Montreal might have a reputation for being an incredible place to visit in the summertime—but the city also comes alive throughout the holiday season. You’ll find plenty of European-inspired Christmas markets, beautiful light displays, and cozy holiday-themed cocktail bars all over the city, making the frenzy of the impending holidays a little more fun.

If you’re heading to Montreal for the holidays, here are some of the best things to see and to do ensure a fun and festive time in the city:

Where to Stay

There are quite a few festive spots to drop your bags in Montreal but the Ritz-Carlton Montreal stands out as the best high-end property in the city to visit around the holidays. The hotel boasts a stunning lobby and Palm Court that is always dressed to the nines come the holiday season. There’s also an indoor pool and onsite spa that make a serious case for a little pre-holiday rest and relaxation before the frenzy of the season really begins.

If you’re looking for something in the Old Port of Montreal, consider checking into the Hotel William Gray. The stunning property is housed in an 18th-century building and boasts beautiful views of the St Lawrence River. The hotel is currently offering a handful of winter-friendly deals that include access to rooftop dining in heated domes on the hotel rooftop.

What to See

Montreal is home to a handful of really good European-inspired Christmas markets. The Great Christmas Market at Place des Festivals is going to be the best place to shop for gifts from artisans and independent boutiques and makers while Montreal’s Christmas Village, next door to the Atwater Market, is the place to find local food- and drink-focused gifts.

The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is open to everyone throughout the holiday season (and year round) and can be a beautiful experience if you’re interested in witnessing a live choir. The Grand Roue de Montreal is another excellent way to get a feel for the city and its holiday traditions (the 196-foot high ferris wheel allows you to take in the holiday lights from above with a hot beverage in hand).

Where to Eat and Drink

There’s nothing better than a cheeky holiday-themed pop-up bar and Miracle Montreal at Le 132-Bar Vintage spares no detail when it comes to creating holiday movie magic in a cocktail glass. From ingredients like eggnog and cranberry juice to gloriously tacky Santa Claus glassware, here’s where you’ll want to warm up with a stiff drink after a day spent exploring.

Dining in heated outdoor domes became trendy during the pandemic but many restaurants in Montreal have continued using these unique dining solutions to enable outdoor dining into the winter months. Head to Terrasse William Gray for cozy outdoor casual fine dining dining from the rooftop or pop over to Bivouac for more bistro-influenced fare.