Old Montreal : History and magic

The 2023 holiday season promotional campaign, “Old Montreal : History & Magic'', will be in full swing throughout the old quarter for the entire month of December, and the fun starts now. It is thus in the spirit of the season that you are cordially invited to discover – or rediscover – Old Montreal’s famous historical cachet in all of its irresistible, yuletide charm.

In an atmosphere altogether conducive to good cheer and memorable moments, visitors to Old Montreal will have their pick of a host of activities and promotions to mark this most wonderful time of the year, including scintillating light paths, must-visit destinations, as well as exclusive experiences where discovery and amazement mix in equal measure.

A festive December across the old quarter

Throughout this year’s merriest month, treat yourself to any of several festive soirées going on in the neighbourhood, find out where unmissable New Year’s Eve celebrations are happening, be regaled by outstanding gastronomic holiday menus, or do your Christmas shopping in style thanks to a panoply of splendid gift ideas. Most importantly, enjoy every moment with family and friends during what promises to be an unforgettable holiday season in Old Montreal.

When it comes to unique experiences you won’t soon forget, the holiday activities program, put together and brought to you by the local community, promises to deliver on all fronts. Included is Holidays on the Pointe at Pointe-à-Callière, where visitors will find themselves immersed in a Christmas wonderland beyond compare, as well as Les Choralies at the Notre-Dame-De-Bon-Secours Chapel, where a cappella concerts held between December 2 and 17 will render melodious homage to Christmas tradition in one of Old Montreal’s most cherished settings. Rest assured, an atmosphere of pure enchantment decked out in all the festiveness of the holiday season awaits you at the Marguerite-Bourgeoys Historic Site this year!

A new and improved glow

Light up your experience in Old Montreal by strolling through its magnificently illuminated public squares, paying a visit to the Château Ramezay in full mirth mode or the Sir-Georges-Étienne-Cartier historic site with its end-of-year special event, A Victorian Christmas, or by joining in on a Christmas Secrets of Old Montreal walking tour, organized by the good people at Guidatour.

Don’t forget to stop in front of the Lucien-Saulnier building on Notre-Dame Street East where you’ll be dazzled by the brand new constellation of 9 majestic stars creating a scintillating link between the Palais de Justice and the Place Vauquelin. In the same spirit, just off of Place Jacques-Cartier – which boasts an impressive light installation of its own – Place de la Dauversière will also be beautifully lit up, transforming it into an enchanted forest of the frosty kind for the duration of the winter. Add to all of this the splendidly decorated shop windows glowing throughout the neighbourhood, courtesy of Old Montreal’s local merchants, which are sure to bestow a warm and festive atmosphere all their own.

To make your visit even more delightful, a network of winter rest areas will be gracing a number of emblematic sites and public squares across Old Montreal, places where pedestrians can take a load off while just soaking it all in, holiday style.

Finally, live the ultimate magic moment with a visit to the Notre-Dame Basilica, where the AURA experience will be blowing peoples’ minds every week throughout December. Other events not to be missed include the Candlelight - Holiday Special evenings, as well as Handel’s Messiah in concert, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Principal Conductor of the Orchestre Métropolitain.

Holiday contest for the local collective

In addition to the many activities proposed, a holiday contest dedicated to local Old Montreal collective #GENSDUVIEUX will be playing out over the entire month of December. Workers, entrepreneurs and residents of the area are cordially invited to sign up to the Gens du Vieux Facebook group to stay up to date on all the details.

Find out everything you need to know about what’s going on in our Holiday section and follow all the fun on Old Montreal’s official social media by using the hashtag #historiqueetfeerique. For more details, please feel free to consult our official press release related to this campaign.

The 2023 holiday season promotional campaign is brought to you by the SDC Vieux-Montréal in proud partnership with the Ville-Marie borough.