The tourtière is patiently waiting for Christmas Eve, the snow has settled in for good, and your gift list is still stuck on the same person. What do you give someone who keeps saying they don’t need anything? Candlelight Montréal has the perfect solution with its candlelit Christmas concerts: a wonderful evening to share instead of yet another gift under the tree.
The concept can be summed up in a few words: a live string quartet, thousands of candles, and about an hour of holiday music. The events take place at four iconic Montreal venues.
First, there’s Pointe-à-Callière, the city of archaeology and history situated on the very site where the city was founded, in Old Montreal. In Verdun, the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs showcases its Neo-Baroque architecture, while the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, built in 1872, displays its stained-glass windows designed by Guido Nincheri. Finally, the Rialto Theater, built in 1924, rounds out the lineup in a setting designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
Christmas Classics at Pointe-à-Callière, Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs, and Saint-Jean-Baptiste
For those who can never choose between Tchaikovsky and holiday radio. The program ranges from “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from The Nutcracker to “Carol of the Bells,” “Feliz Navidad,” “Last Christmas,” and “Let It Go” from Frozen.
Did you know? “Carol of the Bells” originated in Ukraine as “Chtchedryk,” a New Year’s song arranged by Mykola Leontovych and premiered in 1916. A century later, four strings take the stage: it’s the whole family’s playlist, all wrapped up in one evening.
11 December 2026 18:30 + more dates
Pointe-à-Callière
17 December 2026 20:30 + more dates
Église Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs
19 December 2026 18:30
Église Saint Jean-Baptiste
Christmas carols performed by a string ensemble at the Rialto Theater
This one is for traditionalists—those who know every chorus by heart. Under the title “Christmas Carols by a String Ensemble,” about twenty carols are performed: “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” “In the Bleak Midwinter,” “Good King Wenceslas,” and “Joy to the World.”
A little-known fact? “Silent Night” was first performed on Christmas Eve 1818 in Oberndorf, near Salzburg… accompanied by a simple guitar. At the Rialto, strings take over in a neo-Baroque hall restored in 2012.
20 December 2026 18:30
Théâtre Rialto
Holiday Gift Idea: The Candlelight Gift Card
Can’t decide between the great classics and traditional carols? Let them choose instead: with the Candlelight gift card, your loved ones decide for themselves the program, the venue, and the perfect time. It’s valid for all Candlelight concerts across the country for one year, and arrives directly by email with a code and an easy-to-print format (perfect for slipping under the tree or into a holiday card).
A concert to enjoy together
Giving tickets is also a way to treat yourself to a lovely outing as a couple, with family, or with friends. The show lasts about an hour, and between pieces, the musicians take the time to share the story behind each one. The event is open to ages 8 and up (though those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). One important logistical detail: latecomers will not be admitted. So be sure to arrive a little early, as doors open between 30 and 60 minutes before the show starts, depending on the venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Candlelight Christmas concerts held in Montreal?
It all depends on the program you choose: the great Christmas classics ring out at Pointe-à-Callière, at Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs Church, and at Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church. Meanwhile, the carols (“Christmas Carols by a String Ensemble”) are performed at the Rialto Theater.
How long does a Candlelight concert last?
Plan on about 60 minutes. To give you time to settle in comfortably, doors open between 30 and 60 minutes before the show starts, depending on the venue. Please note that latecomers will not be admitted to the venue.
What should you wear?
There’s no dress code: just come as you are. Most attendees simply opt for a chic or casual outfit.
Is there a minimum age to attend the concerts?
Yes, the concerts are open to children ages 8 and up. However, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
How does the Candlelight gift card work?
After purchase, you’ll receive an email with a code and a printable version. The recipient opens the Fever app (the code doesn’t work in a web browser), goes to Profile → Coupons → Add Coupon, and then applies it when making a reservation.
It’s valid for all Candlelight concerts in Canada for one year after purchase.
