10 Things to do in Montreal at Christmas

If you want to experience Christmas in a place that respects the stereotypes of Christmas Eve, including omnipresent lighting, copious snowfalls and the magic of Father Christmas, then you can't miss Montreal in December, when the city is decked out in Christmas decorations, lights and carols take over the streets.

Some of the best things to see and do in Montreal at Christmas time include visiting the themed flea markets, strolling the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, ice skating on the rink at Place des Armes, enjoying a light show at Notre-Dame Basilica, visiting Father Christmas' House at the Desjardins Complex and having your picture taken with the giant Christmas tree at Place des Festivals.

Visiting the Montreal Christmas Market is an experience that will fully immerse you in the festive spirit of the season. Located in the Place des Arts, this market is a Christmas lover's paradise. With a variety of stalls decorated with lights and decorations, you can find unique gifts, crafts and culinary delights.

As you walk through the aisles of the market, you'll be greeted by the enticing aromas of freshly baked biscuits, hot chocolate and spices. You can savour a wide selection of traditional foods such as poutine, pancakes and sausages, and indulge in seasonal desserts, which is why it is often included in the best Montreal tours during December and early January.

In addition to shopping and eating, the market offers a wide variety of entertainment for all ages. You can enjoy live performances, Christmas choirs and music shows, creating a festive and lively atmosphere. There are also activities for the little ones such as craft workshops and encounters with Father Christmas.

The Montreal Christmas Market is the perfect place to discover the Christmas spirit and enjoy the company of friends and family. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with the wide selection of products and activities, creates an unforgettable experience that will transport you to the magic of Christmas.

Taking a stroll through the streets of Old Montreal during the Christmas season will allow you to step into an enchanted world filled with festive lights and decorations. This quaint historic neighbourhood transforms into a magical setting at Christmastime, with its cobblestone streets lit up and buildings adorned with garlands, twinkling lights and sparkling ornaments.

As you walk the streets of Old Montreal, you'll find yourself surrounded by a festive and welcoming atmosphere. Shops and restaurants boast window displays decorated to match, while cafés and bistros offer seasonal culinary alternatives. Plus, you can reach the neighbourhood on city walking tours or Montreal's hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus.

Discovering the Christmas decorations in Old Montreal is a visually captivating experience. The illuminated lanterns, decorated Christmas trees and festive arches create a magical atmosphere that will transport you into the spirit of the season. In addition, you can enjoy live music, Christmas choirs and other activities that take place in the area during this special season.

As you stroll the streets, you will also have the opportunity to visit unique boutiques and gift shops, where you can find special gifts for your loved ones. Whether you're looking for antiques, artwork or handcrafted goods, Old Montreal has something for everyone, including the Pointe-à-Callière museum and La Grande Roue Ferris wheel.

Skating on ice at the rink at the Place d'Armes is a magical experience that will allow you to enjoy the spirit of the city if you want to see Montreal in winter. Located in the heart of Old Montreal, this outdoor rink offers a unique opportunity to glide across the ice in a picturesque and charming setting.

The Place d'Armes rink is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike during the winter season. With its central location and festive atmosphere, it is the perfect setting to enjoy a classic winter activity. Whether you're an experienced skater or just taking your first steps on ice, the rink offers fun for all levels, even for the youngest, making it one of the best things to do in Montreal with children.

In addition to the ice rink, the Place d'Armes also offers music shows, Christmas concerts and carol shows.

Note that if you don't have your own skates you can rent them on site, making it even easier to participate in this activity. There are also designated areas to rest and watch the skaters as you enjoy a hot chocolate or a delicious snack from the nearby stalls.

Enjoying a light show at Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica during Christmas is one of the most traditional Christmas Eve experiences in the city. This striking religious building, known for its Gothic architecture and rich history, becomes a magical setting during the festive season.

When night falls, the façade of the Basilica comes alive with a dazzling light show that illuminates its architectural details and highlights its beauty. The changing colours and projections captivate the spectators, creating a mystical and enchanting atmosphere.

The light show at the Notre-Dame Basilica is a perfect blend of tradition and technology. Through visual effects and captivating music, it tells the story of Christmas and creates a multi-sensory experience for those who witness it. If you plan to visit Montreal in December, you can attend these shows every night.

In addition to the light show, the Basilica also offers concerts and special religious services during the Christmas season. You can enjoy Christmas choirs and festive melodies that fill the sacred space creating a soothing atmosphere.

Attending a Christmas concert in Montreal is an experience that will fully immerse you in the festive spirit of the season. The city offers a wide variety of options for all tastes, from classical concerts to modern and energetic performances of contemporary music and dance.

One of the most popular options is to attend the Montreal Symphony Orchestra's Christmas concert. This renowned musical institution presents exceptional performances of seasonal classics such as Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker and Bach's Christmas Oratorio. The elegant atmosphere and quality of the performances will transport you to a world of festive melodies and harmony.

If you prefer a more contemporary approach, you can opt to attend a pop Christmas concert. Local and internationally renowned artists perform at various venues around the city, performing Christmas songs in fresh, modern styles. These concerts are often lively and energetic, creating a fun and festive experience for the audience.

Another option is to enjoy Christmas choirs in Montreal's churches and concert halls. These choirs, made up of talented singers and musicians, perform traditional carols and contemporary arrangements with exquisite harmonies. These performances usually last about 2 hours, making them compatible with a short stay in the city. If that's your case, here are some ideas to discover Montreal in 2 days.

Taking a picture with the giant Christmas tree at Place des Festivals in Montreal is an experience that will capture the essence of the festive season. This majestic Christmas tree, which stands in the heart of the city, becomes an iconic meeting point for locals and visitors alike during the festivities.

The height and splendour of the Christmas tree and its sparkling lights create a dazzling spectacle at night. There you can also discover the surrounding Quartier des Spectacles, which is the district that is home to a wealth of theatres, concert halls and cultural venues in the city, as well as some of the city's best museums.

Place des Festivals is the perfect setting for admiring and photographing the Christmas tree. Surrounded by a festive atmosphere and decorated with sparkling ornaments, the place will immerse you in a magical atmosphere. The combination of the modern architecture of the surrounding buildings and the traditional beauty of the tree creates a striking contrast.

In addition to the opportunity to photograph the tree, you can also enjoy special activities and events that take place at Place des Festivals during the Christmas season. From concerts and film screenings, to food stalls and art exhibitions, this place becomes a true centre of celebration and joy.

Discovering Noel's Village will allow you to enter a world of fantasy during the Christmas season. This temporary village is located in the heart of the city and offers an unforgettable experience for all ages, which is why in December it is included in the best bike tours in Montreal.

At Villa de Noel you will be struck by the twinkling lights, bright colours and decorations. The place is filled with craft stalls, gifts and delicious food options that invite you to explore and enjoy the city's culture as well as Christmas traditions.

In addition, you can also find alternative activities such as riding in horse-drawn carriages, walking through a maze of lights, visiting Santa's house and having the opportunity to personally deliver a wish letter to Father Christmas. You can also enjoy live music and dance performances, puppet shows and other interactive activities.

Montreal's Noel Village is an ideal place to experience the magic of Christmas in an enchanting setting. Whether you're looking for unique gifts and handmade crafts, or want to get into the festive spirit with entertainment and activities, this Christmas village is the perfect place to do it.

Visiting Father Christmas House at the Desjardins Complex in Montreal is an experience that will transport you to a world of fantasy and Christmas cheer. This magical place becomes the temporary abode of Father Christmas during the festive season, and provides an opportunity to meet him in person.

Upon entering Santa's House, you will be greeted by a warm and festive atmosphere, decorated with bright colours, incandescent lights and enchanting decorations. You will be able to walk down decorated corridors and enjoy the magic in the air.

The most exciting moment will come when you finally come face to face with Father Christmas. You can share your Christmas wishes and dreams and he will listen carefully to each child before bestowing a special gift and capturing the moment in a photograph.

In addition to meeting Father Christmas and Santa's House, the Desjardins Complex offers interactive activities and entertainment for the whole family. You can enjoy storytelling, creative workshops, music and dance performances and much more. Every corner of the house is designed to give you an authentic Christmas experience.

If you want to visit the epicentre of Christmas Eve in Montreal, you can't miss Sainte-Catherine Street, which transforms into a vibrant and colourful scene during Christmas, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Walking down Sainte-Catherine Street you'll find yourself surrounded by dazzling lights and decorations adorning the buildings and shops. The festive atmosphere is contagious, as the streets are filled with people enjoying last minute shopping, looking for special gifts and enjoying the cheerful atmosphere. You can find everything from souvenirs to tickets for Montreal hockey games.

Shop windows come alive with creatively and attractively decorated window displays. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll and admire the Christmas displays, which showcase the creativity and festive spirit of the local merchants. You can also find discounts and last-minute bargains, especially if you decide to shop around Christmas Eve.

In addition to the shops, the Rue Sainte-Catherine offers a wide variety of cosy restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a delicious meal or a hot coffee while sheltering from the cold winter weather. You can also find street stalls offering Christmas treats and snacks, such as roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate.

Enjoying Christmas dining in Montreal is a delightful experience that allows you to savour the flavours and culinary traditions of the festive season. The city offers a wide range of dining options to suit all tastes and preferences.

A popular option is to enjoy a holiday dinner at one of the city's many restaurants. Many establishments offer special holiday menus, including classic dishes such as roast turkey, sirloin Wellington, smoked salmon and a variety of festive side dishes. Whether you prefer traditional cuisine or are looking for something more innovative, there are options to suit all palates and budgets.

In addition to restaurants, you can also explore the city's Christmas food markets and festivals. These events bring together local vendors offering a wide variety of culinary delights, from artisan breads and cakes to cheeses, charcuterie and traditional sweets. You can browse the stalls, sample the specialities and enjoy the lively festive atmosphere.

Christmas sweets and desserts are also a must. Montreal is known for its panettone, a traditional Italian sweet bread, as well as cream-filled fritters, yule log and gingerbread biscuits. You can accompany these sweets with coffee or hot chocolate, one of the best things to do at night in Montreal.