That’s it—Halloween is over (barely) and it’s officially the holiday season—at least, according to the department stores.
Mariah Carey’s sweet voice sings “it’s tiiiiiiiiime” through all the speakers lining Montreal’s shopping streets, and some people have already started decorating their front doors with fir wreaths. The holiday season in Montreal is a very serious affair.
For a cocktail or hot chocolate in the festive spirit, head to the Christmas Tavern at Buvette Albert, decorated like the North Pole and 100% Christmas every year on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. It opens today, Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and it’s also a very serious affair.
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COCKTAILS LIKE AT THE NORTH POLE, THE CHRISTMAS TAVERN, AND A MUST-VISIT STOP DURING MONTREAL’S HOLIDAY SEASON
The decor at the Taverne de Noël is a mix of the Christmas party scene at the beginning of *How the Grinch Stole Christmas* (2000), a Hallmark movie office Christmas party, and a magical world that’s almost dizzying. People go there to reconnect with their childhood and to dream of a world where there’s a little more warmth and enchantment.
This is our recommendation for kicking off the holiday season in Montreal—and for grabbing a cocktail with a Scrooge who needs a little pick-me-up before Christmas.
The Christmas Tavern doesn’t take reservations, and you can enjoy an aperitif there amid the scent of pizza and candy canes in the comforting and slightly nostalgic atmosphere of the holidays. For the more adventurous, it could make for a great first date. Even if you have nothing to say to each other, the night will still be pretty magical.
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You can enjoy a pizza or a charcuterie board, and sip a seasonal cocktail—with a tongue-in-cheek name, of course.
- Chocolaretto
- Les Poules Saoules (eggnog)
- Forêt Rouge
- Vin Hotte (mulled wine)
- The Grinch
- Ti-Biscuit in the woods, etc…
The “pudding chômeur” looks pretty exceptional, and the gravlax makes us wish it would snow so we could walk through Montreal’s icy streets before heading into the Taverne de Noël to warm up.
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PRACTICAL INFO
Where? Taverne de Noël at Buvette Albert (formerly Le Petit Dep until recently) / 5125 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
When? Starting Wednesday, November 4, 2026
What? No reservations?
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