12 Unbeatable Things To Do in Montreal in December

Montreal in December is one of my favourite times of the year. There’s usually been a first snowfall that covers every square inch of the ground with magical snow or, if not, it’s definitely right around the corner. The city has adjusted to the slower tempo of reduced temperature and daylight and the cozy activity proposals have multiplied. It’s a time of celebration and finding warmth in others. 

The result of all this, of course, is that there are many great things to do in Montreal in December. Keep reading to learn about the best winter activities in Montreal.

Events in Montreal in December

1. Christmas Markets 

Christmas markets are a December tradition in Montreal and there are always plenty to choose from. You can enjoy a hot chocolate, buy some interesting presents for your loved ones or simply bask in the holiday glory of it all. 

The Great Christmas Market (Place des Arts metro station), Montreal Christmas Village (Lionel-Groulx metro station), Puces Pop (Laurier metro station) and the Jean-Talon Christmas Market (Jean-Talon metro station) are by far the most festive and best Christmas markets in Montreal. 

2. New Year’s Eve Celebration

Every year, the best Montreal events in December happen on New Year’s Eve. There are numerous NYE celebrations across Montreal that always include live music, a countdown and the Old Port celebration even has fireworks. 

What To Do in Montreal in December

This list of Montreal winter activities includes a wide variety of indoor/outdoor activities.

3. Ice Skating 

Nothing quite says Montreal winter activities than a few hours spent gliding around on an ice skating rink. Montreal in December has a lot of options and most places offer skate rentals if you don’t already have a pair. Beaver Lake, Esplanade Tranquille, Old Port Skating Rink and Atrium Le 1000 (indoor rink) are all great options. 

4. Shopping on Sainte-Catherine 

For some reason, Montreal in December always puts me in a generous mood. Luckily for me (and for you), Sainte-Catherine Street has a plethora of great stores where you can shop to your heart's delight. There’s also the Underground City – a large underground network connecting four malls. The Hudson’s Bay department store is one of my favourites and is the oldest company in Canada.

5. Try Local Cuisine 

It sometimes feels like traditional Quebecois food was made for Montreal in December. Whenever I think of the food here, I imagine dishes that warm me up and make me feel all fuzzy inside. La Binerie in the Plateau is a restaurant that specializes in traditional Quebec meals like tourtiere, pea soup and shepherd’s pie. 

6. Mount Royal Park

Mount Royal Park is every Montrealer's favourite place and a literal hub of Montreal winter activities. The ‘’mountain’’ as we affectionately call it is a wonderful place for taking a winter hike up to the cross, gazing across the beautiful cityscape from the Belvedere, building snowmen or making snow angels. The Pavilion at Beaver Lake also has ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tubing rentals. 

7. Old Montreal Holiday Cheer

I like how magical Old Montreal is in December. The snow-covered ground and the Christmas lights and decorations are very inviting and magical to me. I simply love wandering around its streets without a set destination in mind. Strolling around Old Montreal is one of the best free things to do in Montreal in December (but dress warmly). 

8. Bowling G Plus 

If the weather is cold and cloudy, then playing a few rounds of bowling with your family or friends is sure to be a good time. Bowling G Plus is the city’s biggest bowling hall chain and with its numerous locations and services offered you can’t go wrong with this family-friendly winter activity. 

9. Laser Tag 

Playing a round (or more) of laser tag is one of the best indoor things to do in Montreal in the winter. Laser Game Evolution has a very convenient location in Downtown Montreal that I love to go to when I’m in need of family-friendly winter activities in Montreal.

Things to Do Elsewhere in Quebec in December

10. Christmas Village at Village Quebecois d'Antan

If you’re looking for things to do elsewhere in Quebec in December, a perfect day trip is the Illuminated Village at the Village Quebecois d’Antan. This magical experience will bring you back in time. 

11. Saint-Sauveur 

Another idea is a weekend trip to the Saint-Sauveur ski and snowboarding hill in Laurentian Valley. Here you’ll find a bunch of hills to choose from, outlet stores, several spas and a charming village.

12. German Christmas Market in Quebec City 

The Quebec City German Christmas Market has five locations. It brings to life the holiday spirit and is a great choice for what to do elsewhere in Quebec in December.

Weather in Montreal in December

December in Montreal is when it starts to get really cold here. But if you dress properly and stay active, you can feel comfortable in this winter wonderland (even in the sub-zero cold weather). 

Bundle up and get ready to soak up all the Christmas cheer when visiting Montreal in December. When you need to get cozy, there are plenty of indoor activities waiting for you as well. If you’re looking for more things to do, here’s our comprehensive guide to what to do in Montreal in winter.