Autumn is drawing to a close, and the streets of Montreal are covered with a thick layer of dead leaves. November ushers in one of the most magical seasons of the year – and one we take very seriously in Montreal; the holiday season.
The weather forecast has promised us snow in mid-November, and even if we’re a little afraid of the cold , it’s the perfect time to make a list of all the things we’re going to do over the next two months, right up until the New Year…
Traditionally, this is a time of year celebrated for its very specific place in the cycle of nature and harvest.
The days grow shorter, until the winter solstice on December 21, the shortest day of the year. The fields fall asleep under the snow, and we spend more time by the fire, indoors. It’s a time for reflection, gentleness and good faith, and a studious time to develop one’s talents before the physical labor of spring farm work. And, of course, it’s a time to celebrate with family and friends, to cook, decorate and play outside.
And in keeping with this vibe -even if we’re no longer working in the fields- we ‘ve made ourselves a Bucket List for the holiday season in Montreal….
Montreal Holiday Season Bucket List
1.make gifts for loved ones
To exercise our talents and give holiday gifts from the heart, we’re going to take art workshops to make our own objects to give to the people we love…
We’ll be taking workshops in;
- natural cosmetics
- candles
- pottery and ceramic painting
2Take dance classes
With the first snowfall, we’re in danger of seasonal depression-but we’ve got the formula for not succumbing to late autumn boredom. We don’t hibernate in Montreal!
In addition to our fall bucket list and outings with friends, we’re going to try a new dance class…
We’ll give it a try;
- figure skating
- pole dancing
- classical ballet
3.drinking mulled wine
Starting in November, one of the best parts of the holiday season will appear on virtually every street corner in Montreal: the holiday market.
We’ll be drinking mulled wine (with almonds in it, like in Scandinavia), eating raclette, pretzels, fudge… glued to the brazier and happy, because holiday markets have smells and tastes that are like Proust’s madeleines worthy of Thomas Kinkade’s paintings.
Montreal holiday markets;
- November 27-December 21: Christmas Village at the Atwater Market
- November 21-January 4: Grand Marché de Noël at Place des Arts
- November 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 and December 5, 6 and 7: Hudson Christmas Market (55-minute drive from Montreal)
*Thisarticle may be updated during the season.
4 See Santa Claus
On November 22, 2025, one month before Christmas (for those who celebrate), Santa Claus visits children (and adults) in Montreal with a parade through the downtown core – and it’s time to say hello in case he’s forgotten us while making his list…
Where? Boulevard René-Levesque (nearby metro stations: Peel, McGill, Place-des-Arts, Lucien-l’Allier, Bonaventure, Place Victoria OACI, Place d’Armes) -the full parade route will be announced later.
When? November 22, 2025 -parade begins at 11 a.m.
How? It’s free, but you’ll need to arrive a little early to get a good spot on the parade route.
5 Staying at home
The next few months will also be cold and wet, and although we love going out every night, this is the coziest season of the year – and we’ll be staying at home a little more than usual (preferably in our lover’s arms and with a cat or dog lying on our lap).
We’ve got a little list of things we’re going to do while we’re at home;
- watch seasonal movies(Die Hard, Home Alone, The Grinch…)
- decorate a tree (eco-friendly) and our apartment for the holidays
- read (because the rest of the year, we never have time) or write
- knit
Have a great holiday season!