Things to Do in Montreal in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
December Weather in Montreal
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
29°F (-1°C)
High Temp
16°F (-8°C)
Low Temp
3.6 inches (91 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Ice storms lock the city down. When Environment Canada warns of freezing rain, stay underground. Cancel outdoor plans.
⚠ Wind chill can hit -20°C (-4°F). Exposed skin freezes in 30 minutes. Cover up or head inside.
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Hotel prices drop 30-40% from summer peaks - same Old Montreal rooms that require 3-month advance booking in July suddenly have week-of availability
- + Christmas markets transform the city - the wooden chalets in Place Jacques-Cartier sell maple taffy pulled on snow, and the smell of pine mingles with woodsmoke from outdoor fireplaces
- + Underground city (RESO) becomes your climate-controlled playground - 32 km (20 miles) of connected malls, metro stations, and hotel lobbies mean you can explore for hours without going outside
- + Montreal en Fêtes festival lights up the city with free outdoor concerts and light installations - the Ferris wheel at Old Port runs year-round but December nights feel almost private
Considerations
- − Sidewalks become ice rinks - the freeze-thaw cycle means yesterday's snow becomes today's sheet of ice, and even locals walk like penguins
- − Daylight lasts barely 8 hours - the sun sets at 4:15 PM, so outdoor sightseeing needs to happen before lunch or not at all
- − Outdoor patios are gone - those Instagram-famous terrasses on Saint-Laurent are stacked with snow, and the city's famous street life moves indoors
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Montreal in December accepts the cold with a collective shrug. The air carries a metallic chill, often between sixteen and twenty-nine degrees Fahrenheit. Underfoot, you will find crusted snow, slick ice, and the damp patches of an occasional thaw. The month is defined by the deliberate warmth Montrealers create in response. Locals move through heated underground corridors. Their footsteps echo off tiled walls. They emerge into squares transformed by the Montreal en Fêtes festival. These public spaces become social hearths, bathed in the glow of light installations. The scent of roasting chestnuts mixes with the sound of free outdoor concerts. Weekends shift toward the Christmas markets of Noël dans le Parc. In parks like Saint-Louis, the sweet, smoky aroma of maple taffy cuts through the crisp air. Steam rises from paper cups of hot cider. Vendors offer slices of savory tourtière. This is a month for layered woolens. You will feel the contrast between frigid outdoor air and the sudden warmth of a crowded cafe. The taste of a rich, steaming bowl of pea soup is perfect after an afternoon outdoors. The historic stone buildings in Old Montreal take on a solemn, gray beauty against the short daylight. This makes the illuminated evenings feel more convivial.
Curling Experience in Montreal
guided_experienceA hands-on introduction to Canada's well-known winter sport. You will feel the cool, smooth granite of the stone. Hear the distinctive whoosh as it travels down the pebbled ice. Learn the careful sweeping techniques that control its path. The atmosphere inside the curling rink is one of focused camaraderie. It is punctuated by the clinking of stones and the coach's clear instructions.
It turns a spectator sport into a physical activity. This connects you directly to a Canadian winter pastime.
Insider tip: Wear thin, flexible gloves under the provided curling gloves. This gives you better dexterity and warmth on the ice.
Underground city & Downtown. Great way to stay warm!
otherA strategic look at Montreal's famed interior network. You will navigate a maze of tiled corridors connecting metro stations. Feel the shift from the dry air of shopping concourses to the humid warmth of the indoor botanical garden at Place Ville Marie. See how this system supports a parallel city life. The guide points out architectural details and historic integration points you would miss alone.
It provides an expert-led key to the vast, confusing underground network. This is central to the Montreal winter experience.
Insider tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and a removable layer. The constant indoor temperature can feel quite warm.
Full Day Family Bike Rental
day_tripA bracing way to see Montreal's winter-ready park paths and cycling lanes. You will feel the invigorating rush of cold air on your face. Pedal along the Lachine Canal. See the skeletal beauty of leafless trees in Mount Royal Park. Hear the crunch of snow under your tires on maintained paths. The city's BIXI bike-share system remains operational. A full-day rental from a local shop provides more flexibility and often sturdier winter equipment.
It grants active visitors independence. Cover expansive green spaces and waterfronts at your own pace to see a quieter, resilient side of Montreal.
Insider tip: Stick to the main, plowed paths in Mount Royal Park and along the canal. Secondary trails can be icy and treacherous.
Colonial Secrets of Old Montreal Walking Tour
walking_tourExamines the foundational stories in the cobblestone streets and limestone walls. You will stand in the shadow of the Notre-Dame Basilica. Hear tales of fur traders and religious orders in narrow lanes. Feel the uneven stones underfoot that have witnessed centuries of history. The guide illuminates the architectural details and hidden courtyards that speak to a layered past.
This tour peels back the tourist facade of Old Montreal. It reveals the dramatic human narratives that shaped the city's earliest days.
Insider tip: The tour proceeds regardless of weather. Dress in insulated, waterproof boots and thermal layers to stay focused on the history.
Private Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour W/ 8 Tastings
foodA deep spend of time in the culinary heart of Montreal's most active Italian quarter. You will smell the earthy fragrance of fresh truffles and aged cheeses in the covered market. Taste tangy house-made sausages and creamy burrata. Hear the melodic mix of French and Italian between the stalls. The tour moves from the market's crowded aisles to the quiet, family-owned shops on neighboring streets.
It provides curated, behind-the-counter access to the artisans and vendors who supply Montreal's best restaurants and home cooks.
Insider tip: The indoor market is heated but the warehouse-like space remains cool. Wear a warm sweater you can easily move in.
This month: The Jean-Talon Market operates year-round. The outdoor farmers' section is greatly reduced in December. This focuses the experience on the exceptional indoor cheesemongers, butchers, and gourmet grovers.
Where to Stay in Montreal in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Throughout December
Montreal en Fêtes
The city's winter festival runs throughout December with free outdoor concerts, light installations, and heated terraces that pop up in squares across the city. Place des Arts becomes the main stage with performances ranging from Quebec folk to indie rock, all accessible via underground tunnels.
Weekends in December
Noël dans le Parc
Three parks (Saint-Louis, Lahaie, and des Compagnons) host simultaneous Christmas markets with local artisans, outdoor concerts, and food stalls serving tourtière (meat pie) and maple taffy. The events feel more authentic than tourist-focused markets.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Montreal Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Metro cars have heating vents under the seats - locals claim the orange line cars run warmest during rush hour
Saint-Viateur and Fairmount bagel shops stay open 24/7 in December - the wood-fired ovens keep staff warm, and fresh sesame bagels at 2 AM taste better than anything you'll eat at normal hours
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month, and December's shorter lines mean you can see the exhibits
Underground maps are confusing by design - locals navigate by memory. Download the free RESO app before you arrive since underground WiFi is spotty
Avoid These Mistakes
Booking hotels without indoor parking - street parking becomes a snow-zone nightmare, and overnight parking tickets fund half the city's winter budget
Restaurants shut early in December. Foot traffic vanishes after dark, so many close at 9 PM. Plan dinner accordingly.
Pack winter boots. Cobblestones in Old Montreal glaze into ice rinks. Fashion boots send tourists to pharmacies for bandages.
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