Montreal’s public markets are celebrating the arrival of the festive season with the return of the Jean-Talon Christmas Market and the Christmas Village in the Atwater Market. The magic starts on the weekend of November 12 with the natural Christmas tree vendors setting up shop in the city’s markets. Visitors to the markets will find all the delicious gifts and other supplies they need for the Holiday season in one place.

“Montreal’s public markets are perfect for stocking up for the Holidays. Thanks to the markets’ diversified offerings, Montrealers will find everything they need for their parties, for preparing delicious gifts and for decorating their homes. We are delighted to welcome the Christmas Market back to Jean-Talon Market and the Christmas Village to Atwater Market. They will round out the markets’ food offerings with some local specialties and creations by our agri-food artisans”.

Nicolas Fabien-Ouellet, executive director of the Corporation de gestion des Marchés publics de Montréal

“Once again, it is a great pleasure to be able to set up two of our Christmas markets in the public markets, bringing some magic to the winter. Jean-Talon and Atwater market visitors will enjoy a refreshed program, beautiful decorations and food offerings that perfectly complement the Holiday Season shopping experience”.

Line Basbous, executive director of La Lutinerie, the organization behind the Grand Circuit Féérique

Natural Christmas trees

There’s no better way to kick off the Holiday season than by shopping for a natural Christmas tree in Montreal’s public markets. This year, shop for trees starting November 12 in the Jean-Talon and Atwater markets and the Jean-Brillant Neighbourhood Market, and Maisonneuve Market on November 19. Shoppers are invited to visit the tree vendors to decorate their homes with trees, wreaths, boughs and flowers, creating a wonderful festive ambiance. Once again, Montreal public market customers will be able to visit their favourite tree vendors, some of whom have been bringing Christmas magic to Montrealers for generations.

*The Mont Royal Neighbourhood Market remains closed this Holiday season due to ongoing renovations to the Mont-Royal metro station.

Jean-Talon Christmas Market

The Jean-Talon Christmas Market is returning for the third straight year, from November 26 to December 18 under the market’s awnings. Building on the success of the last two editions, the Christmas Market will feature 16 artisans offering local food and beverages such as the Kildare winery with its maple-based wines; gourmet gift ideas including homemade duck products from Les Délices d’Arnaud and the spices of Chacun son arôme and Délices MG; jewellery by 1001 perles; decorations including candles from Cernunnons Farms and zero-waste products from Eco Loco; clothing such as mohair socks, mittens and tuques by J’Feel mohair; high-end dog and cat accessories from Pilouf et Milouf; and cosmetics such as handmade soaps and body care products by Caso.

Once again this year, Jean-Talon Market will be a hotbed of activities for the whole family, warmed by braziers, where visitors of all ages can enjoy toasted marshmallows. There will also be free performances by choirs and carollers who will put everyone in a festive mood, and a visit from Santa Claus so children can give him their gift wishes and make some lasting memories. Several additional food options will complement the offerings from the vendors’ cabins, including a Beaver Tails stand and the Explosion Food Truck offering salted crepes, grilled-cheese, soups, gingerman bread and drinks stand to counter the winter chill. There’s something for everyone!

Atwater Market Christmas Village

Returning for a seventh year, the Atwater Market Christmas Village will be open from November 24 to December 18. Around 50 artisans will take turns in the Village over the weeks, offering local food, beverages, clothing, cosmetics and jewellery to shoppers who are eager to discover our excellent local crafts.

The Christmas Village will also present free family programming in the Royaume des lutins (elves’ kingdom), including a movie-sled, shows for children, a visit from Santa Claus each weekend and performances by carollers, choirs and bands. Foodies will love the Friday evening gourmet events, complementing the rest of the food and hot drink options on weekends, with the Chalet Savoyard and its tartiflette, raclette and hot fondue; La Poutinerie serving poutine and hot dogs; La Cabane à sucre offering maple-based specialties including taffy on snow; La Taverne, with savoury and sweet crepes, waffles, hot chocolate and mulled wine; Le Repaire des trappeurs, with its candy bar, coffee and hot chocolate; and Le Coin des braseros, where visitors can toast marshmallows on the braziers. Each visit is sure to be delicious!

Everything for foodies

In addition to the Jean-Talon Christmas Market and the Atwater Market Christmas Village, Montreal’s public markets are a great destination for all kinds of delicious festive foods. Whether you’re looking for something fresh to serve guests, ready-to-eat options, hostess gifts or presents for the foodies in your life, the markets’ vendors have a local option for you.

Photos : Bodum Photographie (Jean-Talon Christmas Market) ; Vivien Gaumand (Atwater Christmas Village)