Holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas markets to check out in Montreal this weekend

Montreal has a slew of great holiday options as we dive into the weekend. From physically distanced light show drive-thrus to festive Christmas markets, it’s definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Montreal.

Here are a few options worth considering this weekend, all of which are following public health’s COVID-19 guidelines, protocols, and precautions.

• See also:
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    • 25,000-light Christmas village opening up outside Montreal this weekend
    • You can watch Canada’s magical holiday train online this month

Illumi

 

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Laval is completely lit.

Illumi, which started to shine bright in October, has switched from Halloween decor to everything Christmas.

The drive-thru course has 17 different scenes, 15 million LED lights, and over 3,000 structures.

This year’s exhibition, which shines bright until January 10, 2021, offers visitors a “magical and safe experience” by car, on foot, or by mini train. The mini-train journey costs $19.50 for children and $28.50 for adults. A family package for groups of four is available starting at $64.

L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel

 

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A Christmas market is taking place at one of the oldest restaurants in the country all weekend.

L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel is offering Montrealers a little bit of everything just in time for the holidays, including trees, ornaments, reefs, treats, food, and gifts — all locally made and sourced.

The historic restaurant’s 1st annual Marché du Noel kicked off on Thursday and will shine bright through until Sunday evening.

Ormstown Christmas Village

If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit from the comfort of your own car, the quaint town of Ormstown has got you covered.

Speaking of covered, the town’s fairgrounds will be fully decorated in Christmas lights and decor for three days, offering a drive-thru Christmas village from now until December 5 (you might want to get moving).

The illuminated drive-thru village will be hosted on the historic grounds of the Ormstown Fair, a popular country fair that has been in operation every summer since 1914.

Atwater Christmas Market

 

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Atwater’s Village de Noël has returned to the outskirts of the market for the fifth annual Christmas Village, featuring 30 thematic stalls showcasing all kinds of local products and Montreal-area shops.

The market hosts lights, holiday decor, Christmas trees for sale, outdoor fire pits, music, and of course, treats.

The Atwater Market, which opened in 1933, will continue to host its usual vendors — the ideal spot to grab everything from baked goods, cheese, meat, vegetables, fruits, winter gear, and of course, alcohol, just in time for the holidays.

Le Village illuminé Desjardins

A charming area of Drummondville is turning into a Christmas village, decked out in thousands of lights, 25,000 of them to be exact.

Le Village illuminé Desjardins kicks off this weekend and continues next weekend (December 11 to 12), and between December 18 to January 2 (excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).

The site will be equipped with outdoor fireplaces, hot cocoa for the kids, mulled wine for the big kids, sleigh rides, a general store specializing in Christmas treats, knick-knacks, and an artisan market.