Santa and his elves on site and candy handed out to children. Additional information is available online at marchedenoel.laval.ca. The schedule for next weekend: Friday December 9, noon – 8 p.m.; Saturday December 10, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday December 11, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
