When it’s −20 °C with the wind chill, Montreal moves indoors. Here are the best museums and indoor things to do in Montreal over the holidays, perfect for the days between Christmas and New Year’s.
Many museums change their hours over the holidays and close on December 25 and January 1. Check each one before you go.
McCord Stewart Museum
The museum of Montreal’s history and social life, on Sherbrooke Street downtown. It’s always free for visitors 17 and under. At Christmas, it’s known for Ogilvy’s mechanical Christmas windows. Ogilvy’s Christmas windows
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
One of Canada’s largest art museums, a few minutes’ walk from the McCord on Sherbrooke Street. A good warm afternoon, with a café and a gift shop.
Pointe-à-Callière
Montreal’s archaeology and history museum in Old Montreal, built on the site where the city was founded. It has offered holiday family activities between Christmas and New Year’s. Old Montreal at Christmas
Espace pour la vie: Biodôme, Planetarium and Insectarium
In the Olympic Park area, the Biodôme recreates ecosystems of the Americas under one roof, and the Planetarium offers immersive shows under its domes. Both are great for kids on a cold day.
Montreal Science Centre
At the Old Port, with interactive exhibitions and an IMAX theatre. A favourite with school-age kids.
Notre-Dame Basilica and AURA
Visit the basilica by day, or book AURA, the light and sound show inside the basilica, in the evening. Christmas at Notre-Dame Basilica
Indoor shopping and food halls
- The underground city: walk between malls, Place des Arts and metro stations without going outside.
- Time Out Market Montréal: a food hall in the Eaton Centre.
- Complexe Desjardins: decorations, children’s shows and Santa’s Kingdom. Santa’s Kingdom
Tips
- Book timed tickets online for popular museums during the holidays.
- Go early. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the busiest of the year for family attractions.
- Mix indoors and outdoors. A morning at a museum, then an afternoon of skating or sledding.
More: Christmas with kids
