11 Magical Places To Visit In Montreal If You're Obsessed With Christmas
Every year, the magic of the holiday season is felt throughout Quebec. Here are 11 magical places in and around Montreal you should visit if you're obsessed with Christmas.
While there are tons of exciting activities you can do from the comfort of your living room, it's way more special to venture out into the snow and play tourist in your own city.
Editor's Choice: Paths Along Montreal's Lachine Canal Will Be Cleared Of Snow For You This Winter
Many of these must-see spots that'll make you feel like you're in a fairy tale are outdoors, and you can access almost all of them for free.
Place d'Armes
Price: Free
When: Anytime during the holiday season
Address: Place d'Armes, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Large bright stars are scattered in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica and the decor is worthy of its own Christmas tale.
Illumi
Price: Starting at $19.50 per adult
When: Until January 31, 2021, subject to online availability
Address: 2805, boulevard du Souvenir, Laval, QC
Why You Need To Go: There is nothing like getting lost in a completely different universe, entirely designed of lights. You can walk or drive through and take in the 20 million lights they've installed this year.
Place des Arts & Complexe Desjardins
Price: Free
When: Luminothérapie until March 14 and Winter Gardens until January 3
Address: Place des festivals, 1499, rue Jeanne-Mance, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: This winter, the Quartier des Spectacles is full of activities. You can visit the interactive light therapy installations as well as the winter gardens.
Le Blue Crèmerie
Price: 💸💸
When: Starting Saturday, December 26, daily until February
Address: 950, boulevard Curé-Poirier Est, Longueuil, QC
Why You Need To Go: In addition to having a completely decadent menu for the holidays, this creamery on the South Shore also has a magical setting to take the most beautiful festive pictures.
Your Own Neighbourhood
Price: Free
When: Anytime
Address: Around the corner
Why You Need To Go: Whether in the borough of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie or Verdun, many residents have decorated their homes. A walk around your home is a must during the holiday season and it's all the more splendid when it snows.
Place Jacques-Cartier
Price: Free
When: Anytime until December 27
Address: Place Jacques-Cartier, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: In the heart of Old Montreal are the Montreal en Fêtes urban installations. An online event will showcase the prominent public figures of 2020 and various musical performances from this spot, but there's also plenty to see in-person.
Sainte-Catherine Street
Price: Free
When: Until the end of February
Address: Between Drummond and Stanley Streets, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: As part of XP_MTL, several installations went up downtown. These include a giant Christmas tree, giant traumatized nutcrackers, and other festive decorations.
Hotel Birks Montreal
Price: Free
When: Anytime during the holiday season
Address: 1240, Phillips Square, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Just a quick stop to capture a snapshot in front of the impressive and majestic hotel entrance decorated with large garlands in Christmas colours.
Downtown Saint-Lambert
Price: Free
When: Anytime during the holiday season while adhering to provincial public health protocols
Address: Parc du Village, avenue Victoria, Saint-Lambert, QC
Why You Need To Go: Stroll down Saint-Lambert's main street and admire the decorations in the small parks as well as on the commercial buildings or the different houses.
Visit the enchanting showcase The Mill in the Forest at the McCord Museum
Price: Free
When: Until January 10
Address: Victoria Street, outside the McCord Museum (690, rue Sherbrooke O., Montreal, QC)
Why You Need To Go: Every holiday season since 1947, the mechanical storefronts of La Maison Ogilvy have made Montrealers dream. To continue this tradition, and to the delight of passers-by, the McCord Museum has made it an outdoor exhibit.
The Maison Pépin Christmas Alleyway
Price: Free
When: Anytime during the holiday season
Address: 378, rue St-Paul O., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Maison Pépin is located in a small alley near the Old Port and every year it is decorated for the Holiday Season, which allows you to take beautiful pictures.
This article was originally published in French on Narcity Québec.