It’s December and the holiday season is now in full swing! One of my favorite things about this time of year is visiting all of the Christmas markets and events in Montreal.
And let me tell you, Montreal has a lot of them!
Since last year all Christmas events were canceled due to the pandemic and the subsequent second-wave lockdown, this year everything is back with a bang (the good kind!).
The best thing about all of these events & places is that there is something for everyone and every age. And all of them are accessible by metro (subway), so you don’t have to worry about parking or taking the bus.
What To Do in Montreal this Christmas
Montreal Christmas Markets
Last year, I mentioned that one of my dreams is to go to a German Christmas Market (in Germany) but since there’s no chance of me traveling abroad anytime soon, I’ll settle for Montreal’s Christmas markets.
Village de Noel de Montreal
Across from Attwater Farmer’s Market, this Christmas market is Montreal’s most known one. Not only is it super cute and welcoming, but the wooden market stalls, the constant Christmas music, and activities also make this feel as if you were in a European Christmas market!
This is probably my favorite Christmas Market and will be going back again this year. Plus it’s a quick 5-minute walk from the Attwater metro station, so you won’t have to walk far with arms laden with presents. Time and dates check out Noel Montreal.
*the pictures above were taken in 2019, before the pandemic and face masks.
Marche de Noel Jean Talon
Similar to the Village de Montreal, the Christmas market in the Jean-Talon Market is one not to be missed! Buy a cup of delicious hot chocolate and experience the holiday magic. Very popular and ideal for buying handmade Quebec-based gifts for loved ones this season.
If you’re looking to buy a Christmas tree, then this is the place for you. The only issue might be how to get it home if you took the metro! For more details check out Noel Montreal.
Grand Marche de Noel
Unlike the two other Christmas Markets, this one is held in a 1km section of Ste. Catherine Street near downtown Montreal.
One of the reasons this one is popular is due to it being near a) the Underground Mall b) multiple metro stations and c) surrounded by various shopping centers and stores.
There are various places to sit around the fire and warm up, very cute market stalls and buildings, and lots of pleasing spots to take some pictures.
Christmas Events & Things to Do
Christmas markets, not your thing? Then fret not there are still many places to visit and things to do in Montreal!
Visit Maison Pepin
This Old Montreal store sells mainly Quebec-based home decor and kitchen accessories among others, but one of the reasons it gets a mention is due to its adorable, wintery courtyard.
*Please ignore my blurry picture.
The Cour Maison Pepin is filled with fresh pine trees, decorated with lights and it looks like something out of a fairytale. Free to come in and take a lot, Maison Pepin is a charming little spot to take your Christmas photos.
See the Ogilvy Christmas Windows
Calling back to the annual tradition of the store’s Christmas windows display, this Christmas window always has a different scene each year and reminds us of days of yore.
The only difference is that it is situated next to the McCord Museum. Otherwise, the Ogilvy Christmas window display is one where young and old alike will feel like kids again.
Go to Noel Dans le Parc
According to Quartier des Spectacles, Noel Dans le Parc is an ” outdoor festival which celebrates the spirit of Christmas in all its warmth, while showcasing a variety of musical artists.” And that is all true, especially at night!
There are three different sites around the cities, but they all have the same Christmassy look and feel. I’ve been to the one near the Grande Bibliotheque and it is super cute and welcoming. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any cute pics so please enjoy these ones from Fragmaints Urbains.
Marvel at the Decorated Vieux Montreal
If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, then you know I love Old Montreal. And during the holidays it looks more charming and cuter than ever!
Seeing a 400-year-old building decorated for the holidays with lights and greenery everywhere makes one feel as if in Europe or in a fairytale.
Play in Illuminotherapie
This fun interactive light display is open until February and is the ideal place to hang out on boring winter nights.
Like the Grand Marche de Noel, Illuminotherapie is exhibited near Ste. Catherine’s street so after having a bite and checking out the Christmas Market
Visit Place Nordique
Set in Place Jacques-Cartier in Old Montreal, Place Nordique is a fun place to relax, warm and just have fun.
With local small shops, winter activities and public art, this won’t be easy to miss on your Old Montreal walk this Christmas.
Do Holiday Shopping in the Underground City
Covering most of Downtown Montreal and full of hundreds of stores in multiple locations, the Underground City is a fun experience and the perfect place to get all of your Christmas shopping done. Plus they are all decorated beautifully!
See all of the buildings and the tunnels joined to make up Montreal’s Underground City.
Experience Illumi’s Light Show on Foot
First opened in 2019, Illumi has become one of the most famous go-to family events in Montreal and the area. WIth various ‘worlds’ and themes, Illumi is one of the biggest light shows in the world!
With thousands of light structures and sculptures, Illumi is fun for the whole family. You can choose to walk the almost three-kilometer route or you can attend by car. But no matter how you do it, it will be an experience to remember!
To note, Illumi is in Laval the island across the river from Montreal. But there’s a free bus ride from the Metro! Check out the details.
Go Skating in the Old Port
With the weather cooling, the outdoor rinks are opening again and in this case, it is the little lake-like body of water in front of Montreal’s Ferris wheel.
It’s open every day and it is a welcoming experience, plus since it’s in the Old Port it is the perfect addition to the Old Montreal self-tour.
Tip:
If you’re visiting and want to check out as many places and markets as possible, getting the 1-day pass for bus and metro is the best option. For $10, you can get on as many buses or metro as you’d like within 24 hours.
Or you can get the 3-day pass for $20 if you want to take your leisurely time getting to know the city and what it has to offer. You can check out the prices and sales points at STM.info
Also, it’s December and it can be cold, so remember to layer up and wear your winter boots and you’ll be ready to go. Don’t forget your camera!
If you’re in the Montreal area this December, do not forget to check out all of the best Christmas markets and events, among other things.
I promise you, after going to the Christmas markets or seeing the Old Montreal decorated for the holidays you will feel happy, relaxed, and in the Christmassy mood!
Have you been to Christmas Markets or any special holiday events/places this year?
Til next time
Loren Camila
Wow I’d love to visit Montreal one day and these are some fantastic suggestions. Thanks for sharing x
Glad you enjoyed reading about them, Eleanor! Hopefully one day you’ll get to experience it.
I LOVE Christmas markets – they’re my favourite and I feel like I could spend days wandering around exploring and learning about all the shops. Looking at your photos I feel like you’d lose me for the whole month in the Montreal Markets! I’ll have to check them out one year as I’m not too far over in Ontario. Thanks for sharing.
Christmas markets are amazing and yeah there’s a high chance of getting lost just going everywhere! Hopefully one day you’ll get to experience a Montreal Christmas, Alex.
Wow, this is amazing! Looking at the pictures, makes me want to travel to Montreal for Christmas.
It’s even more amazing in person! There’s so much to do during this time of year
This looks absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for sharing. I’m going to save this for later. Hoping to see it in person one day!
Glad you like it! Hope you get the chance to experience a Montreal Christmas in person!
I would love to visit Montreal at Christmastime! There was a lovely Christmas shop I visited a few summers ago in Old Montreal that I fell in love with as well as the underground city! After reading your post, I want to visit more than ever! Thanks for sharing.
Oh this looks AMAZING I would soooo love to get to Montreal one of these days.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
I will be bookmarking this post. I love it so much. Thank you so much for sharing.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
I’m not a fan of Christmas markets but this is a nice guide, loving the photos! Some beautiful spots you have found.
Ice skating and Xmas Markets add to the magic of Christmas. There’s so much to do in Montreal, hun! Noel in the Park and Illumi’s light show on Foot, would certainly have my attendance too!
Love this idea!
Thanks and keep sharing great content.
Diana – Best Places To Buy For Christmas Decorations This Year
I love a good Christmas market and this looks incredible! If I’m ever in Montreal around Christmas time I’ll definitely be coming back to this post, so I don’t miss anything. Thanks for sharing xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
That Christmas market is so perfect!
– http://www.christinacenci.com
The Christmas markets look lovely & that’s amazing there are so many events! I would love to see the Illumi light show & go to the Noel Dans le Parc.
In my city, there is only a small Christmas market, but in Copenhagen, they have larger ones including at Tivoli (an amusement park). However, starting today there are new covid restrictions & all cultural places including Tivoli have to close…