Planning to be in Montreal on December 24 or 25? Quebec has strict rules on store hours over the holidays, so it pays to plan ahead. Here’s what’s open and closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day in Montreal in 2026, plus the best ways to celebrate.
Individual businesses set their own hours within the law, so call ahead.
Store hours over the holidays in Quebec
Under Quebec’s law on store opening hours, most retail stores, malls and large grocery stores follow these rules:
| Date | Most stores and malls |
|---|---|
| Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) | Close at 5 p.m. |
| Friday, December 25 (Christmas Day) | Closed |
| Saturday, December 26 (Boxing Day) | Open from 1 p.m. |
| Thursday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve) | Close at 5 p.m. |
| Friday, January 1 (New Year’s Day) | Closed |
SAQ liquor stores also close on December 25 and reopen at 1 p.m. on December 26, so buy your wine for the réveillon early. Pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants and bars can stay open, but many restaurants close or serve only a set menu on December 24 and 25. Book well ahead.
What’s open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- The Great Christmas Market in the Quartier des spectacles is open on December 24 and 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days. It’s one of the few festive outings on Christmas Day. Markets guide
- The Christmas Village at Atwater Market has its last day on December 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Outdoor skating rinks like the Esplanade Tranquille and Beaver Lake usually stay open. Skating guide
- LUMINO light installations are outdoors and free, so you can see them any evening. Christmas lights
- Public transit (STM metro and buses) runs on a reduced holiday schedule. Check the STM website for times.
- Museums and attractions often close on December 25. Check each one before you go.
Christmas Eve mass at Notre-Dame Basilica
Christmas Eve mass in Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal is an unforgettable experience, whether or not you’re religious. In past years the basilica has held masses at 9:30 p.m. and midnight on December 24, with tickets sold in advance on its website. Check basiliquenotredame.ca for the 2026 schedule, and arrive early. Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral downtown also holds several Christmas Eve and Christmas Day masses.
The réveillon: a Quebec Christmas tradition
In Quebec, the big Christmas meal is the réveillon, a late dinner on Christmas Eve that often goes on past midnight. Traditional dishes include tourtière (meat pie), ragoût de boulettes (meatball stew), cretons and, for dessert, a bûche de Noël (Yule log cake). Some restaurants offer a réveillon menu, and many bakeries take orders for tourtières and bûches in December.
Boxing Day (December 26)
Boxing Day sales are a big deal, but remember that stores can’t open before 1 p.m. on December 26 in Quebec. Expect crowds downtown on Sainte-Catherine Street and at the Eaton Centre. Holiday shopping guide
Tips
- Stock up by December 24. Grocery stores close early on Christmas Eve and stay closed on Christmas Day.
- Book restaurants early. Tables for December 24 and 31 go weeks in advance.
- Plan an outdoor day. Skating, the lights and the Great Christmas Market are the best ways to spend December 25.
