Montreal Christmas Markets 2026: Dates, Hours and How to Visit
Montreal’s Christmas market season begins in November, bringing outdoor chalets, local artisans, seasonal food and festive entertainment to two different parts of the city.
The Great Montreal Christmas Market opens downtown on November 13, while the Montreal Christmas Village returns to Atwater Market on November 26. Both offer free admission, but each has its own atmosphere, opening days and programme.
If you’re visiting Montreal in November or December, here’s how to choose between them and plan your visit.
1. The Great Montreal Christmas Market
The Great Montreal Christmas Market takes place in the Quartier des spectacles, along Jeanne-Mance Street between Sainte-Catherine Street and the area around Balmoral.
It runs from November 13, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
The 2026 edition features:
- Around 40 wooden chalets.
- More than 50 exhibitors from Quebec.
- More than 150 free activities.
- Seasonal food and drinks.
- Musical and theatrical entertainment.
The market is a good choice if you’re staying downtown and want to combine holiday shopping with restaurants, museums and other attractions in the Quartier des spectacles.
Opening hours
From November 13 to December 20:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday–Friday | 3 p.m.–10 p.m. |
| Saturday | 11 a.m.–10 p.m. |
| Sunday | 11 a.m.–8 p.m. |
From December 21 to January 3, the market opens daily, with the following regular hours:
- Monday–Friday: 3 p.m.–10 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Special holiday hours apply on December 21–25 and December 31. Check the official schedule before visiting on those dates.
Where is it and how do you get there?
The market is located at 1499 Jeanne-Mance Street, in the Quartier des spectacles.
The closest metro stations are:
- Place-des-Arts
- Saint-Laurent
Several bus routes also serve the area, including 15, 55, 80, 125 and 480.
2. The Montreal Christmas Village at Atwater Market
For a different atmosphere, head to the Montreal Christmas Village at Place du Marché Atwater.
It runs from November 26 to December 24, 2026, bringing local and regional artisans together in a festive setting near the Lachine Canal.
The programme includes:
- 59 exhibitors from Quebec.
- More than 90 free activities.
- Family-friendly entertainment.
- The Kingdom of the Elves, with activities shared across the two Christmas markets.
- Seasonal food and handmade gifts.
The Christmas Village is particularly interesting for families and visitors who want to explore a different neighbourhood rather than staying entirely downtown.
Opening hours
The organiser’s detailed schedule currently lists:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Thursday, November 26 | 4 p.m.–7 p.m. |
| Friday | 4 p.m.–8 p.m. |
| Saturday | 11 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Sunday | 11 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| December 21–23 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| December 24 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. |
Check the official programme for additional December openings and any special extended hours.
Where is it and how do you get there?
The Christmas Village is located at 3325 Saint-Ambroise Street, at Place du Marché Atwater, near the corner of Atwater Avenue.
The nearest metro station is Lionel-Groulx. Bus routes 35, 36, 101 and 108 also serve the area.
There are bicycle racks nearby and parking in the surrounding area.
Which Montreal Christmas market should you visit?
Both markets offer free admission, local products and seasonal entertainment, but they suit slightly different itineraries.
Choose the Great Montreal Christmas Market if:
- You’re staying downtown.
- You want to combine shopping with restaurants and cultural attractions.
- You prefer evening visits and a central location.
- You’re visiting after November 13 and want a market that continues into January.
Choose the Montreal Christmas Village if:
- You want to explore the Atwater Market neighbourhood.
- You’re travelling with children.
- You’re interested in Quebec artisans and family activities.
- You want to combine the market with a visit to the Lachine Canal area.
You can visit both, but allow time to travel between the two locations rather than treating them as one attraction.
Are Montreal’s Christmas markets free?
Yes. General admission to both markets is free.
You’ll need to budget separately for food, drinks, shopping and any optional experiences or special packages.
Planning your visit
Opening days and hours change during the holiday period, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Check the official schedules shortly before travelling.
For more ideas during the same trip, see our guide to MTLàTABLE 2026 if you’re planning a restaurant outing, or our Montreal Underground City guide for advice on exploring downtown during colder weather.
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