December 13, 2010 – Montréal absolutely loves to dress up and the holiday season is no exception. While you’re out enjoying the city’s winter wonder, make sure to check out these spots for their festive finery.
Streets
On downtown’s McGill College Avenue, stop to admire the millions of dazzling lights draped around the column of trees. This beautifully illuminated promenade leads to the Christmas tree that dominates Place Ville Marie, a shining beacon on a crisp winter eve. On the Plateau, discovery-worthy arteries include Saint-Denis Street, Mont-Royal Avenue and Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
Buildings
Whether inside or out, Montréal’s buildings also like to show off their shine and sparkle. Some notables include Domtar’s downtown office building that is aglow in Christmas lights and the floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree at Place Montréal Trust. At Complexe Desjardins, share your Christmas wishes with Santa and his elves at the elaborate Christmas Village.
Squares and parks
Soak up some of these dazzling squares and parks on your next winter walkabout. Wander through the lively ambiance of Phillips Square downtown, or enjoy the winter wonderland of Parc La Fontaine, where glittering lights adorn the trees and skating pond. Every year, young and old love the feel of long ago recreated in Lahaie Park during Christmas in the Park, which features a colourful medley of musicians, storytellers, poets, buskers and puppeteers in a festive village atmosphere.
Montréal musts
Old Montréal’s Extravaganza – As the name suggests, the city’s old quarter is brimming with the spirit of the holiday season. Its cobblestone streets and buildings are host to beautiful sights such as the magnificent Christmas trees of the Stars, while a skating rink, fireworks and a festive outdoor ball are part of the outdoor program. Don’t miss the Crakow nativity scenes, which shine the spotlight on the colourfully decorated cribs of Crakow, a popular folk art tradition from Poland.
Ogilvy – What would the holiday season be without a stop by the Ogilvy store windows? Wee ones never tire of watching the animal puppets come alive in their bustling fairytale village. This lively window decoration has been delighting passers-by for more than 50 years.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts – The MMFA is home to 35 trees decorated by different cultural communities as part of its Christmas tree exhibition. With the beautiful decorations—from straw figurines and ornaments to festive garlands fashioned from cranberries and popcorn—it’s an absolute delight for the eyes.
World Trade Centre Montréal – Take a tour of the Ruelle des Fortifications inside the building to see an exhibition of Santa Clauses. From Saint Nicholas to Bavarian Santa and Medieval Santa to 21st century Santa, you’ll discover their many looks, while a giant Christmas tree and 20-foot Christmas chandelier add to the attraction.
Sir George-Étienne-Cartier National Historic Site of Canada – Step back in time to Christmases past and relive the traditions of a Victorian Christmas, which comes with guided tours, storytelling and a presentation on the art of 19th-century holiday entertaining, all in the lavish interior of the Cartier residence.
