December in Montreal is full of holiday music, from Bach in the Maison symphonique to choirs under the blue-and-gold vault of Notre-Dame Basilica. Here are the Christmas concerts and shows to book in Montreal in 2026.
Programs and prices come from each presenter’s listings; check their websites for tickets.
Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM)
The OSM plays at the Maison symphonique at Place des Arts (metro Place-des-Arts).
- Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with Kent Nagano: Tuesday, December 8 and Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. The first three cantatas, with the OSM Orchestra and Chorus and four soloists.
- Tradition viennoise: Friday, December 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Salle Bourgie.
- Holiday tradition with Le Vent du Nord: Thursday, December 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. The Quebec trad band celebrates its 25th anniversary with reels and jigs in a symphonic concert, followed by a dance party in the decorated hall.
- Fred Pellerin’s holiday tale: the storyteller’s traditional Christmas show with the OSM is a December favourite. Check the OSM website for 2026 dates.
Handel’s Messiah
- Ensemble Caprice: Friday, December 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., presented by Place des Arts. Tickets from $39.95 to $125, with a student rate.
- The OSM has also performed its own Messiah in recent Decembers; check osm.ca for the 2026 season.
Concerts at Notre-Dame Basilica
- Noël choral à la Basilique (Orchestre Métropolitain): Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. A grand choral concert of Christmas music in the basilica, with tickets from $28.
- The basilica hosts other holiday concerts through December. See basiliquenotredame.ca for the full calendar.
Family and pop concerts
- A Charlie Brown Christmas, symphonic: Tuesday, December 22, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Maison symphonique. The famous jazz tunes from the album, arranged for a jazz trio, symphony orchestra and children’s choir. Tickets from $35 to $75.
- Les Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal: the boys’ choir’s traditional Christmas concert at Saint Joseph’s Oratory is a Montreal classic. Dates are usually announced in the fall.
Ballet
Don’t forget The Nutcracker by Les Grands Ballets, December 5 to 30, 2026, at Place des Arts.
Tips
- Book early. Concerts in the basilica and the shows closest to Christmas sell out.
- Combine with the markets. The Maison symphonique and Place des Arts are steps from the Great Christmas Market.
- Take the metro. Place-des-Arts station connects directly to the concert halls through the underground.
