Three days is the perfect amount of time to see Montreal at Christmas: enough for the markets, the lights, Old Montreal, a show and a skate on Mount Royal. This itinerary works best between December 5 and December 23, when nearly everything is open. Adjust it around the opening days of each attraction.
Confirm hours before you go; some places are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Day 1: Downtown and the Quartier des spectacles
Morning: Sainte-Catherine Street. Start at the McCord Stewart Museum on Sherbrooke Street, then walk down to Sainte-Catherine Street for the holiday decorations and shopping at the Eaton Centre. Holiday shopping guide
Lunch: Time Out Market Montréal, the food hall inside the Eaton Centre, with dishes from some of the city’s best chefs under one roof.
Afternoon: Complexe Desjardins. If you’re travelling with kids, visit Santa’s Kingdom. Otherwise, cross to Place des Arts through the underground tunnels. Where to see Santa
Evening: The Great Christmas Market. Arrive around 4 p.m. as the lights come on. Have mulled wine by a fire pit, browse the chalets, then walk the LUMINO light installations around the Quartier des spectacles. Until December 20, the market is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Markets guide
Optional: The Nutcracker at Place des Arts, right next door (December 5 to 30). Nutcracker guide
Day 2: Old Montreal
Morning: Notre-Dame Basilica. Visit the basilica’s spectacular blue-and-gold interior, then cross Place d’Armes with its giant illuminated stars.
Late morning: Saint-Paul Street. Wander the cobblestone streets, galleries and boutiques, and stop into Bonsecours Market.
Lunch: a café in Old Montreal, ideally with a bowl of soup or a tourtière.
Afternoon: Pointe-à-Callière archaeology museum, or a ride on the Grande Roue de Montréal observation wheel at the Old Port for views over the frozen river.
Evening: Old Montreal lights. Place Jacques-Cartier and Saint-Paul Street are at their most magical after dark. Book a Christmas concert at the basilica if one is on. Old Montreal at Christmas · Christmas concerts
Day 3: Mount Royal and the Plateau
Morning: Skating at Beaver Lake. Rent skates at the pavilion on Mount Royal and skate the refrigerated rink, then walk up to the Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout for the classic view over downtown. Skating guide
Lunch: the Plateau. Head down to Mont-Royal Avenue for lunch, then browse the shops and see the Mon Beau Sapin square of lights.
Afternoon: Atwater Market and the Christmas Village (Fridays to Sundays until December 17, then daily until December 24). Warm up by the fires and pick up local cheese, maple treats and handmade gifts. Markets guide
Evening: a cozy dinner. End your trip with a classic Quebec meal or a bistro in Saint-Henri, steps from the market.
Tips for this itinerary
- Get a transit pass. A 3-day STM pass covers the metro and buses, including the 747 bus to and from the airport.
- Dress for the cold. See our December weather guide.
- Visiting over Christmas? Stores close on December 25 and open at 1 p.m. on December 26. See what’s open.
- Staying longer? Add a day trip to Mont-Tremblant or our full list of things to do.
