Christmas in Canada is celebrated in much the same way as it is in other Western countries. December 25th is the official holiday, with many people also taking time off on the afternoon of the 24th and Boxing Day on the 26th.
Of course, Canada is a multicultural country, so many other holiday traditions aside from Christian ones are observed in December and throughout the year.
Of course, Canada is a multicultural country, so many other holiday traditions aside from Christian ones are observed in December and throughout the year.
Christmas in Canada - How is Christmas in Canada Celebrated?
Photo courtesy Howard Sandler 1975-2006. All rights reserved.
Christmas in Canada, on December 25, is when friends and family hunker down at home to eat and open presents.
Pretty much everything in the way of retail and services is closed on this day, except for the occasional convenience store. If you're looking for a bar or restaurant, a hotel is a good bet.
December 24th, Christmas Eve, is the last chance to get Christmas shopping done, with most stores staying open until 5 or 6 pm and lots of people packing in work for the day at noon or shortly thereafter.
On December 26th, Canadians shake off their tryptophan and egg nog induced sluggishness and hit the malls for Boxing Day, the biggest shopping day of the year, where stores slash prices in an effort to unload inventory.
Pretty much everything in the way of retail and services is closed on this day, except for the occasional convenience store. If you're looking for a bar or restaurant, a hotel is a good bet.
December 24th, Christmas Eve, is the last chance to get Christmas shopping done, with most stores staying open until 5 or 6 pm and lots of people packing in work for the day at noon or shortly thereafter.
On December 26th, Canadians shake off their tryptophan and egg nog induced sluggishness and hit the malls for Boxing Day, the biggest shopping day of the year, where stores slash prices in an effort to unload inventory.
Canada Travel around Christmas
The week in between Christmas and New Year's is a popular time to travel. Lots of people head for southern climates or across the country for a holiday visit. If you're looking for a travel bargain, consider flying on Christmas day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. Flight fares peak the weekend before and the days after December 25th, and again on January 2nd.Public transportation in Canada over the Christmas holidays will most likely be operating on a reduced schedule on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and New Year's Day.
Santa Claus Parades
(c) Scott Rogers (http://www.srpics.com/)
Most major cities hold a Santa Claus Parade in November, with some spilling over into December. For bigger cities, like Vancouver and Toronto, if you're not up to facing the thousands of spectators that turn out for those parades, or if you just can't make the date, consider some of the smaller local parades that also take place during the holiday season.
Light Festivals in Canada
Photo courtesy Niagara Falls Tourism
Christmas sees many cities aglow with a light festival:
- Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls
- Christmas Lights across Canada, Ottawa
- Toronto Cavalcade of Lights, Toronto
- Vancouver Festival of Lights, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver
- Airdrie Festival of Lights, Airdrie (35 km or 22 miles from Calgary)
Canada in December Weather & Event Guide
Be sure to be prepared for cold weather if visiting Canada over Christmas; however the climate does vary from west to east coast, with Vancouver and BC much milder and wetter.Christmas traditions are similar right across the country, but be sure to be up-to-date on city-specific light festivals, Santa Claus sightings and Boxing Day sales.
-Christmas in Vancouver
Photo courtesy Tourism Vancouver
The weather stays relatively mild in Vancouver through the holiday season, but the city stays festive with the Rogers Santa Claus Parade and you're always an hour away from deep snow.
See a complete guide to Vancouver Christmas & Holiday Season.
See a complete guide to Vancouver Christmas & Holiday Season.
-Christmas in Toronto
Although cold, Toronto at Christmas is bustling and festive. Light shows, the Toronto Santa Claus Parade, the Bay Christmas Windows are just some of the holiday activities in Toronto.
-Christmas in Ottawa
© Howard Sandler 1975-2006. All rights reserved.
As Canada's national capital, Ottawa does it up right on any given holiday. Light shows, parades and other festive activities go on throughout the season, but dress warmly!
-Christmas in Montreal
Photo © Tourisme Montréal, Daniel Choinière
Montreal is another Canadian city that is darn cold but still charming over the holidays - especially in Old Montreal, with its historic buildings and cobblestone roads.
-Christmas (Noel) in Quebec City
Photograph: Perry Mastrovito / Getty Images
The scene in Old Quebec City over the holidays is storybook perfect: snow-capped 17th century buildings, cobblestone streets, Christmas lights. Many concerts and special events are staged to celebrate the season, including many that highlight the city's long history.
