Twinkling lights draped across historic buildings mix with blankets of snow to set a magical winter wonderland scene in Canada come December. Though brisk air reddens cheeks, hearts brim with seasonal joy. There’s so much to see and do, no matter where you go in Canada. Locals welcome cold-weather travelers with European-style Christmas markets and cheerful holiday happenings, ensuring memorable adventures in this northern wonderland. With guidance to the most festive seasonal spots and warm places to defrost numb fingers, visitors can uncover winter magic while saving money on off-peak lodging deals across this grand country. We’ve included some information for some top cities to help you plan a little getaway to Canada this holiday season.
Montreal
Vibrant Montreal dazzles with the spectacle of Place Ville-Marie’s towering Christmas tree and festive decorations along Ste-Catherine Street. Old Montreal sets the scene for horse-drawn carriage rides past historic buildings frosted like gingerbread houses. The cold air carries scents of mulled wine and maple taffy from the Old Port Christmas market as you crunch through the snow. Bundle up to join carolers or glide across the Old Port ice skating rink at night. Take advantage of The Old Montreal Extravaganza Christmas Village, which has over 100 artisans in little wooden chalets. Sample comfort food like poutine, Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, or maple sugar pie to fortify you for outdoor adventures. Montreal is popular because it’s only about an hour’s flight from New York City. December events include The Old Montreal Extravaganza, including a Christmas village and The Salon des Metiers d’ Arts. Esplanade Tranquille in the Quartier des Spectacles has a free outdoor rink for ice skaters. Stop by Montreal’s Notre Dame Basilica to see the Cathedral lit up.
Old Quebec
The European charm of Old Quebec City transports visitors back in time. It is enchanting that Quebec City is the only walled city in North America north of Mexico and has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic sector glitters with strings of white lights draped across narrow cobblestone streets. Listen for French carols and accordion music mingling with the clip-clopping of horses pulling people to the next market or cafe. Woodsmoke and roasting chestnuts lead you to spots serving up hearty Quebec comfort food like pea soup, baked beans, or tourtière meat pie. At the German-style Christmas market on the Old Port, peruse handmade crafts and gifts between sips of hot chocolate with a shot of maple liqueur to sweeten the experience. It features over 1,000 different handmade items that are perfect for Christmas gifts. No matter where you go, you’re bound to run into a Christmas display or holiday activities. Petit-Champlain is one of the most picturesque spots in the city, with narrow, winding cobblestone streets, and is considered the oldest commercial street in North America. During December, visitors can attend Festi Lumière at Aquarium du Québec, which features hundreds of Christmas lights, outdoor concerts, and inflatable games for kids. You can ride on a toboggan down in the heart of Old Quebec at Dufferin Terrace for active people. In January, visit the Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Quebec), one of the world’s most famous winter festivals.
Toronto
Despite the rather chilly temperatures during the winter months in Toronto, many tourists flock to the area during December. While Toronto endures frigid temperatures in December, getting around is easy with heated connections between major attractions via the PATH – the underground pedestrian walkways. There is an underground shopping complex that’s 17 miles long. Or escape the cold completely within the soaring Winter Garden over the railway tracks, where evergreens fill the indoor oasis. At the enchanting Casa Loma castle decked out for the holidays, gaze at the twinkling cityscape with a warming cup of Ontario cider. The Edward Castle is especially beautiful in winter, surrounded by snow. Catch the Toronto Maple Leafs playing ice hockey, or check out the magical Christmas Treats Walk at the Toronto Zoo on December 26 to feed the animals holiday snacks. Visit the Toronto Christmas Market, now known as The Distillery Winter Village. It is a fantastic holiday tradition in the city with a traditional European festive market. Located in the historic Distillery District, it features outdoor shopping cabins and food vendors, Christmas carol sing-a-longs, a gingerbread hunt, and a 50-foot Christmas tree.
Calgary
Calgary is a thriving city, and over 1.3 million people call it home. It’s filled with galleries, shops, restaurants and theaters. There’s a lot for tourists to do in Calgary in December. In Calgary, dustings of snow set the scene for winter fun and seasonal savings. Milder Chinook winds occasionally raise temperatures to let you comfortably experience outdoor ice skating at Bowness Park with Rocky Mountain views. Watch runners dressed as Santa Claus during the inventive Run with Santa Claus 5K race in early December. For affordable family fun and giving back, head to the Calgary Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss Game in early December to throw stuffed animals onto the ice hockey rink to benefit children in need over the holidays. After working up an appetite, tuck into Alberta prime rib with Yorkshire puddings paired nicely with local craft beer. From events like ZOOLIGHTS at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo to Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park, December is full of seasonal fun in Calgary. The Airdrie Festival of Lights is Western Canada’s largest free outdoor Christmas light display, running nightly from 6 pm to 9 pm throughout December. Granary Road’s Christmas Market is an enchanting celebration of the holidays to find that special & unique gift from the large collective of Artisan vendors and makers. Christmas carols playing throughout the Market, beautifully decorated trees, strings upon strings of Christmas lights and other festive décor make Granary Road a destination for Christmas shoppers, foodies, and families.
Lodging rates drop during the off-season, especially mid-week, so plan your escape to Canada before or after Christmas for the best deals. Pack ultra-warm layers so you can immerse yourself in icy wonderlands aglow with holiday magic, perfect for making 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 make spirits bright. Return home with a camera full of glistening winter scenes, bellies satisfied with comforting regional cuisine, fingers toasty from ceramic mugs, and a soul overflowing with the magical holiday spirit unique to our friendly neighbors up north. Plan your Christmas-card-worthy Canadian escape now before seasonal savings melt away!
