And while there were some gorgeous moments, it wasn’t everything we dreamed it would be.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

We started traveling over Christmas 15 years ago and haven’t looked back since! We love being able to experience Christmas in different spots and we spend much more time together when we are away from home. We have spent most of that time in Canada and France. So we know what we like and we don’t generally mind the cold.

 

OLD MONTREAL: THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC

The historic district, Old Montreal, is by far the most festive area of the city. Imagine centuries-old stone buildings decorated with tasteful light displays, while the scent of mulled wine and fresh-baked pastries fills the air. Place Jacques-Cartier, the main square, becomes particularly enchanting with its Christmas tree and street performers braving the cold to entertain passersby.

If you have been to Quebec City for Christmas, it isn’t nearly as large as the old city there and the decorations are much more sparse. However, it is still the best place in the city to get in the spirit of Christmas.

THE GREAT MONTREAL CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Montreal Christmas Market in Place des Arts was the best of all the Christmas Markets throughout the city. Picture wooden chalets selling everything from local maple treats to handmade ornaments. The food was seriously good and the crowds were definitely there.

It isn’t a huge market by Canadian standards (much smaller than Toronto, Vancouver, and Quebec City), but it is lovely and festive.

ATWATER MARKET CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Atwater Market also gets a festive makeover during December. Local producers bring out special holiday versions of their products – think cranberry-infused maple syrup and Christmas-spiced cheeses. We spent a morning here sampling different treats and enjoying the small Christmas market.

NOTRE DAME LIGHT SHOW

Don’t miss the Notre-Dame Basilica’s light show, “Aura.” The interior of this Gothic Revival masterpiece comes alive with projections that tell Montreal’s story. We almost skipped it, thinking it would be touristy, but it turned out to be one of our trip highlights. The combination of sacred architecture and modern technology is simply stunning.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

Noël dans le Parc, or Christmas in the Park, brings free concerts and holiday entertainment to several locations around Montreal. The largest performances are generally held at the Parterre in the Quartier des Spectacles, while smaller celebrations take place in parks around the Plateau. Check the schedule before you go because the performers and locations vary throughout December.

 

FOOD SCENE: CHRISTMAS EDITION

The food scene here is incredible and deserves special attention. You absolutely must try tourtière, a traditional meat pie that’s pure comfort food. Also, try Canadian Maple Sugar Pie.

The bûche de Noël (Yule log cake) at local patisseries makes a delicious Christmas treat.After trying several (it’s research, right?), my top picks for patisseries are:

• Mamie Clafoutis on Saint-Denis St has the best almond croissants and delicious chocolatines.
• Kouign Amann Bakery makes delicious traditional Kouign Amann pastries that they serve in slices.
• Duc de Lorraine has lovely little bûche de Noël along with great croissants.

MODERN CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Montreal doesn’t just stick to tradition – they’ve got some cool modern twists on Christmas celebrations too. The Luminothérapie festival at Place des Festivals features interactive light installations that let you create your own light shows.

ICE SKATING IN MONTREAL

Ice skating is one of the most festive things to do in Montreal at Christmas. The outdoor rink at Esplanade Tranquille is right in the Quartier des Spectacles, making it easy to combine with the Christmas market and Luminothérapie. Admission is free, and skate rentals are available if you don’t want to bring your own.

SEE THE DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Downtown Montreal is decorated with lights throughout the Christmas season, especially around Sainte-Catherine Street and the Quartier des Spectacles. The lights are pretty, but they aren’t as elaborate as the decorations in Quebec City. I would combine a walk through downtown with the Christmas market or Luminothérapie rather than making a separate trip just to see them.

WHAT IS OPEN IN MONTREAL ON CHRISTMAS DAY?

Montreal becomes much quieter on Christmas Day. Many shops, museums, and attractions are closed or operate on reduced hours, although some restaurants and hotel dining rooms remain open. Make a restaurant reservation well in advance and buy any groceries you need by Christmas Eve.

The metro and buses still run, but they generally follow a holiday schedule. In 2026, the Great Montreal Christmas Market is scheduled to be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Christmas Day. You can also walk through Old Montreal and see the lights, but don’t leave the entire day unplanned because your choices will be limited.

WEATHER TIPS AND UNDERGROUND CITY

A word about the weather – it’s seriously cold! Temperatures regularly drop below -10°C (14°F), but don’t let that scare you away. The city is well-prepared for winter, with the Underground City ( Shopping centers like Desjardins Mall and the Eaton Center plus easy access to the Metro are all in a climate controlled underground.)providing a warm network of shops and restaurants when you need a break from the cold.

But you will need to be above ground from time to time, and it is so cold!

Here’s what you need to pack:
– Thermal underlayers (absolute must!)
– Waterproof snow boots
– A proper winter coat (not just a fall jacket)
– Hat, scarf, and mittens (gloves aren’t warm enough)
– Bring hand warmers if you are going to stay outside for more than 30 minutes.

WHERE TO STAY IN MONTREAL AT CHRISTMAS

We stayed in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, which gave us a more residential experience and put us near some wonderful restaurants and cafés. However, we ended up spending much more time driving from one Christmas activity to another than we expected—and Montreal traffic can be awful.

If I were visiting Montreal specifically for Christmas again, I would stay downtown near the Quartier des Spectacles or in Old Montreal. You will be closer to the Christmas markets, holiday lights, Notre-Dame Basilica, and the metro. The Plateau is still a great choice if restaurants and neighborhood atmosphere are your priority, but downtown or Old Montreal will make a Christmas trip much easier.

MONTREAL AT CHRISTMAS FAQ

Is Montreal worth visiting at Christmas?

Montreal is worth visiting at Christmas if you want good food, Christmas markets, holiday lights, and plenty of indoor activities. However, it isn’t as elaborately decorated or as consistently festive as Quebec City.

Does Montreal have Christmas markets?

Yes. The two main markets are the Great Montreal Christmas Market in the Quartier des Spectacles and the Montreal Christmas Village beside Atwater Market. Both are free to enter, but they operate on different dates and schedules.

What is open in Montreal on Christmas Day?

Many stores, museums, and attractions are closed or have reduced hours on Christmas Day. Some restaurants and hotel dining rooms remain open, but reservations are important. In 2026, the Great Montreal Christmas Market is scheduled to open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 25.

Does it snow in Montreal at Christmas?

Snow is common in Montreal during December, but a white Christmas is never guaranteed. Even without fresh snow, temperatures can be extremely cold, so bring thermal layers, waterproof boots, a warm coat, and mittens.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Montreal for Christmas was okay. It wasn’t the most festive spot as compared to other places we have visited, but there were some fun things to do. Most of our time was spent driving from one place to another in awful Montreal traffic. I much prefer to visit in the spring or fall.

If you can visit Quebec City for Christmas I would highly recommend it, and visit Montreal in the fall for the most beautiful fall foliage.