Snow on Sainte-Catherine, church bells echoing off Old Montreal stone, the smell of mulled wine near Dorchester Square: this city takes Christmas seriously. Montreal, QC turns into a proper holiday playground every December, and the lineup of Christmas shows and holiday events proves it. The Nutcracker by Les Grands Ballets returns to Place des Arts with its usual sweep and grandeur, while Candlelight: les classiques du temps des fêtes fills Église Saint Jean Baptiste with string quartets and candle glow. Over at Basilique Notre-Dame, the Messes de Noël 2026 bring the season's most solemn, beautiful moment to one of the city's grandest naves.
If concerts aren't your thing, Montreal still delivers plenty of things to do at Christmas. Bundle up for the Christmas Walking Tour in Old Montreal, book a Private Festive Heritage Tour through Victoria Square, or join the Montreal Winter Magic Tour starting near Dorchester Square. These outdoor experiences pair well with the indoor concerts, giving you a full day of holiday atmosphere without repeating yourself. Between the Candlelight series at Théâtre Rialto and Église Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs, you've got several nights of Christmas classics played by candlelight, each with its own mood and setting.
A quick tip from someone who watches these calendars closely: December weekends, especially the ones right before Christmas, fill up fast. If you want a specific date, especially for the Candlelight concerts or the Nutcracker's prime slots, book now rather than later. We've rounded up 8 holiday shows and events happening across Montreal, QC from November through early January. Scroll down and start planning your season.
Église Saint Jean-Baptiste · Montreal, QC
Candlelight concert at Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste on Rue Rachel Est, in Montreal's Plateau, just before Christmas. A string quartet performs holiday classics by candlelight: Carol of the Bells, Jingle Bells, O Holy…
Église Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs · Montreal, QC
Candlelight: Christmas Classics is a candlelit concert held at Pointe-à-Callière in Old Montreal. A string ensemble performs the best-known seasonal pieces surrounded by thousands of candles. The archaeology and history…
Théâtre Rialto · Montreal, QC
A festive Candlelight concert at Théâtre Rialto, the heritage-listed venue on avenue du Parc in Montréal. A string ensemble performs by the glow of hundreds of candles, with a programme of Christmas carols: Silent…
Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal · Montreal, QC
Christmas Eve masses at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, in the heart of Old Montreal. Three celebrations follow one another on December 24: 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and midnight. The 7 p.m. service is a family mass with a…
Place Des Arts - Salle Wilfrid Pelletier · Montreal, QC
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens' Nutcracker takes the stage at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts — a Montreal holiday tradition for decades. Choreography by Fernand Nault set to Tchaikovsky's score, nearly 165…
360 Rue Saint-Jacques · Montreal, QC
Let yourself be led through the history-laden streets of Old Montreal in the company of your professional guide. The route takes you from the Royal Bank Tower, on Saint-Jacques Street, all the way to Bonsecours Market,…
Victoria Square · Montreal, QC
Walk through Old Montréal during the Christmas season on this private walking tour. Your guide leads you across the main historic areas while shedding light on the city's background, its traditions, and the importance…
1001 Rue du Square Dorchester · Montreal, QC
When the holidays arrive, Montréal puts on its brightest face, and this combined sightseeing and walking outing follows the trail of lights across the city. Everything begins at 1001 Dorchester Square, where the group…
