With its cobblestone streets, 19th-century stone buildings and the glowing towers of Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Montreal looks like it was made for Christmas. Here’s how to spend a festive day and evening in Vieux-Montréal.
Hours and programs vary in December; check each venue before you go.
Notre-Dame Basilica
The basilica’s deep-blue vault, golden altarpiece and stained glass are breathtaking at any time of year, and even more so in December.
- Daytime visits: guided and self-guided visits of the basilica
- AURA: the immersive light and sound show inside the basilica runs year-round in the evening (tickets required)
- Christmas concerts: the basilica hosts holiday concerts through December. Christmas concerts
- Christmas Eve mass: in past years, masses were held at 9:30 p.m. and midnight on December 24. Christmas Eve guide
Out front, Place d’Armes is decorated with giant illuminated stars.
Place Jacques-Cartier and Saint-Paul Street
Stroll down Place Jacques-Cartier toward the river, then wander Saint-Paul Street, one of the oldest streets in the city, lined with galleries, boutiques and lit shop windows. Stop into Bonsecours Market, with its silver dome, for Quebec-made crafts and gifts.
The Old Port in winter
- La Grande Roue de Montréal: the heated gondolas of the observation wheel give a great view of the frozen river and the city lights.
- Grand Minuit: on December 31, the Quai Jacques-Cartier hosts Montreal’s free New Year’s Eve party. New Year’s Eve guide
Note: The Old Port skating rink closed permanently in 2025. See where to skate instead.
Museums
- Pointe-à-Callière: Montreal’s archaeology and history museum, built on the site where the city was founded. It has held holiday activities for families between Christmas and New Year’s.
- Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site: Parks Canada’s house museum on Notre-Dame Street East has recreated a Victorian Christmas in past seasons. Check Parks Canada’s website for this year’s schedule.
Cité Mémoire
On some evenings, Cité Mémoire projects scenes from Montreal’s history onto walls, trees and alleys around Old Montreal. Use the free app to hear the stories.
Where to eat
Warm up in one of Old Montreal’s cafés and bistros. In December, many offer holiday menus, and Quebec comfort food like tourtière and soupe aux pois is easy to find. Book ahead for dinner on weekends.
Getting there
Take the metro to Place-d’Armes or Champ-de-Mars (orange line). Old Montreal’s streets are icy in winter, so wear boots with good grip.
