Delve in to dreamy Euro architecture

Reconnect with Old World architecture on a stroll around Old Montréal. As soft snowflakes gently fall around you, wander its cobblestone streets dreamily and pop into designer shops, art galleries, cafés and restaurants at your leisure. Be sure to stop by Place Jacques-Cartier and Place de la Dauversière for a glimpse of the beauty and bustle of yesteryear. When night falls, gaze in wonder as exterior lighting bathes 18th-century buildings in a gorgeous warm glow. More inspiring illuminations are to behold at the Notre-Dame Basilica with the jaw-dropping AURA immersive multimedia experience. For a deeper dive into the old city’s history, watch the buildings and streets leap to life with the captivating Cité Mémoire tableaux. Then head toward the water where you’ll catch the colourful pulsations of the Jacques Cartier Bridge as you look out over the majestic St. Lawrence River. You can also get spectacular city views from Canada’s tallest observation wheel, La Grande Roue.

Feast on European treats, savoury and sweet

Montréal’s culinary scene is famously diverse, creative and, of course, accented with continental flavours. You’ll love its authentic French cuisine, which is liberally sprinkled around town. Craving the delicious, farm-to-fork goodness of Italy? Try Impasto and Primo & Secondo for sublime pastas, pizzas and other delicacies from the Bel Paese. If you like to share, what about appetizing tapas at Ibericos, Tapeo or Taza Flores? Warm up with the mouthwatering mezzes and succulent seafood of Greece and its beautiful islands, or the fresh fish and vegetables of Portugal at Helena, Portus360 or Ferreira Café. If the ambiance of a European-style brasserie is more up your alley, reserve a table at Holder, or relax with an ale in the English pub ambiance of The Burgundy Lion. Can’t choose? You don’t have to at two-storied Alexandre et fils. Of course, what would Montréal be without its morning-fresh baguettes, buttery croissants and decadent desserts? Check out the appetizing options at Montréal’s best bakeries and pastry shops. Whether you choose classic fare or get more adventurous, you’re guaranteed a dynamic dining scene, as proven by these new Montréal restaurant openings.

Bundle up for a bounty of outdoor activities

We love winter outings in Montréal: invigorating air, bright eyes and rosy cheeks. What says European flair quite like outdoor ice skating? Loop and twirl to your heart’s content to music, whether surrounded by twinkling trees at Parc Lafontaine’s sweet outdoor rink, gliding at the enchanting Old Port rink, or pirouetting in Mount Royal Park at Beaver Lake. The “mountain” is also an excellent spot to go sliding and snow tubing, while it and Parc Maisonneuve and Parc Jean-Drapeau also offer hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, not to mention the chance to see chirpy birds and cute furry creatures. Downtown Montréal is home to the new Esplanade Tranquille ice rink. After your twirl, you can enjoy the après-skate vibe of its multipurpose pavilion that features a café, restaurant, a self-serve library and board games. Take a leisurely city stroll combined with mood-boosting light therapy with Luminothérapie at the Quartier des spectacles, and don’t miss other city-wide glow-ups that are happening too. Be sure to follow up all this fun with a decadent and delicious cup of hot chocolate. Or how about winding down with deluxe pamperings at one of Montréal’s many soothing spas?

The winter season holds an exciting line-up of holiday concert favourites to hear and sing along to. Treat your eyes and ears to the wonder of The Nutcracker created by choreographer Fernand Nault and performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal. The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal presents Johann Sebastian Bach's timeless Christmas Oratorio, led by Argentine conductor Leonardo García Alarcón, a leading specialist in Baroque music. Hear Handel’s Messiah performed by the Orchestre Classique de Montréal high atop the mountain at St. Joseph’s Oratory. The Cabaret du Casino de Montréal will feature traditional Christmas songs and folk music. Reacquaint yourself with the Peanuts gang during A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Montreal Museum of Fine Art’s Salle Bourgie. Finally, let the sounds of gospel stir your soul during Noël Gospel, featuring the Jireh Gospel Choir and Montréal Gospel Choir and Carol Bernard.

Splurge on seasonal shopping

Head to Montréal’s colourful markets for unbeatable holiday shopping. If you need some gift-giving inspirations, the crafts and goodies on display at downtown’s Salon des métiers d'art du Québec, the Great Montréal Christmas Market or the Time Out Market Montréal x Collectif Créatif MTL will thoroughly charm you. Le Richmond shines the spotlight Italian culinary delights, showcasing local products and gourmet treats that enhance the holiday season. Expand your gift hunting as you peruse the many holiday markets throughout the city. You can also head to major malls and department stores like The Bay, Centre Eaton, Holt Renfrew Ogilvy and Simons for that special something, or wander for hours among the thousands of boutiques and shops of the “Underground City”. And don’t forget that kilometres of fabulous finds await on Sainte-Catherine Street. Looking for something more signature? Then check out Montréal fashion designers and artisans, bookstores or jewelry shops for something special for that special someone. The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the decadent gift of chocolates from Montréal’s chocolatiers. Wrap it all up with these sweet stationery stores, where pretty paper and cards lend presents extra meaning.

So, there you have it. Dashes of Europe, right next door. Who needs to go globe-trotting when you’ve got all of these amazing experiences so close? Happy European winter getaway right here in Montréal!