Montreal at Christmas

[cael]

We're almost 100% decided on going to Montreal for Christmas this year! Why, you may ask? Because going to a tropical all-inclusive resort is too expensive for me after Greece. lol, anyway last year we decided we wanted to go away for Christmas since it will hopefully be our last one with just the 2 of us, and initially I'd thought maybe a resort or B&B in VT. Then I realized we've still never made it to Canada, and Montreal is only as far a drive as going to see the in-laws in Jersey, so we may as well do it! From the little research I've done, it looks like a really festive place to be at the holidays.

So anyone who's been, or any of the Canadians here, have any suggestions? I want to stay in old Montreal I think, and maybe try to see the Nutcracker, besides that we may just walk around, see the sights or ice skate, and relax in the hotel since yeah, I know, it'll be cold.

[cael]

Bump

[swamp]

It's not that cold yet. 

[Deleted]

How long are you going for? From Montreal you are spitting distance to Ottawa and Old Quebec City. Make sure you have real winter boots, not fashion boots. The good stuff is all outdoors and nothing ruins it faster than cold feet.

[Opti]

Sounds interesting. I hope you report back as I too have never been to Canada.

OT, but if I was to go somewhere close for Christmas, I'd pick Cape May in NJ. It is festive, they have trolley tours and I'm a fan of Cape May.

[Deleted]

What is your budget? There are some pretty amazing hotels if you are willing to splurge a bit. And the food in Montreal and Quebec is awesome. Lots of nice bistros very similar to ones I went to in Paris. Actually for me the ones in Paris were like the ones I had been to in Montreal .

[Jaguar]

Tagging weltschmerz, she lives in Montreal.

[cael]

Swamp, you mean by Christmas it isn't that cold yet? That would be nice... we definitely have warm winter boots and clothes, it can get pretty cold here too

Later, I'd love your recs even if they're a little pricey, I still have to figure out what I want to spend. I think we're going to do the 23-26th, so three nights. I figure since a lot of things will be closed, we'll do a brunch somewhere on Christmas, like I said I may look into Nutcracker tickets for the 23rd, and we'll just relax and walk around to see some sights, maybe go skating somewhere. I know zero French and nothing about French/Canadian food, so this'll all be totally new to us. I'm excited though! Do they drive like crazy people, I've heard that.. can't be worse than Athens though. Once we get to the hotel (oh, yeah it'll have to be a hotel with parking) I doubt we'll drive much from there but we're open to anything, depending on weather and what there is to see!

[weltschmerz]

Jul 31, 2015 22:21:38 GMT -5 cael said:

Swamp, you mean by Christmas it isn't that cold yet? That would be nice... we definitely have warm winter boots and clothes, it can get pretty cold here too

Later, I'd love your recs even if they're a little pricey, I still have to figure out what I want to spend. I think we're going to do the 23-26th, so three nights. I figure since a lot of things will be closed, we'll do a brunch somewhere on Christmas, like I said I may look into Nutcracker tickets for the 23rd, and we'll just relax and walk around to see some sights, maybe go skating somewhere. I know zero French and nothing about French/Canadian food, so this'll all be totally new to us. I'm excited though! Do they drive like crazy people, I've heard that.. can't be worse than Athens though. Once we get to the hotel (oh, yeah it'll have to be a hotel with parking) I doubt we'll drive much from there but we're open to anything, depending on weather and what there is to see!

It's not usually that cold at Christmas. Don't come in February. Yes, we drive like crazy people. Do NOT expect people to stop at pedestrian crosswalks...I'm serious. They'll run you over. No, you don't need French in Montreal as a tourist. Everyone in the service industry can speak English, unless you're rude to them. The food and restaurants are fantastic...we're not known as a foodie city for nothing. Don't miss the smoked meat on St. Laurent or the bagels, fresh out of the wood-burning ovens on St. Viateur.

Old Montreal is the perfect place to stay. It's a stunning city with gorgeous architecture. There's always plenty to see and do.

[weltschmerz]

intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2012/12/11/why-you-should-visit-montreal-in-december-afitz/

Good link for your viewing pleasure.

[buystoys]

I wish I could remember the name of the store, but there was a FABULOUS little chocolate shop in old Montreal.  It's been several years since I've been there, so I hope it's still around.  The last time I was there it was early December.  (2003 or 2004, maybe?)  My co-worker and I spent a whole evening just wandering through old Montreal, enjoying the decorations and window displays.  There are a lot of fantastic little bistros all over.

DH and I had talked about going to Montreal for a week when we still lived in NY.  Don't know that we'll do it now as the drive would be a bit too long. 

ETA:  Ask the hotel concierge for recommendations on activities.  I always found them to be extremely helpful in identifying what events I would enjoy. 

[weltschmerz]

There are many, many fabulous chocolateries in Montreal, making their own hand-made chocolates. There's one around the corner from me. People tell me you can't go wrong, but I'm not the best judge. I don't like chocolate.

[cael]

Thanks Weltz! Good tip on the cars not stopping for pedestrians... that's critical for me since as a Masshole I generally step out into traffic and assume they'll stop for me.

I'm getting excited! Going to figure out how much I want to spend and look for a nice place to stay, then start planning some other stuff from there.   

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

Extended family went this past Christmas but stayed in the Eastern Townships so that they could ski.

They did a day trip to Montreal and went to Christmas Eve Mass at the Basilica. If that is something you might be interested in, you should know that you have to buy tickets in advance.

They had a fabulous meal at a gastropub named Modavie. If you are interested, make reservations.

Have a fabulous time. If there is some light snowfall, the Old City is magical.

[jambo101]

Christmas in Montreal is a very good choice,while we usually have snow at that time of year its not guaranteed. some ideas