Last updated: November 11, 2024
Discover the magic of the holidays in Montreal with our comprehensive guide. From Montreal residents to holiday guests, our guide highlights the season's top events and activities.
One of the standout attractions this holiday season is Le Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal, where visitors can explore a variety of artisan stalls featuring handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. Additionally, Montreal's Christmas Village offers a charming atmosphere complete with twinkling lights and unique local products. And the Railway Christmas is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing festive train rides that immerse visitors in a winter wonderland. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Montreal Holiday Light Displays
Luminothérapie
- What to Expect
- Interactive light and sound installations inspired by cosmic phenomena.
- Description
- Luminothérapie is an interactive art installation featuring five colorful works and an original video projection inspired by the cosmos, changing according to weather fluctuations. It invites visitors to explore the farthest reaches of the universe through immersive and dynamic light displays.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Luminothérapie
Montreal Holiday Markets and Shopping
Le Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of local artisans and seasonal delicacies.
- Description
- Le Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal is a vibrant holiday market in the Quartier des spectacles, featuring 40 chalets with local and regional artisans, musical and theatrical programming, and a variety of seasonal delicacies like mulled wine. The market offers 150 free animations and a delightful atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Le Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal
Montreal's Christmas Village
- What to Expect
- Ethical and eco-responsible local products.
- Description
- Montreal's Christmas Village is a holiday event located at Place du March Atwater, featuring 59 exhibitors offering local and regional products, including ethical and eco-responsible items. The event includes free programming for families, movie-trains, and activities like the Kingdom of the Elves. Visitors can enjoy cultural, culinary activities, and festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Montreal's Christmas Village
Nutcracker Market
- What to Expect
- Charitable holiday shopping experience with local merchants.
- Description
- The Nutcracker Market is a charitable holiday shopping event featuring over 100 local exhibitors, raising funds for the Nutcracker Fund to benefit children.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Nutcracker Market
Holiday Market - Collectif Créatif Montréal
- What to Expect
- Diverse array of local artisans and vendors.
- Description
- The Collectif Créatif Montréal's Autumn Market features a curated selection of 95 unique shops each weekend, offering handmade clothes, jewelry, home decor, and more.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Holiday Market - Collectif Créatif Montréal
Jean-Talon Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Local artisanal products and family-friendly activities.
- Description
- The Jean-Talon Christmas Market offers a variety of local products, including foie gras, cider, and maple products, along with jewelry, decorative objects, and wellness products. Visitors can enjoy gourmet choices like raclette, tartiflette, and churros, as well as mulled wine. The market features family activities such as a family photo area near Santa's sleigh and visits with Santa and his toy brigade.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Jean-Talon Christmas Market
Noël sur l'Avenue
- What to Expect
- Traditional holiday market with local artisans and festive delicacies.
- Description
- The Great Montreal Christmas Market is a cultural and culinary event in the Quartier des spectacles, featuring 40 chalets with local and regional artisans, musical and theatrical programming, and a variety of festive delicacies like mulled wine. Visitors can explore the market on Jeanne Mance Street, enjoying the sweet smell of holiday treats and discovering unique gifts.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Noël sur l'Avenue
Salon des métiers d'art du Québec (SMAQ)
- What to Expect
- Showcase of local artisans and their unique, handcrafted products.
- Description
- The Salon des métiers d'art du Québec (SMAQ) is a premier event showcasing local artisans and their unique, handcrafted products. It features over 215 exhibitors from Quebec, Canada, and internationally, offering a diverse range of artistic creations.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Salon des métiers d'art du Québec (SMAQ)
Santa’s Kingdom
- What to Expect
- Interactive elf kingdom with movie-trains and free animations.
- Description
- Santa’s Kingdom is a festive destination where families can explore the Kingdom of the Elves, featuring movie-trains and various activities designed for all ages. The site showcases local artisans and offers a variety of free animations, making it a great place to discover unique gifts and enjoy cultural activities.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Santa’s Kingdom
Montreal Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Santa Claus Parade
- What to Expect
- Iconic parade with historic floats and celebrity clowns.
- Description
- The Santa Claus Parade is a long-standing tradition that brings people together to celebrate hope, family, and love. Since 1905, it has kicked off the Christmas season in Toronto, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and the iconic appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : The Santa Claus Parade
Noël dans le Parc
- What to Expect
- Traditional holiday experience with natural fir trees and festive food.
- Description
- Noël dans le Parc is an outdoor winter event that brings back the magic of the holiday season with its varied musical program and warm, friendly atmosphere reminiscent of Christmases of yesteryear. Visitors can live a traditional experience by purchasing natural and organic fir trees and enjoying festive food and drink. This event promotes inclusive, multicultural, and community values through its activities.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Noël dans le Parc
The Nutcracker by Les Grands Ballets
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Nutcracker by Les Grands Ballets is a timeless two-act ballet based on Hoffmann's classic tale, set to Tchaikovsky's enchanting score. It follows young Clara as she navigates a fantastical journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, featuring over one hundred dancers, shimmering sets, and exquisite pas de deux.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : The Nutcracker by Les Grands Ballets
Un piano pour Noël
- What to Expect
- Talented pianist revisits classic Christmas melodies with a string orchestra.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season with Stéphane Aubin and his ensemble as they perform beautiful Christmas music from André Gagnon's albums, accompanied by a string orchestra, in a concert filled with sweetness and nostalgia.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Un piano pour Noël
Montreal Other Holiday Activities
Railway Christmas
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday activities with decorated trains and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Exporail, the Canadian Railway Museum, transforms into a holiday wonderland with decorated vehicles, illuminated locomotives, and festive activities. Visitors can meet Santa, participate in Christmas crafts, and enjoy a Christmas cookie decoration activity. The event also features a screening of "The Polar Express."
- Where
- Saint-Constant | More Info : Railway Christmas
Old Port Skating Rink
- What to Expect
- Refrigerated rink with panoramic city views.
- Description
- The Old Port Skating Rink offers a refrigerated rink with impeccable ice quality, skate rentals, sharpening, and free lockers. Enjoy panoramic views of historic Old Montreal and the St. Lawrence River while skating. The rink is surrounded by amenities like a café, bistro, and crêpes stand.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Old Port Skating Rink
Le Défilé du Père-Noël Montreal
- What to Expect
- Traditional holiday parade with festive floats and Père Noël.
- Description
- The Défilé du Père-Noël Montreal is a beloved annual event celebrating the start of the holiday season with a festive parade through the city center. The event features colorful floats, lively music, and the iconic figure of Père Noël.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Le Défilé du Père-Noël Montreal
Merry Montréal
- What to Expect
- Networking event for product professionals.
- Description
- The WIP Montreal Conference Connections Happy Hour is an event designed to foster deeper connections and networking among professionals in the product community. It provides a platform for attendees to make new friends and engage in meaningful conversations.
- Where
- Montreal | More Info : Merry Montréal