The Best Things to Do in Montreal This Christmas

Christmas in the Park happens in three locations around the city: Place Emilie-Gamelin, Parc des Compagnons de Saint-Laurent and Parc Lahaie. Come for carol singing, Santa Claus, outdoor fireplaces, festive eats, and the markets.

For a break from holiday merry-making at Christmas markets, you can head over to Mont-Royal Park for some laid-back skiing time. If you don’t own skis, you can rent some gear from Fitz Montreal or Le Yéti. You can get a good workout while enjoying a great view of the city skyline.

For another outdoor activity to try during the holiday season, head over to Old Montreal’s Ice Fishing Village. The experience involves a heated boat ride to prime ice-fishing spots, heated tents, and expert guides. Check out the calendar of Pêche Vieux-Montréal and book in advance.

As an alternative to the large downtown Santa Claus Parade that happens in mid-November, on the first Friday of December you can experience the Christmas parade that takes place through Plaza Saint-Hubert. Known as the Défilé des rêves (Parade of Dreams), it can attract around 30,000 attendees.

Locals and visitors can view an elaborate display of fireworks from the Old Port almost every Saturday in December, extending into January. The Fire on Ice show, known as a “pyro-musical” show, is wonderfully choreographed to sound. The display usually starts at 8pm and lasts for around 15 minutes at the Bonsecours Basin, where you can ice skate in time to the music. As with every edition, admission to Fire on Ice is free and open to all.

Avenue Mont-Royal in the Plateau neighborhood becomes very festive through the season, with holiday-themed events and animations, including a candlelit walk, fireworks, and free shows. Enjoy the lights, decorations, and festive window displays with a cup of hot chocolate in hand as you stroll down the avenue.

Hosted by Les Grands Ballets, the Nutcracker Market has been running since 2010. Held in the Montreal Palais des Congrès’ shopping mall, the market’s 105 exhibitors attracted 75,000 visitors in 2016. Exhibitors will donate 10% of their proceeds to the Nutcracker Fund, which benefits disadvantaged neighborhoods and sick children in Montreal. In 2017, the Nutcracker Market will run from November 30th through December 10th.