Christmas in Canada is celebrated in the same way as in other Western countries. As it is around the world, December 25 is the official public holiday in Canada, and many Canadians also take a break on the afternoon of the 24th (Christmas Eve) and on Boxing Day, which is celebrated on the 26th.
Canada is a multicultural country, so many other Christmas traditions are observed in addition to Christian ones in December and throughout the year. Hanukkah celebrations are widespread, especially in Toronto and Montreal, where there are large Jewish populations. On Christmas Day, almost everything related to retail and services is closed, except for the occasional convenience store. If you are looking for a bar or restaurant for a good holiday meal, a hotel is a good bet.
Christmas Eve (December 24) is the last chance to do Christmas shopping, as most stores stay open until 5 or 6 p.m. and many people leave work for the day at noon or shortly after.
Canadian traditions include decorating a Christmas tree and exchanging gifts. A special meal is prepared on Christmas Day, often including roast turkey, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Traditional Christmas favorites reminiscent of England include Christmas plum puddings and mince pies. Christmas cookies are popular favors. A rich Christmas fruit cake is also a traditional Christmas sweet.
On Dec. 26, Canadians shake off food commas and hit shopping malls for Boxing Day, the biggest shopping day of the year, where stores slash prices in an effort to attract holiday shoppers.
Travel for christmas
The week between Christmas and New Years is a popular time to travel. Many people head to southern climates or across the country for a vacation visit. If you’re looking for a travel bargain, consider flying on Christmas Day, New Years Eve, or New Years Day. Flight fares peak the weekend before and the days after December 25, and again on January 2.
Public transportation in Canada during the Christmas holidays will likely operate on a reduced schedule on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Holiday Events
Christmas parades are popular holiday celebrations. Most major cities hold a Santa Claus Parade in November, and some run through December. For larger cities, such as Vancouver and Toronto, if you are not up to the thousands of spectators who attended those parades, or if you simply cannot make it to the date, consider some of the smaller local parades that also take place during the holiday season.
Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade holds the record as the oldest children’s parade and has happily marched St. Nick through the city for more than a century.
Light festivals are also popular. There are light festivals that light up many Canadian cities. Some of the most popular are:
- Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls
- Christmas lights in Canada, Ottawa
- Toronto Cavalcade of Lights, Toronto
- Vancouver Festival of Lights, Van Dusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver
- Airdrie Festival of Lights, Airdrie (35 km or 22 miles from Calgary)
Christmas traditions are similar across the country, but check local listings to stay up-to-date on city-specific light festivals, Santa Claus sightings, and Boxing Day sales.
Vacation time
Prepare for cold weather if you visit Canada at Christmas; However, the climate varies from west to east of the coast, with Vancouver and British Columbia as a whole much milder and wetter.
The weather in popular southern Ontario and Quebec destinations like Toronto and Montreal is much harsher and snowfall can be dramatic. Learn about dressing and precautions to take, such as helpful tips for driving in Canadian winter conditions.
Christmas in Canadian cities
Although it’s cold, Toronto at Christmas is bustling and festive. Light shows, the Toronto Santa Parade and the Christmas Windows by the Bay are just a few of the Christmas activities in Toronto.
Vancouver stays partying with the Santa Rogers Parade, and it’s always an hour away from some deep snow.
As the national capital of Canada, Ottawa celebrates its holidays in style, and Christmas is no exception. Light shows, parades, and other festive activities continue throughout the season.
Montreal is another Canadian city that is very cold but still charming on vacation, especially in Old Montreal with its historic buildings and cobbled streets.
The scene in Old Quebec City during the holidays is perfect for fairy tales: snowy 17th century buildings, cobblestone streets and Christmas lights. Many concerts and special events are organized to celebrate the season, including many that highlight the long history of the city.
