It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But, if you’re not sharing it on Instagram, did it even happen?
The holidays in Montreal are a magical time when the entire city transforms into a winter wonderland.
From festive lights, decor, reefs, and Christmas trees, the city offers a sleigh-load of photo opportunities to be shared with the virtual world.
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Give your Insta feed a much-needed dose of festive cheer this season by heading to one of these gorgeous places to take holiday pictures around Montreal.
Since we reindeered steered you in the right direction, don’t forget to tag us and use the hashtag #dailyhivemtl.
Notre Dame Basilica
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The Notre-Dame Basilica is nestled into a gorgeously-lit square in Old Montreal. If you think the outside is gorgeous, get inside one of Montreal’s most-viewed structures and witness hundreds of wooden carvings, spectacular religious statues, and gigantic stained glass windows.
La Grande Roue
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The largest observation wheel in the country is a popular spot among the Insta-crowd, especially now that it’s decked out for the holidays. For a great vantage point of the city, hop on the 60-metre-high wheel and get snapping.
Illumi Cavalia
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Illumi ignites December’s dark skies with more than 10 million lights, the largest multimedia sound and light show on the planet.
Pretty lights = Instagram likes.
Miracle Montreal – Bar de Noël
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Miracle pops up at over 80 cities around the globe, partnering with local bars to inspire the Christmas cheer through festive decorations, quirky parties, ugly X-Mas sweaters, and of course, seasonal cocktails and grub.
This year, Miracle Montreal has set up shop at The Coldroom. If you’re on an Instagram trek, swing by Miracle for a quick refresher.
Village de Noël – Atwater Market
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As if the Atwater Market isn’t magical enough, it’s transformed into a ‘Christmas Village’ for its fourth edition of Village de Noël.
The village, found on the outskirts of the market, includes 40 local craftsmen and restauranteurs, concerts, choirs and shows, a sugar shack, an outdoor fire pit, creative activities, a Christmas tree sale, and face painting.
Plus, the big man himself will be taking time out of his very busy holiday schedule to be on site every weekend until Christmas.
Festival Noël dans le Parc
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Celebrating its 26th edition, Noël dans le Parc is an outdoor Christmas festival that goes on all month, spread out among three popular parks in Montreal.
The festival offers free music shows and events, holiday-themed drinks and bites, outdoor fire pits, Christmas trees for purchase, and plenty of holiday-themed photo thoughts.
The Christmas fest is split up among Place Émilie-Gamelin at the Quartier des Spectacles, and parc Lahaie, and parc des Compagnons de St-Laurent in the Plateau.
Luminothérapie
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The Quartier des Spectacles’ public square is hosting the 10th edition of Luminothérapie through Pop!, a celebration of five fantastical creatures that aim to light up the city during the dark days of winter.
Maison Pepin
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Maison Pepin has channelled a little bit of Harry Potter by turning its charming alleyway into a breathtaking rustic Christmas market.
The market itself will feature a variety of locally-made products for sale and DIY workshops from gift packaging to wreath making.
Without taking away from the local artisans, the alleyway is one of the most picturesque Christmas-time spots in the city. The narrow walls, dim lighting, light snow, and wreaths are begging to be shared all over Instagram.
Le Petit Dep
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Swing by Le Petit Dep for a sandwich, a good cup o’ joe, and arguably the city’s most charming dépanneur.
Gare Centrale
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Whether you’re heading out of town or just arriving, Gare Centrale has a gorgeous Christmas tree right smack in the middle of the popular station to make sure your Instagram feed stays sparkling and colourful.
The Bay
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Canada’s iconic department store, facing Phillips Square, is a nice backdrop to Ste. Catherine’s busy foot traffic, restos, and shops.
Plus, it’s pretty darn pretty to photograph.
Sapin XP
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The most memorable kind of Christmas trees are the ones with character and downtown Montreal’s “Sapin XP” certainly fits the scaffold mould.
Besides being a poetic fit for the city, it has beautiful potential for Instagram.
Time Out Market Montreal
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It’s the Time Out Market’s first Christmas in Montreal and they made sure to stand out along Ste. Cat by going full Christmas mode.
And hey, if all that Insta-snapping has you hungry, head inside to the 36,000 sq. ft. space for an impressive selection of local grub.
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