Christmas in Montreal

Montreal is a city that thrives in winter, and its celebration of Christmas caps the solstice season with indoor and outdoor activities, many of which continue throughout the week till New Year's Day.

This year is the 44th annual performance by the Grands Ballets Canadiens of The Nutcracker at Place des Arts till the end of the month.

The Old Port is offering illuminations and events in a seasonal festival called Les Féeries which includes events at Notre-Dame, even more ablaze with colour than usual with masses of poinsettias, and the Chateau Ramezay and a fair of local organic producers at Marché Bonsecours from December 20-23 as well as fireworks, carol singers and other festive outdoor features. Many creches are on show around Old Montreal and buildings around the old part of town have been pretty massively decked wih lights this year. Till December 31.

The Centre du commerce mondial is presenting various Santa Clauses from around the world, and Complexe Desjardins has a Christmas village with a Santa in it.

At St. Joseph's Oratory, choral masses are held at 9 p.m. and midnight. As is also traditional, an exhibit of nativity creches from around the world is held at the Oratory until mid-February, open from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m.

Outdoor skating is offered on Mount Royal and at the Old Port throughout the season and Place Jacques Cartier will also be the site of the Grand Bal of New Year's Eve.

Flickr pictures of Montreal Christmas scenes.

A nice Montreal tradition is the Christmas display at the big greenhouse in the Botanical Garden. Another is the seasonal show at the Planetarium. Yet another is the Christmas eve reception for the public at City Hall.

Here are some lists of opening and closing hours for the holiday season.