Christmas in Montreal has a flavour all its own, shaped by centuries of French-Canadian traditions. Here are the Quebec holiday traditions that make the temps des Fêtes (the holiday season) special, from the réveillon to the Fée des étoiles.
Le temps des Fêtes
In Quebec, the holidays are simply called le temps des Fêtes, “the time of the holidays.” It stretches from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day, and traditionally all the way to the Epiphany on January 6.
Sainte-Catherine’s taffy (November 25)
On Sainte-Catherine’s Day, families make tire Sainte-Catherine, a pulled molasses taffy. Legend links the tradition to Marguerite Bourgeoys, who is said to have made the candy to bring children to her school in early Montreal.
The réveillon
The heart of a Quebec Christmas is the réveillon, a big late-night meal after Christmas Eve mass that often goes on past midnight. Families gather for:
- Tourtière: a spiced meat pie, the star of the table
- Ragoût de boulettes: a stew of meatballs, sometimes with pigs’ feet (ragoût de pattes)
- Cretons: a spiced pork spread, served on toast
- Atocas: cranberries, in sauce or relish
- Bûche de Noël: a Yule log cake for dessert
- Sucre à la crème and fudge made with maple or brown sugar
Many Montreal bakeries and butchers take orders for tourtières and bûches in December. See what’s open on Christmas Eve.
Midnight mass
Midnight mass (la messe de minuit) remains a beloved tradition, even for many who don’t attend church the rest of the year. In Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica is the most spectacular place to experience it. Christmas at Notre-Dame Basilica
The Fée des étoiles
The Star Fairy is a uniquely Quebec character who accompanies Santa Claus (le père Noël). She rides in the Santa Claus Parade every year, and in recent years the role has gone to a well-known Quebec personality.
Ciné-cadeau
For decades, Télé-Québec has broadcast classic children’s films and cartoons during the holiday break under the name Ciné-cadeau, a ritual for generations of Quebec kids.
La guignolée
In December, volunteers collect food and money for families in need in a tradition known as la guignolée, often with collection points at busy street corners and in front of grocery stores.
The Bye Bye
On New Year’s Eve, much of Quebec watches the Bye Bye, a satirical comedy special on Radio-Canada that looks back on the year. Many people watch it before heading out to celebrate. New Year’s Eve in Montreal
New Year’s Day traditions
The jour de l’An (New Year’s Day) has long been as important as Christmas in Quebec, with large family gatherings. In some families, the eldest member gives a traditional blessing to the family on January 1.
The Epiphany (January 6)
The season ends with the Fête des Rois. Families share a galette des rois or a cake with a bean hidden inside; whoever finds it is king or queen for the day.
Experience the traditions in Montreal
- Taste tourtière and maple treats at the Christmas markets
- Hear traditional Quebec music at the OSM’s holiday concert with Le Vent du Nord
- Celebrate old-fashioned Christmas at Noël dans le Parc
