As the weekend approaches in Montreal, a vibrant mix of cultural satire, family entertainment, and classic winter activities awaits residents and visitors. From a long-running comic revue that holds a mirror to Quebec's year to the magical spectacle of Disney on Ice and the simple joy of free outdoor skating, the city offers diverse ways to engage and unwind.
2025 Revue et Corrigée: A Satirical Crash Course on Quebec
Running all weekend at Théâtre du Rideau Vert, 2025 revue et corrigée continues a beloved local tradition. For two decades, this December show has provided a fast-paced, humorous take on the past year's events in Quebec, offering a unique window into the province's collective consciousness.
The high-energy performance features a talented ensemble cast, including Pierre Brassard, Benoit Paquette, Monika Pilon, Marie-Ève Sansfaçon, Catherine Souffront Darbouze, and Marc St-Martin. They skewer a range of figures and events that defined 2025. Political satire targets Quebec Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime and his attempts to enter the National Assembly, as well as Premier François Legault and his CAQ colleagues, depicted in uniforms from the iconic film Les Boys.
Other subjects for parody include Ontario Premier Doug Ford taunting Quebecers, Air Canada's president struggling with French, and Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante being characteristically exuberant. The ubiquitous Mike Chez Rona advertising campaign also gets a musical twist, becoming Mark Chez Rona in a nod to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
In a recent interview at the theatre, actresses Monika Pilon and Catherine Souffront Darbouze discussed the show's content. They acknowledged the unavoidable presence of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who features prominently, with all six performers appearing as Trump in the finale. "It's the writers' job to capture the year and the feeling of this year was that we were all feeling like we were overdosing on Trump," Souffront Darbouze explained.
The revue also tackles more serious themes. A powerful number, set to a tango from Chicago, comments on the sexual misconduct trials of Gilbert Rozon, Gérard Depardieu, and the 2018 Canadian junior hockey team players. "Every time we do that sketch, I get chills," Pilon said. "It's kind of nice to say something important... We're saying: 'This happened and it's really not right'."
Tickets for this insightful and entertaining crash course on Quebec's year are available through the theatre's website.
Family Fun: Disney on Ice and Circus Acts
For those seeking classic family entertainment, Disney on Ice presents Road Trip Adventures takes over Place Bell all weekend. The show promises to bring beloved characters like Mary Poppins, Simba, Aladdin, Woody, Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy to the ice in a journey filled with music and skating.
Meanwhile, at La Tohu on Saturday and Sunday, the family-friendly circus production Action! offers a different kind of spectacle. Set on a 1960s television soundstage, the show blends music, mime, dance, and acrobatics for an engaging experience suitable for all ages.
Embrace Winter: Free Outdoor Skating in the Quartier des Spectacles
No Montreal winter weekend is complete without skating. The Esplanade Tranquille refrigerated outdoor rink, located in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, offers free admission daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The rink provides added amenities to make the experience accessible to everyone. Free skating lessons are available: for teens and adults on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and for children aged 2 to 10 on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Skates can be rented on-site and sharpening services are also offered.
To elevate the experience, the rink hosts Patins Platines dance parties on Friday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. This Friday's event will feature music by DJ Soraï, creating a lively atmosphere for skaters of all skill levels.
From thought-provoking satire to magical ice shows and the timeless pleasure of gliding on an outdoor rink, Montreal's weekend lineup from December 19, 2025, onward provides rich options for entertainment, reflection, and embracing the season.
