Twinkling lights draped across historic buildings mix with blankets of snow. This creates a magical winter wonderland in Canada in December. Though the brisk air reddens cheeks, hearts brim with seasonal joy at European-style Christmas markets. In addition, cheerful holiday happenings lift spirits. Wondering how to plan the perfect winter escape? This guide covers top cities like Montreal and Toronto. It also highlights must-see festive events and insider tips for finding off-peak lodging deals before or after Christmas. Drawing from traveler stories and extensive research, I’m excited to help you uncover winter magic. Additionally, you’ll find warm spots to defrost numb fingers across this grand northern country. Best Train Trips in Canada
Montreal
Vibrant Montreal dazzles in December with the towering Christmas tree at Place Ville-Marie. There are festive decorations along Ste-Catherine Street. Old Montreal, with its historic buildings frosted like gingerbread houses, offers horse-drawn carriage rides. Additionally, the Old Port Christmas Market features scents of mulled wine and maple taffy filling the crisp air (check for official dates).
Travelers I’ve spoken with rave about this cozy vibe. Montreal’s Two Cultures. Bundle up for caroling or glide across the Old Port ice skating rink at night. The average temperatures are around 23°F (-5°C). Don’t miss The Old Montreal Extravaganza Christmas Village, featuring over 100 artisans in wooden chalets.
The illuminated Notre-Dame Basilica provides a stunning backdrop for holiday services. Sample poutine or maple sugar pie to warm up, and note that Montreal is just an hour’s flight from NYC. The flight often costs under $300 round-trip on budget airlines. Free rinks like Esplanade Tranquille in Quartier des Spectacles make this a family-friendly stop. Winter Vacation: Top Winter Getaways
Old Quebec
The European charm of Old Quebec City is the only walled city in North America north of Mexico. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transporting visitors back in time during December. Historic streets glitter with white lights. French carols and accordion music mingle with the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages. Carnaval De Quebec. At the German-style Christmas Market near Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, peruse over 1,000 handmade crafts. Sipping hot chocolate spiked with maple liqueur is a must-try, according to fellow travelers. With temperatures averaging 18°F (-8°C), warm up with hearty pea soup or tourtière meat pie. Explore Petit-Champlain, North America’s oldest commercial street. Enjoy December events like Festi Lumière at Aquarium du Québec, with hundreds of lights and family-friendly games. Plan mid-week visits for lower hotel rates. Fly into Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport for easy access.
Toronto
Toronto braves frigid December temperatures, averaging 25°F (-4°C), but getting around is easy. The heated PATH underground walkways span 17 miles of shopping and attractions. Escape the cold in the soaring Winter Garden over the railway tracks, an indoor oasis of evergreens. Visit Casa Loma castle, stunningly decked out for the holidays with views of the twinkling cityscape (ticket prices start at $30 CAD). Friends who’ve visited rave about The Distillery Winter Village in the historic Distillery District. It is a European-style market with outdoor cabins, carol sing-alongs, and a 50-foot Christmas tree. Catch a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game. Feed animals holiday snacks at the Toronto Zoo’s Christmas Treats Walk (often on Dec 26). Skate at Nathan Phillips Square for free if you bring your own skates. Use the TTC subway to dodge holiday traffic near major events.
Calgary
Calgary, home to over 1.3 million people, thrives with galleries, shops, and theaters. It offers winter fun for tourists in December, when temperatures average 21°F (-6°C). Milder Chinook winds occasionally warm the air, perfect for outdoor ice skating at Bowness Park with Rocky Mountain views. Join unique events like the Run with Santa Claus 5K race or the Calgary Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss Game (both early December). Here, you toss stuffed animals onto the rink for children in need, a heartwarming tradition, per local insights. Explore ZOOLIGHTS at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo or Granary Road’s Christmas Market for artisan gifts amid festive decor. Fly into Calgary International Airport for easy access. Book mid-week stays in early December for rates up to 20% lower during this off-peak time. Fun Things to Do in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Sample 5-Day Itinerary for Canada in December
Arrive in Toronto, explore The Distillery Winter Village.
Day trip to Niagara Falls for the Winter Festival of Lights.
Travel to Montreal, visit the Old Port Christmas Market.
Explore Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica.
Return to Toronto, skate at Nathan Phillips Square before departure.
Plan your escape to Canada before or after Christmas for the best lodging deals. Midweek bookings in early December often save 20% or more on hotels. Pack ultra-warm layers like thermal base layers, waterproof boots, and a parka rated for sub-zero temps. December can dip to 0°F (-18°C) with frequent snow. Check road conditions on 511 Canada if driving. Immerse yourself in icy wonderlands aglow with holiday magic for memories worth chilling for!
Whether sipping hot beverages amid the bustling holiday hubbub of lively cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary or wandering the enchanting historic streets of Old Quebec, December in Canada promises to brighten spirits with winter wonders. From Montreal’s Christmas markets to Calgary’s ZOOLIGHTS, return home with a camera full of glistening scenes and a belly satisfied with comforting cuisine. Foods to Try in Canada. Plan your Christmas-card-worthy Canadian escape now. Book early for seasonal savings! Have questions about traveling to Canada in December? Leave a comment below—I’d love to help! Check out my other winter travel guides for more inspiration.
