To celebrate the (official) start of the holiday season in Montreal, we’ve got several options this weekend…
The more christmas hardcore will first take a trip to one of the holiday markets opening this Saturday for a glass of mulled wine, a pretzel or a hot chocolate filled with mini marshmallows. They’ve already planned the color scheme for their Christmas tree and have a wreath hanging on their front door.
And, when night falls, they’ll be going where all Montreal will be at 6 p.m. Saturday night: to the lighting of the big fir tree in the Old Port.
The Grand Sapin of the Old Port of Montreal
In the ultra-romantic setting of Montreal’s Old Port, our favorite neighborhood with its old-fashioned street lamps, cobblestones and gray stone buildings, a giant Christmas tree has its place all decided.
The one at the foot of Montreal’s Ferris Wheel is 43 feet (13 meters) high, and will be illuminated throughout the holiday season.
The illumination!
Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 6 p.m. marks the annual lighting of this tree, and for the occasion we’ll be pulling out our seasonal knitted tuques and mittens (in red, white and green with reindeer and snowflakes).
There’ll be hot chocolate, a DJ and choir, luminous souvenir mugs and entertainment-the illumination will be a veritable festival of light and Christmas cheer.
And if we don’t have time to go this Saturday-because our holiday calendar is completely overbooked-there will be illuminations every Saturday until December 27 at 6pm.
Practical info
Where? Montreal’s Old Port, at the foot of the Ferris Wheel
When? Saturday, November 22 at 6pm (and every Saturday until December 27)
How to get there? You’ll need a ticket for the Giant Ferris Wheel to access the tree-lighting site, and tickets are available here (from $28).
Beautiful illumination, and a wonderful holiday season in Montreal!