10 Things to Do in Montreal in December

In December, Montreal experiences a strange phenomenon: while temperatures drop, the number of tourists increases. This is due to visitors who come to experience the winter spirit of the city, but also to those looking to discover the Christmas activities on offer. In any case, if you decide to travel during the last month of the year, you will find one of the best times to visit Montreal.

Some of the best things to see and do in Montreal in December include discovering the city's underground universe of shops and malls, attending local concerts and shows, visiting the Christmas markets, discovering the eve festivals, and even taking a trip to the outskirts of Montreal to discover the best snowy landscapes.

Discovering Montreal's underground shopping areas at the beginning of winter is a unique and exciting experience. Known as La Ville Souterraine or RÉSO, these underground passages connect more than 30 kilometres of shops, restaurants and services, making them a perfect haven to escape the cold and enjoy shopping and activities during December.

As you enter this underground labyrinth, you will find a wide variety of fashion shops, speciality boutiques, bookstores, jewellery shops and even some of Montreal's best museums. Explore the underground shopping centres, such as Complexe Desjardins, Centre Eaton and Place Ville Marie, where you'll find a wide selection of well-known brands and local establishments.

In addition to shopping, the underground shopping venues also offer a wide variety of dining options. You can enjoy a delicious meal in the many restaurants and cafés found in this underground labyrinth.

During December, the underground shops are also decorated with Christmas decorations, creating a festive and cosy atmosphere. You can get into the Christmas spirit as you stroll through the underground passages, enjoying the lights, Christmas trees and festive music, or as you take part in one of the best Montreal tours that include a tour of this site.

For a typical winter experience in Montreal, you can't miss the ice skating rink at the Place d'Armes. This place will give you the opportunity to have fun and enjoy the views of the historic architecture that surrounds it.

If you are new to ice skating, you can rent skates on site and get basic lessons to help you gain confidence on the ice. If you're experienced, you'll be able to glide freely and practice your moves while enjoying the festive atmosphere, so there are options for all levels and it's one of the best things to do with kids in Montreal.

From December this rink is open both during the day and at night, which means you can enjoy skating at different times of the day. Skating in the sun during the day allows you to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings and enjoy the lively atmosphere. At night, the rink is illuminated with bright lights, creating a romantic and magical atmosphere.

In addition to enjoying the skating itself, the Plaza de Armas rink also offers other activities and entertainment. You can take part in games and competitions organised at the rink, or simply sit on the nearby benches and watch the skaters while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, as well as enjoying some of the best tours of Montreal, which often start there, especially at night.

Enjoying the Montreal Festival of Lights in December is an amazing experience that allows you to discover how the streets of the city are transformed into a dazzling spectacle of artistic lights and stunning Christmas decorations during the month of December.

One of the highlights of the Festival of Lights is the light projection show on the façade of the Notre-Dame Basilica. This magnificent church becomes a giant canvas on which images and animations are projected to tell stories and evoke emotions, creating a fascinating visual experience. It is also easily accessible by public transport or Montreal's tourist buses.

Besides the basilica, other areas of the city are also illuminated with unique light installations. You can walk the streets of Old Montreal and admire the historic buildings adorned with festive lights, or explore the gardens and parks where magical scenes are created by the play of light and colour.

During the festival, there are also special events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. From light parades to outdoor music shows, you'll find something for everyone.

If you're planning to visit Montreal in December, you can't miss the Christmas markets, which offer an experience that will immerse you in the magic of the festive season. These markets, scattered throughout the city, offer a variety of attractions and activities that will make your visit unforgettable.

One of the most outstanding Christmas markets is the one located in the Old Port. This market offers stalls selling gifts, crafts, decorations and food. Strolling through the aisles and savouring the traditional culinary specialities is a delight for the senses, plus you'll get to see one of the city's most iconic sites and also the departure point for Montreal's cruise tours.

Another must-see is the Marché de Noël du Marché Jean-Talon. This Christmas market is located in the heart of the vibrant Little Italy neighbourhood and is full of local and artisanal products. You can find everything from fresh seasonal produce to unique handmade gifts.

Also not to be missed is the Marché de Noël de la Place des Arts. This market, located near the city centre, offers a wide selection of handmade goods, jewellery, clothing and gourmet food. There's also an ice skating rink so you can enjoy some winter fun while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

A trip to the outskirts of Montreal during the month of December will give you the opportunity to soak up the breathtaking snowy landscapes that surround the city. As you leave the urban area, you enter a world of mountains, snow-covered forests and frozen lakes that create a truly spectacular winter scene.

Another popular option is to head to Mont-Tremblant National Park, located approximately 90 minutes' drive from Montreal. This national park offers a wide variety of winter activities, such as hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides, allowing you to explore the region's natural beauty in all its winter glory.

Another fascinating option is to visit Quebec's historic towns, such as Quebec City or Saint-Sauveur. These charming towns are just a short drive from Montreal and offer picturesque scenery, historic architecture and a variety of winter activities such as ice skating, downhill skiing and dog sledding.

You can also choose to explore the Laurentian Mountains, a mountain range that stretches north of the city. Here you'll find renowned ski resorts such as Mont Saint-Sauveur and Mont Sainte-Anne, where you can enjoy thrilling winter sports and admire panoramic views of snowy landscapes on the best full-day excursions from Montreal.

Participating in the New Year's Eve Party at Place Jacques-Cartier in Montreal is an exciting and festive way to welcome in the New Year. This iconic square, located in the heart of Old Montreal, becomes the setting for a vibrant and energetic celebration.

This party boasts an exciting programme that includes live music, fireworks displays and a multitude of activities to enjoy, making it one of the best things to do in Montreal during the evening. You can dance to live bands and DJs as you soak up the lively atmosphere of the celebration.

The square is also filled with street food stalls and outdoor bars, where you can savour a variety of culinary delights and toast with champagne to celebrate the arrival of the new year. You can also enjoy light shows and projections on the surrounding buildings, creating a visually stunning atmosphere.

Attending shows and concerts in Montreal during December is a great way to immerse yourself in the music and festive atmosphere of the city. You can attend classical music concerts at iconic venues such as the Concert Hall or the Notre-Dame Basilica.

If you're a fan of contemporary music, there is a wide selection of artists and bands performing in the city's concert halls. From stadiums to more intimate venues, Montreal has a vibrant music scene offering a variety of genres, including pop, rock, jazz and indie.

In addition to concerts, you can also enjoy themed shows. You'll find theatrical productions and musicals that celebrate the season, such as the famous ballet The Nutcracker or adaptations of classic tales like A Christmas Carol.

These events are often popular with families and create a magical and festive atmosphere, as well as being some of the best things to do in Montreal at Christmas time.

To discover the festive decorations in Old Montreal during the month of December is to immerse yourself in a world of Christmas charm and beauty. This historic part of the city is transformed into a magical setting, with cobblestone streets adorned with lights, garlands and festive decorations that transport you into the spirit of the season, but will also showcase winter ornaments.

Walking the streets of Old Montreal in December will allow you to admire the tastefully and elegantly decorated facades of historic buildings. The bright lights and vibrant colours create a festive and welcoming atmosphere that invites you to stroll around and enjoy the scenery, where you can take some of the best pictures of your trip during winter, which is one of the best times to visit Montreal.

In addition to the lights and decorations on the streets, Old Montreal is home to numerous Christmas markets where you can find unique gifts and handmade crafts. You can browse the stalls filled with jewellery, clothing, decorations and gourmet products, making your stroll an opportunity for some special Christmas shopping.

Experience the Festival Noël dans le Parc in Montreal throughout the month of December for a magical experience that will immerse you in the Christmas spirit and the city' s wintry weather. This annual festival takes place in various parks throughout the city and offers a wide range of activities and entertainment for the whole family.

During the Festival Noël dans le Parc, the parks are transformed into festive settings. You can enjoy live concerts, where local and national artists perform Christmas music and popular songs to create a cosy and festive atmosphere.

The festival also features a wide variety of food stalls, where you can indulge in traditional culinary delights and Christmas dishes. From hot cakes and hot drinks to gourmet food and local specialities, there is something for everyone. In addition, you can find stalls with unique crafts and gifts for your Christmas shopping.

One of the most popular attractions at the Festival Noël dans le Parc is the outdoor ice skating rink. You can have fun in the midst of winter magic while enjoying the festive music and lights, as well as enjoy seasonal tours that are among the best things to do in Montreal in winter.

Braving the cold with local winter cuisine during the month of December is a comforting and delicious experience. Canadian cuisine is known for its hearty dishes that are designed to combat the cold temperatures and provide warmth.

One of the signature dishes of winter cuisine is tourtière, a meat pie full of flavours and spices that will acclimatise you during the cold days. Another delicious option is poutine, a combination of crispy fries, chunky cheese and gravy.

Another must-have of Canadian winter cuisine is maple syrup, better known as maple syrup. Used in a variety of dishes and desserts, this sweet and aromatic syrup adds a distinctive touch to meals. Enjoy it on pancakes, waffles, ice cream or even in a simple glass of hot milk to combat the cold.

In addition to hot dishes, Canadian winter cuisine also offers a variety of hearty soups and stews. From traditional beef stew to yellow pea soup, these preparations will fill your stomach and comfort you from the inside out.

In December, the temperature in the city experiences a drop due to the arrival of winter. Average temperatures range from -8° to -1°, with lows that can drop as low as -15°. Winter weather brings with it snow and ice, which creates a picturesque landscape and transforms the city into a magical place, albeit one that is much cooler than Montreal's summertime temperatures.

Be aware that snow and ice can make the streets and pavements slippery, so wear appropriate footwear to avoid accidents. On the other hand, don't forget to enjoy winter activities such as ice skating, skiing and themed festivals, which will allow you to enjoy the season and deal with the cold in a fun way.

In December, Montreal experiences a significant increase in tourism due to several factors. On the one hand, the city's wintry charm, with its festively decorated streets and buildings, attracts visitors looking for an authentic Christmas experience. In addition, the possibility to enjoy winter activities such as ice skating, skiing and themed festivals also contributes to increasing tourist interest.

The influx of tourists in December is evidenced by the presence of numerous visitors to Montreal's iconic sites, such as Old Montreal and Mont-Royal Park. Hotels and accommodations tend to experience higher occupancy, and local restaurants and shops also benefit from the influx of tourists looking to enjoy dining and shopping during their stay in the city.

In December, prices in Montreal can be influenced by a number of factors, including the peak tourist season and the demand associated with the end-of-year festivities. Hotels and accommodations tend to have higher rates due to the increased influx of visitors, so I recommend you book early to secure your spot and achieve similar prices to Montreal in November.

Also, keep in mind that December also brings deals and promotions, especially during the Black Friday period and the holiday shopping season. Shops and shops offer special discounts and sales on a wide range of products, from clothing and electronics to household goods and holiday gifts.

December is one of the coldest months of the year in Montreal, so I advise you to pack the following:

• Winter jacket
• Waterproof and comfortable boots
• Thermal socks
• Waterproof and tactile gloves
• Woolen hat
• Woollen scarves
• Sunglasses
• Woollen jumpers
• Fleece trousers
• Thermal fleece
• Snow clothing