The candy wrappers aren’t even swept up yet, but the countdown has started. Montreal Christmas markets open in just two weeks this year, and most organizers have published their dates and hours already. Whether you want mulled wine under the lights of the Quartier des spectacles, a family afternoon with Santa near Atwater Market or a head start on handmade gifts, here’s the full 2026 calendar so you can plan your weekends now.
The big two: Montreal Christmas markets run by La Lutinerie
Le Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal (Nov. 13 to Jan. 3)
The city’s flagship market returns to the Place des Festivals, 1499 rue Jeanne-Mance, from Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 to Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027. According to the organizers, expect 40 chalets showcasing more than 50 Quebec artisans, over 150 free activities, a music and theatre program built around the signature show “Noël à Montréal,” and, of course, the smell of vin chaud. Access is free.
Mind the hours, which change through the season:
- Nov. 13 to Dec. 20: closed Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday to Friday 3 to 10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Dec. 21 to Jan. 3: weekdays 3 to 10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Holiday exceptions: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Dec. 21 to 23; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 25; 3 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 31.
Getting there is easy by metro (Place-des-Arts or Saint-Laurent stations) or by bus lines 15, 55, 80, 125 and 480.
Le Village de Noël de Montréal (Nov. 26 to Dec. 24)
Over in Little Burgundy, the Village de Noël sets up near Atwater Market, at the corner of Saint-Ambroise Street and Atwater Avenue, right next to the Christmas tree sellers. It’s the more family-focused of the two: 59 Quebec artisans selling ethical and eco-friendly products, more than 90 free activities, a “Royaume des lutins” elf world for kids and Santa’s office for those all-important requests. Pair it with a market run from our guide to Montreal’s public markets.
- Nov. 26 to Dec. 20: Friday 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Opening night: Thursday, Nov. 26, 4 to 7 p.m.
- Final stretch: Dec. 21 to 23, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Dec. 24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Take the metro to Lionel-Groulx, or buses 35, 36, 101 or 108. Cyclists will find about 200 bike spots nearby.
More holiday markets to mark down
Tourisme Montréal’s November roundup lists several other markets worth a trip, especially if you want to shop local early:
- DDO Art and Craft Market (Nov. 6 to 8): the unofficial start of the season in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, with 80-plus vendors. Note the new location this year: Galeries des Sources, 3237 boulevard des Sources (Friday 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Marché des Fêtes Locoshop Angus (Nov. 14 and 15, Nov. 21 and 22): more than 100 Montreal and Quebec makers in Rosemont, with different artisans each weekend.
- Marché Éphémère at Windsor Station (Nov. 26 to 28): more than 150 Quebec artisans fill the old downtown train station with gourmet products, handmade gifts, art and stationery.
- Pôle Well in Verdun (November and December): Wellington Street lights up, with more than 250 participating businesses.
- Opération Noël at Complexe Desjardins (November and December): Santa, choirs, a carousel and a little train for the kids.
Two can’t-miss holiday traditions
The Santa Claus Parade (Saturday, Nov. 21)
The 74th Santa Claus Parade rolls along René-Lévesque Boulevard from Drummond Street to Saint-Urbain Street from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with about a dozen floats, marching bands and more than 1,000 performers and volunteers, per Montréal centre-ville. It’s free; organizers suggest arriving by 9:30 or 10 a.m. for a good spot and taking transit.
The CPKC Holiday Train (Nov. 19 and 20)
The illuminated train’s 28th edition stops in Montreal West and Beaconsfield, with festive programming that supports local food banks. The Montreal West calendar lists its stop at the train station on Broughton Road on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. Since the tour raises support for food banks, bringing a non-perishable item is a nice gesture.
Tips before you go
- Dress for standing still: an hour browsing outside feels colder than an hour walking.
- Weeknight evenings are calmer than Saturday afternoons at the Place des Festivals.
- Many artisans take cards, but a little cash helps at smaller stalls.
- Check each market’s site before heading out, since weather can affect outdoor programming.
Not ready for tinsel yet? November has plenty going on first: see our November festivals calendar, our list of free things to do in November and, for a warm-up between chalets, our food hall guide. More ideas are always in our Things to Do section. Joyeuses Fêtes… bientôt!
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- More things to do in Montreal on MTL365
Photo: Jeangagnon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources: Le Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal, Le Village de Noël de Montréal, Tourisme Montréal, Montréal centre-ville, Town of Montreal West
