We’ve compiled our top 14 holiday activities in Montreal… for locals and visitors alike! 2024 Guide
The summer months might be behind us, but with the cool weather comes holiday cheer! Montreal is full of festivities year round, and Christmas season is no exception. From markets to hot chocolates, and Christmas parks to fireworks, we’ve picked 14 Christmas activities in Montreal that you won’t want to miss this year.
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15. Marché des Éclusiers
Experience the enchantment of Christmas at Marché des Éclusiers, the perfect place to embrace the holiday season! Warm up with festive drinks and decadent hot chocolates at our Christmas café bar, or indulge in seasonal dishes and magical cocktails at our restaurants. Find the perfect Christmas tree to brighten your home and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. Make this your must-visit spot for a memorable holiday experience!
Check out their market on Fridays and Saturdays that is transformed into a true festive village, featuring enchanting decorations, stalls from local artisans, and captivating activities.
marchedeseclusiers.com
400 R. de la Commune O
Until December 26th
14. La Taverne de Noël
Until January 13, 2025, Le Petit Dep on Boul. Saint-Laurent, is transformed into a Christmas Tavern.
Step through the doors on a crisp winter day, and let the spirit of Christmas sweep you away. With candlelight, sparkling tinsel, festive fir trees, and the warm glow of candles, the tavern feels like a scene from a holiday tale.
More than just a tavern, it’s a journey into Christmases past, where every drink shines with festive cheer. The ChocoMauve, a rich hot chocolate with marshmallows, warms the soul, while the Grinch, with its vibrant green hue, surprises the bold. La Taverne also offers a perfect space for private events, making every celebration unforgettable.
Experience the magic of Christmas like never before!
5125 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC H2T 1R9
Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 11pm // Friday and Saturday, 8am to midnight
https://www.lepetitdep.com/tavernenoel-lpd
13. The Mile End Food Tour
The Mile End Montreal Food Tour is a great way to learn about the district’s rich cultural history. The three hour tour includes 6 unique tasting stops where participants can sample and savour the best food of the area. During the walk, the tour guide explains the fascinating history surrounding the many ethnicities that call the Mile End home and how some of the staple boutiques, shops and restaurants came to be. Discover the ins of the neighbourhood with your local tour guide, and experience the Mile End’s unique culinary heritage like never before.
12. See The Nutcracker at Place Des Arts
Nothing can get you into the Christmas spirit more than The Nutcracker’s famous tunes by Tchaikovsky. See the spectacular ballet at Place des Arts while a live orchestra serenades you with the iconic notes of the dreamy and wintery melodies. The show runs starting December 12th To 30th, 2024 At 2 P.M. and 7:30 P.M At Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts. Act quickly, though, because the good tickets go fast! For more information or to buy tickets.
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
https://grandsballets.com/en/performances/detail/nutcracker
11. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the Holidays at one its 2 Christmas Markets
One of the absolute best things about the holidays are the Christmas markets. This German tradition has thankfully been grabbing hold of Montreal in the recent years. What better to bring on the Christmas cheer than some mulled wine, hot coco and a grilled sausage while meandering through rows of dimly lit wooden huts under the gentle snow?
As it turns out this year, Montreal has two Christmas markets for you to choose from. Each has its own unique twist.
https://noelmontreal.ca/villagedenoel
We’ve listed them out for you and a new must do activity:
Montreal Christmas Village
Sometimes overlooked by visitors but adored by locals, the Atwater Market has a lot to offer. During the holiday season, this farmer’s market located next to the Lachine canal boasts a traditional Christmas Village. It’s a whimsical place to go enjoy festive food and cultural activities. Presented by Montreal’s innovative merchants and artisans, you’ll find a panoply of ecologically-responsible items on display; from cosmetics, clothing, Scandinavian decor, and sumptuous culinary creations. The programming guarantees Holiday cheer for the whole family. Oh yeah, try the tartiflette! You’re welcome.
From November 28th to December 22th 2024
The Great Christmas Market
Montreal’s Great Christmas Market is back! With a new organization, new makeover and a 30ft tall Christmas tree it’s sure to impress. The city’s legendary Saint-Catherine street will be reserved for pedestrians to enjoy over 40 chalets offering all kinds of specialty crafts, sweets, jewelry and heart-warming delicacies; Mead, maple syrup drinks, fondue, raclette, and cuisines ranging from Alsatian to African, there’s something for everyone. You’ll be able to enjoy a varied program of musical and theatrical performances in the cultural hub of the city: The Quartier des Spectacles
From November 22nd 2024 to December 30th 2024
The Orangerie becomes a stunning Christmas bar
With cozy heating and festive décor, this elegant lounge offers the perfect setting to unwind and savor festive cocktails in a warm, vibrant atmosphere. Exclusive surprises and gifts await to make your visit even more special. Relax and immerse yourself in the magic of the Great Christmas Market.
10. Strap on your skates and hit the ice
With all that eating and getting cozy you find yourself doing this time of year, winter sports are a great way to get active and have some fun while you’re at it. Skating rinks in Montreal are surprisingly easy to find:
- Atrium Le 1000
Located indoors and accessible via Montreal’s underground city. This means that provided you’re staying downtown, you can get there without ever stepping foot outside. It’s warm enough to skate without a jacket!
open year round - Esplanade Tranquille ice skating rink
This refrigerated skating rink is a free outdoor public space in the heart of downtown Montréal, perfect for skating enthusiasts eager to hit the ice. Located in the vibrant Quartier des spectacles, the 1500 m² rink can host up to 400 skaters, with the ice being refreshed every 90 minutes. Skate, helmet, and padlock rentals are available at the Repaire counter.
November 21, 2024 to April 6, 2025 - Lafontaine Park
If you’re staying in the Plateau area and want more space to learn new tricks or to simply glide around in the fresh air, the pond at Parc La Fontaine is the place to go. It provides skate, locker and helmet rentals, so all you have to bring are some warm clothes and a good attitude!
closed until January 2025 - Parc du Mont-Royal refrigerated rink
Another great 2500 m2 (27,000 ft2) ice rink beloved by locals is hidden atop the Mount-Royal. It’s situated right next to Beaver lake and not so far from the lookout where you can get a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Skate rentals & washroom on site as well as a café selling warm drinks to-go. - Old Port Skating Rink
When it comes to setting and atmosphere, the Old Port Skating Rink takes the cake. You’ll be skating with a view on Montreal’s historical architecture and the monumental Saint-Lawrence river in all its frozen glory. At night is when this skating rink really comes alive, with beautiful lighting installations and a fun programming of all kind of events such as DJs, Skate Dating and Karaoke on Ice.
It does attract crowds though, so booking tickets in advance may be a good idea!
from December 14, 2024
https://www.oldportskatingrink.com/ - Parc Jean Drapeau
At Parc Jean-Drapeau, an ice trail offers the perfect setting for skating just minutes from downtown Montréal. With views of the river, this enchanting ice path is refrigerated and regularly maintained, ensuring an unforgettable experience, especially after a fresh snowfall.
From December 21st, 2024
https://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/fr/sentier-des-patineurs-patinoire-patin-glace-activite-hiver-montreal/
9. Experience the Candlelight: A Christmas with Charlie Brown
The Candlelight, is a magical musical experience in beautiful candlelit venues! This special Christmas edition is happening December 21st at Le 9e! The Rousso Jazz Trio will be presenting 9 classics from A Christmas with Charlie Brown and it’s one you don’t wanna miss!
1500, boulevard Robert-Bourassa
https://feverup.com
8. Take a Montreal Craft Beer Tour!
The Montreal Craft Beer Tour is the perfect holiday afternoon activity! Whether it’s as a gift to a loved one, a way to show an out-of-towner Montreal’s best brewpubs, or even a way to spend some quality time with the beer lovers you love so dearly, it’s Latin Quarter brewpub itinerary will let you savour beer, observe the cheer, and learn more about Montreal. Gift certificates are now available, so you can surprise the beer-lover in your family with a special treat. For more information and to buy tickets, click here!
7. Capture the moment @ Maison Pepin
Tucked away in a magical little side alley in Old Montreal, Pepin Shop offers Christmas photo shoots in a beautiful and truly unique setting. It’s a charming way to capture a precious memory. They also offer wreath workshops throughout the month of November! Be sure to check out everything they have to offer! Plus, the shop itself also has an alluring and diversified collection of items that are sure to make singular Christmas gifts for your loved ones… or yourself.
378 St-Paul St West, Montreal, Quebec, H2Y 2A6
thepepinshop.com
6. Enjoy a cozy meal and winter views in a Dome!
It’s no secret that when it comes to winter in Canada, winter days can get really cold. But, what if you can actually enjoy a nice terrace in the middle of winter? Here a two terraces when you can enjoy just that during the winter days in Montreal:
Bivouac
Les Refuges du Bivouac offers a unique dining experience under heated, decorated domes in Montréal’s entertainment district. Enjoy boreal-inspired cuisine with a $65 lunch menu for groups of 2-10, or a $150 6-course tasting menu for dinner. The intimate lovers’ dome is available for two seating times, 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
1255 Jeanne-Mance Street, Montreal QC
https://restaurantbivouac.com/en
Terrasse D’hiver William Gray
Enjoy a culinary experience in a heated dome on the rooftop of the William Gray Hotel, with a panoramic view of enchanting Old Montréal. Every Saturday and Sunday, indulge in a 3-course brunch on a chic winter terrace, or savor a gourmet 5-course dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Relax in style with family or friends in a cozy dome, seating 4 to 8 people, and take in the illuminated beauty of Old Montréal from above.
421 rue Saint-Vincent, 8e étage, Montréal
https://terrassewilliamgray.com/
5. Get in touch with the true meaning of Christmas
While for many of us Christmas has become simply a time for celebrating our loved ones, it also has deeper religious roots, of course. If you want to celebrate Christmas in a more traditional way Montreal is the perfect place to do it. The city is home to some of North America’s most beautiful churches, many of which you can visit for Christmas Mass. The Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, known for its intricate stained glass windows, ornate interior, and towering spires. Located in Old Montreal, it is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit for its breathtaking beauty and rich history.
Notre-Dame Basilica
https://www.basiliquenotredame.ca/en/events/christmas-mass
4. Hit the Town on New Years Eve
Ah, New Years Eve. The drunkest night of the year! Montreal’s party scene never sleeps, so you can be sure a NYE in town will be one to remember. If you want to go all out, check out Club Zone’s long list of events. If you’re not into clubbing, head to Place Jacques Cartier for some wholesome outdoor fun.
3. Enjoy a Romantic Fondue Date Night
At Auberge Saint-Antoine, indulge in a special menu offering (for a minimum of 2 people): Marc Bolay’s Swiss fondue. You can savor this delicious dish in the cozy dining room or take it outside to enjoy under the stars in a heated dome on the winter terrace (Normally only starting in January) , similarly the experiences at Bivouac and William Gray mentioned above!
426 Rue St Gabriel
https://aubergesaint-gabriel.com/
2. Visit the Exhibit: Tintin, The Immersive Adventure
The Arsenal Contemporary Art Montreal in Griffintown presents Tintin: The Immersive Adventure, a captivating exhibition celebrating Hergé and the iconic Belgian reporter. From the first 1929 edition of Tintin in the Land of the Soviets to the latest publications, visitors can explore legendary artifacts and unique treasures. The experience immerses guests in six themed sections, including “Tintin, Great Reporter” and “The Big Villains.” Running until January 12, 2025, this exhibition is a must-see for fans of all ages!
2020 William St
https://www.arsenalcontemporary.com/mtl/exhib/detail/tintin-laventure-immersive
1. Treat your mom to the Jo Malone London Holiday Afternoon Tea at Holts Cafe
Experience a traditional afternoon tea with a British touch, inspired by Jo Malone London’s limited edition Fir & Artemisia fragrance. The sweet and savory menu reflects the fresh, aromatic notes of this exclusive scent, making it perfect for a celebratory teatime. Available until December 31st, Monday to Friday from 2 PM until close at Café Holt Ogilvy.
Reservations are required, and tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance through Eventbrite.
Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, 1307 Saint-Catherine St W
https://www.holtrenfrew.com/
