This weekend, 20 centimetres of snow will fall on Montreal, frosting windowsills and tree branches and transforming the city into a winter wonderland.
And that’s all well and good. But if Montreal is sometimes compared to a big European city because of its many French expatriates, its Law 101 and its colonial architecture – its love of inflatable Christmas decorations is definitely North American.
When it comes to the holidays, there are many types of Montrealers. There are those who don’t decorate because they’ll be decorating at the cottage. There are those who put a real spruce wreath on their front door and a Scandinavian wooden chandelier in the kitchen.
And, finally, those who bring us so much joy: those who transform the outside of their condo into a magical Christmas festival with all the textures, lights and colors of a 90s cartoon.
We recommend taking a stroll…
1.Verdun
One of the most illuminated neighborhoods during the holidays, Verdun stands out with its elaborate festive installations.
Cuckoo Claus and the Nutcracker appear on the grounds, and the lights are seemingly endless.
Take a stroll between Beatty and Willibrod streets and the surrounding area, just off Verdun Street, to admire some of the merriest homes in the Southwest.
And according to the instagram account @notrefamilleauquebec, at 705 6ᵉ Avenue, Verdun (Montreal) you can see the most photogenic Santa Claus house in the neighborhood.
2.Mile-End
Yes, sometimes Mile End is too cool to participate, but during the holidays the neighborhood takes on a life of its own.
Take a stroll down rue Jeanne-Mance, near St-Joseph, to find colorful, illuminated addresses.
3 Plateau Mont-Royal
Avenue Mont-Royal, with its shops and small residential streets, is always very, very charming at this time of year.
We recommend starting on Avenue Mont-Royal, stopping to make a snow angel in a park and drink a hot chocolate for maximum seasonal enchantment.
4 Rosemont Petite-Patrie
One of the neighborhoods with the trendiest communities, Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie always stands out when it comes to decorations, both at Halloween and during the holiday season.
Take a stroll along Beaubien, from 1st to 10th avenues, to find illuminated duplexes, triplexes and small houses that will instantly put you in the holiday spirit.
A great holiday season in Montreal!