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The end of the year represents a festive time for all people, filled with reflection and plans for the new year ahead. In Canada this is no different, with one of the country鈥檚 most popular holidays taking place at this time of year: Christmas.
Traditionally a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas (while decidedly a Christian holiday) takes on a more secular tone in Canada, due to the nation鈥檚 multiculturalism. Read on to learn more about how Christmas is celebrated in Canada.
What is Canadian Christmas like?
There are many hallmarks to Christmas in Canada. One constant is the weather: Christmas time in Canada has all the trappings of winter, often accompanied by crisp snow, cold winds, and the need for warm clothing. This often tracks with other winter activities, like making snow men, snowball fights, and tobogganing.
However, what really sets Christmas apart from the rest of winter are its more traditional activities. These include setting up and decorating a Christmas tree, decorating one鈥檚 home with lights (particularly red and green), baking Christmas cookies (often in the shape of trees, angels, etc.), singing Christmas carols, and of course the exchange of gifts and holiday greetings.
There are also some Canada-specific twists on the popular holiday, For example, in the provinces of and (two provinces with a strong French-Canadian culture), residents often hold a festive meal called R茅villion, which takes place on Christmas Eve. This meal often consists of traditional Francophone dishes like and .
Elsewhere in provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador (especially in communities outside the city), individuals may practice a Christmas tradition called 鈥溾��. This practice is comparable to trick-or-treating during Halloween, and often involves friends and neighbours paying visits to loved ones in costumes鈥攌nocking on doors with the traditional call of 鈥渁re there any mummers in the night?鈥� or 鈥渁ny mummers 鈥榣oud (allowed) in?鈥�. While the practice is no longer as popular as it used to be (with roots dating back as far as ancient Rome), it can still be observed in some communities, either on Christmas day, or between Christmas and the new year.
Many of Canada鈥檚 Christmas celebrations look similar to those of other cultures (mostly European)鈥攐wing to the country鈥檚 multicultural makeup. For similar reasons, it is often common for Canadians to wish each other 鈥渉appy holidays鈥� as opposed to the traditional 鈥渕erry Christmas鈥�, due to the nation鈥檚 secular values. Christmas day (the 25th of December) and boxing day (the 26th of September) are both statutory holidays in Canada and are observed nation-wide.
The biggest Christmas celebrations are often in Canada鈥檚 major cities specifically: Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Read on to learn more about 2023 Christmas celebrations in Canada鈥檚 three biggest cities.
Christmas celebrations in Toronto
Cavalcade of Lights
罢辞谤辞苍迟辞鈥檚 celebration is a yearly staple, that starts early in November and continues until January 7th of 2024. The event is inspired by international festivals around the winter solstice, lights, and lanterns鈥攁nd transforms the area around Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square into a festive light show.聽 Visitors are also free to skate during winter months, and throughout the event.
Distillery Winter Village
Reminiscent of the old European markets, 罢辞谤辞苍迟辞鈥檚 (in the city鈥檚 distillery district) offers a fun and unique way for Torontonians to do their winter shopping.
The event features multiple shopping opportunities with hundreds of different vendors, in addition to live music, caroling, a candy cane forest, light shows, a meeting with Santa, and much more. The event is set to run until January 7th and offers different kinds of entrance passes, with children under nine gaining admission for free. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance.
Christmas celebrations in Vancouver
Canyon Lights
One of the more unique Christmas celebrations in Vancouver is the event at Capilano Suspension Bridge. The bridge (itself a tourist attraction throughout the year), takes on a Christmas theme at this time of the year, sporting festive lights, and even light shows and intricate decorations. The resulting event is a compelling view of North Vancouver, with participants able to enjoy the sights of the city and canyon, in addition to live music, craft workshops for children, fundraisers, and raffle prizes. The event will run until January 21st, 2024.
Christmas celebrations in Montr茅al
The Great Christmas Market
One of several holiday markets in Quebec鈥檚 largest city, The offers a number of attractions, including live music, food, and over 61 exhibitors and vendors. Located at Quartier des spectacles on Sainte-Catherine Street, the market promise musical and theatrical programming, and a number of local artisans selling their wares. The event is happening now and will take place until December 31st, with varying times depending on which day visitors attend.