Montreal transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, making it an ideal city for Christmas tours and experiences. Its blend of historic charm, French Canadian traditions, and dazzling light displays creates a magical atmosphere that’s hard to beat. We’re particularly fond of the Old Montréal Small-Group Christmas Tour for its intimate setting and rich storytelling, and the Montreal Christmas Lights Private Walking Tour for its personalized, immersive approach. Whether you’re wandering festive streets, marveling at holiday illuminations, or exploring decorated landmarks, Montreal offers a variety of ways to celebrate the season with authentic local flavor.
If you’re after a classic holiday experience, the Old Montréal Small-Group Christmas Tour stands out for its shared journey through the historic heart of the city, with insights into French Canadian customs. For those who want a more private, detailed exploration, the Montreal: Christmas Lights Private Walking Tour offers a tailored experience passing by iconic sites like Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port, all illuminated with holiday cheer. We’ve included a selection of tours that range from quick, festive walks to private luxury experiences, ensuring there’s something for every traveler seeking a Christmas in Montreal.
1. Old Montréal Small-Group Christmas Tour
At number 1, the Old Montréal Small-Group Christmas Tour offers a cozy, 1.5-hour walk through historic streets decorated for the holidays. Priced at just $25 per person and rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 37 reviews, it’s an affordable way to soak up Montreal’s festive charm. The tour guides introduce visitors to local Christmas customs rooted in French Canadian traditions, making it both educational and fun. You’ll stroll past shops, museums, and hotel lobbies adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal decorations, creating a picturesque holiday scene.
What makes this tour special is its intimate size, which allows for a relaxed pace and personalized storytelling. The guide shares insights into Montreal’s holiday history and traditions, enriching your understanding of how Christmas is celebrated in this Canadian city. It’s ideal for those short on time but wanting a genuine taste of Montreal’s holiday spirit. The tour’s value is excellent given its affordability and the depth of cultural stories shared. For history buffs or holiday decorators alike, this tour offers a perfect introduction to Montreal’s Christmas ambiance.
Bottom Line: Budget-friendly, lively, and informative—this tour is perfect if you want a quick, authentic holiday experience in Old Montreal.
2. Montreal: Christmas Lights Private Walking Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Montreal: Christmas Lights Private Walking Tour, which costs $93 per person and lasts about 2 hours. This tour shines—literally—by focusing on the city’s stunning holiday light displays and festive neighborhoods. Its private setting means you can customize your experience, walking from the Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) to the Old Port, passing by the illuminated Notre-Dame Basilica and charming Old Montreal district.
What sets this tour apart is the personalized narration from an expert guide, making it feel like an exclusive holiday adventure. The guide relives every detail of the route, ensuring you don’t miss the dazzling light displays or hidden holiday gems. It’s perfect for those who want to see the city’s holiday illuminations with an intimate, tailored approach. The experience is highly rated, earning a perfect 5-star review from all 7 reviewers, many noting how the guide made the magic come alive.
This tour is best suited for couples, families, or small groups who want a flexible, in-depth look at Montreal’s Christmas lighting, combined with local insights.
Bottom Line: For exceptional personalization and a focus on holiday lighting, this private walking tour offers a memorable, immersive experience.
3. Christmas Walking Tour in Old Montreal
The Christmas Walking Tour in Old Montreal ranks third, offering a 1.5-hour stroll through Montreal’s historic heart. Priced at about $24.46, it’s another budget-friendly option for holiday enthusiasts. This tour highlights Montreal’s European-inspired Christmas traditions, visiting major sights like Victoria Square, Bonsecours Market, and the Santa Claus exhibit at the World Trade Center.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour focuses on the city’s holiday decorations, twinkling lights, and charming figurines. The visit to Bonsecours Market, a site open for over a century, is a highlight—perfect for browsing local crafts and Christmas gifts. One reviewer noted that the guide shared “interesting tidbits about Montreal’s history and architecture,” adding depth to the experience. The tour is especially good for those interested in combining holiday sights with some shopping and local flavor.
While the 1.5-hour walk is short, it packs enough festive cheer and cultural insights to leave you feeling inspired. It’s ideal for travelers on a tight schedule or those wanting a gentle, guided introduction to Old Montreal’s Christmas traditions.
Bottom Line: An affordable, informative tour that captures Montreal’s holiday spirit and highlights key historic sites decorated for Christmas.
4. Christmas Magic: Old Montreal Private Walking Tour
Number 4 offers the Christmas Magic: Old Montreal Private Walking Tour, costing $1,070 for groups up to four, making it a high-end, personalized experience. Lasting about 2 hours, this tour takes you through the most iconic, beautifully decorated landmarks in Old Montreal with a private guide. You’ll visit Victoria Square, Place d’Armes, and the Notre-Dame Basilica, all lit up with spectacular holiday lights, creating a true seasonal fairy tale.
The tour’s standout feature is its exclusivity: it is tailored entirely to your group, with customized stops and stories. The guide shares insights into Montreal’s holiday traditions and local customs, deepening your appreciation for the season. The tour also includes a visit to a Christmas market with local treats, adding a festive culinary element. Although the price is steep, it’s perfect for travelers seeking a private, luxurious experience that’s both romantic and family-friendly.
This tour is particularly appealing to those celebrating a special occasion or visitors who want a comprehensive, intimate look at Montreal’s festive landmarks with personalized attention. Reviewers mention how the guide’s storytelling made the experience magical, and the tailored approach means you can focus on your interests.
Bottom Line: For a private, luxurious holiday experience, this tour offers the most personalized and memorable way to celebrate Christmas in Montreal.
$1,070 per group up to 4
5. Private Walking Tour in Old Montreal Christmas Magic
Finally, the Private Walking Tour in Old Montreal Christmas Magic offers a similar private experience but at a more accessible price of $545.17 per person. This roughly 2-hour tour covers Victoria Square’s dazzling Christmas lights, the World Trade Center’s decorated indoor promenade, and the historic charm of Place d’Armes, ending at Bonsecours Market.
This tour emphasizes the visual spectacle of Montreal’s holiday decorations and the festive ambiance of its historic streets. The guide takes you through beautifully lit landmarks and explores local holiday markets, perfect for souvenir shopping or finding unique gifts. The itinerary is designed to showcase Montreal’s holiday spirit at every stop, with plenty of opportunities for photos and stories about local traditions.
While it’s a private tour, it’s slightly more structured than the previous option, making it ideal for travelers who want a personalized experience without the highest price tag. Reviewers highlight the tour’s ability to combine history, art, and festive sights seamlessly.
Bottom Line: A good choice for those wanting a private, festive walk through Old Montreal with a focus on holiday decorations and local markets.
$545.17 per person
How to Choose Your Montreal Christmas Experience
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, how much time you have, and what kind of experience you want. If you’re pressed for time but want a quick, cultural snapshot, the Old Montréal Small-Group Christmas Tour or Christmas Walking Tour are excellent. For a deeply personalized, romantic, or family-oriented experience, the private options—such as Christmas Magic: Old Montreal Private Walking Tour or the Montreal: Christmas Lights Private Walking Tour—offer added comfort and customization.
Those interested in the visual spectacle of Montreal’s holiday lighting should prioritize the private Christmas Lights Tour. If you’re after a comprehensive, private exploration that includes festive treats, the Christmas Magic: Old Montreal Private Walking Tour provides a luxurious option.
Booking early is highly recommended, especially for private tours, as they tend to fill quickly during the holiday season. Also, consider the time of day—many tours run in the evening when the city’s lights are most spectacular.
Montreal truly offers a wide range of Christmas experiences, from budget-friendly walks to exclusive private tours. Whether you want to learn about local customs, marvel at holiday lights, or enjoy a private, tailored adventure, there’s a festive tour to suit your style. Think about what makes your holiday special—whether it’s the romance of a private walk or the lively cheer of a group outing—and choose accordingly. Remember to book early to secure your spot in the most popular tours. Now, get ready to experience Montreal’s holiday magic firsthand.