Ogilvy’s Iconic Christmas Windows On Display at McCord Stewart Museum this Holiday Season

The magic of the holidays returns to the McCord Stewart Museum from November 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Thanks to the support of Place Montréal Trust, Presenting Partner, and Power Corporation of Canada, Premiere Partner – Montreal Stories, visitors will be able to reconnect with their inner child as they marvel at Ogilvy’s legendary mechanical Christmas windows, which have been delighting Montrealers for over 75 years.

The two enchanting scenes filled with animated characters will once again be on view in the Museum’s indoor Theatre and its outdoor Alley. The four current exhibitions and rich lineup of fun creative activities for children and adults alike will round out the Museum’s holiday programming. The Holidays at the Museum launch on Saturday, November 29, will be a special pyjama day with free activities for the whole family. 

Preserving Ogilvy’s mechanical Christmas windows requires significant human and financial resources each year. To ensure the longevity of this unique heritage, the McCord Stewart Museum is calling on public support through a two-part fundraising campaign: the second edition of the Adopt a Stuffie campaign and a new initiative called SOS Conservation. By adopting a stuffie or making a donation, everyone can help keep this beloved family tradition alive for generations to come.

“Place Montréal Trust is proud to once again take part in the magic and wonder of the holiday season by showcasing the McCord Stewart Museum’s rich special programming and celebrating this unique Montreal tradition—the mechanical Christmas windows that people delight in rediscovering year after year. To make the festive experience even more special, Place Montréal Trust is offering $10 gift cards with the purchase of Museum tickets and hosting a major contest with over $3,000 in gift cards to be won, a wonderful opportunity to treat yourself or spoil your loved ones! After exploring the Museum, visitors are invited to linger downtown and take in the many holiday activities at Place Montréal Trust, including the dazzling Christmas tree and roaming performances by an electric harpist, elves, nutcrackers and other festive characters,” says Mélyssa Houle, General Manager of Place Montréal Trust, a property managed by JLL Real Estate Services.

Free access to The Mill in the Forest, outside on Sherbrooke Street. Access to the Enchanted Village in the Museum Theatre included with admission ($2 discount online – always free for visitors under 18) or by voluntary contribution.

Ogilvy’s mechanical Christmas windows

Saturday, November 29, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026
Ogilvy’s mechanical Christmas windows have been a magical part of Montreal’s holiday season since 1947! Custom-made by German toy manufacturer Steiff, these displays transport visitors into a whimsical world filled with handcrafted animals. Comparable to those of other great department stores like Macy’s in New York or Galeries Lafayette in Paris, they are among the last of their kind in North America. The displays were donated to the McCord Stewart Museum in March 2018 by Holt Renfrew to ensure their preservation and continued legacy as an iconic Montreal tradition.

Holidays at the Museum contest

The McCord Stewart Museum and Place Montréal Trust are offering visitors a golden opportunity to share memorable gifts with their loved ones. From November 29 to December 19, 2025, a $500 gift card and an annual Exclusive Access membership (valued at $135) to the Museum will be awarded each week, along with a $1,000 grand prize drawn on December 23. In total, over $3,500 in prizes are up for grabs. Full details on the Museum’s website.

Fun and creative family activities

A festive day to launch the Holidays at the Museum

Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Free – Reservation recommended

To celebrate the return of Ogilvy’s traditional mechanical Christmas windows, the Museum—in collaboration with Place Montréal Trust—invites families to a joyful pyjama day filled with activities! Storytime (in French and English – 2 p.m. reading in French will be interpreted in sign language) will take place in the Museum’s education spaces. In the atrium, the Àdìrẹ workshop will spark imagination and creativity. A face-painting station will complete the lineup of activities.

Café Notman will join the festivities with free hot chocolate for visitors under the age of 15.

Admission:

Online ticketing (+$2 at the door): Adults: $20 | Seniors: $19 | Students (18 to 30): $15 | Indigenous persons: free | 17 and under: free*

Mechanical Christmas windows: Free access to The Mill in the Forest, located outside in Museum Alley on Victoria Street. Access to The Enchanted Village in the Museum Theatre included with admission to the exhibitions or by voluntary contribution.

Wednesday evenings: free (3rd-floor exhibition: Aunties’ Work: The Power of Care  and permanent exhibition) or $10 online (+$2 at the door) (2nd-floor exhibitions: Africa Fashion and On the Menu – Montreal: A Restaurant Story).

First Sunday of the month: Pay what you can.

The McCord Stewart Museum would like to thank BMO Financial Group for the free Wednesday evenings, the Fondation J.A. DeSève for free admission for children aged 12 and under, the Rossy Foundation for free admission for young people aged 13 to 17, and the Azrieli Foundation for their generous contribution to the accessibility program on the first Sunday of every month.

*Free admission for ages 17 and under on presentation of ID. Offer valid for general public visits only. Groups of more than 15 people and organized groups must refer to the group rates.

*Free for children 12 and under. Maximum of three children per adult. Offer valid for general public visits only. Organized groups must refer to the group rates.

Opening Hours

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Special opening hours:

Full details on the Museum’s website.

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