Montréal’s holiday market season will expand this year with the addition of a third downtown destination, as organizers of the Montréal Enchanted Circuit expect nearly one million visitors across three locations between November and January.
The 2026 edition will bring together more than 100 local artisans and producers, 35 food stalls and 300 free activities through the Great Christmas Market of Montréal, the Montréal Christmas Village at Atwater Market Square and the newly added PVM Winter Market on the PVM Esplanade.
The Great Christmas Market will open Nov. 13 at Place des Festivals for its sixth edition, while the PVM Winter Market will join the circuit on Nov. 17. The Montréal Christmas Village will return Nov. 26 for its 11th edition, extending its operating season for the first time through Christmas Eve.
The three destinations are organized by Montréal-based non-profit La Lutinerie, which produces holiday events featuring local artisans, artists and producers.
Third destination expands downtown holiday offering
The addition of the PVM Winter Market marks an expansion of the circuit’s downtown presence. Located at the PVM Esplanade at Place Ville Marie, the market will operate from Nov. 17 to Dec. 13, offering food and entertainment alongside the two established Christmas markets.
La Lutinerie is responsible for the entertainment programming and will operate three of the market’s kiosks. The location will be open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission will be free.
The Great Christmas Market, meanwhile, will run from Nov. 13, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027, at Place des Festivals in the Quartier des spectacles. Its sixth edition will feature approximately 50 artisans, daily musical entertainment and redesigned spaces at the Maison d’Alsace and La Fabrique.
A new monumental entrance arch will also be introduced at the downtown event, which organizers say continues to develop as part of Montréal’s seasonal holiday programming. Admission will remain free.
The market will operate Wednesday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays through Dec. 20, with additional operating hours scheduled for the holiday period.
Christmas Village extends operating season
The Montréal Christmas Village will return to Atwater Market Square from Nov. 26 to Dec. 24, marking its 11th edition and the first time it will remain open through Christmas Eve.
Previously operating on a Friday-to-Sunday schedule, the village will add daily opening hours from Dec. 21 to 24. Its regular schedule through Dec. 20 will be Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event will feature local artisans and producers, food vendors and free family programming. Santa Claus will be available for free photographs on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as daily from Dec. 21 through 24.
Véronique Fournier, borough mayor of Le Sud-Ouest, said the borough has supported the Christmas Village at Atwater Market Square for 11 years.
“For 11 years now, Le Sud-Ouest borough has proudly supported the Montréal Christmas Village at Atwater Market Square. Many local and regional artisans are returning with ethical, eco-friendly products to place under the Christmas tree. With fire pits, food stalls and activities, visitors can extend their outing along the Lachine Canal and discover the shops, restaurants and boutiques that make Notre-Dame Street so special. It is an invitation to explore our neighbourhoods and experience the magic of the holidays right up to December 24!”
Local vendors and food offerings featured across circuit
Food and artisan vendors will be featured throughout the three locations, with 35 food stalls offering a range of seasonal products and prepared foods.
The culinary offerings will include raclette, pretzels, poutine, roasted chestnuts and maple taffy, alongside sweet treats and seasonal beverages such as hot chocolate, cinnamon-spiced hot cider and traditional spiced mulled wine, also known as glühwein.
Visitors will also be able to browse artisan chalets featuring locally made products and gifts.
The expansion comes with support from several public-sector and tourism organizations. Both the Great Christmas Market and Montréal Christmas Village receive financial support from the Québec Ministry of Tourism and Tourisme Montréal. The City of Montréal also supports the Great Christmas Market, while the borough of Le Sud-Ouest supports the Christmas Village.
Line Basbous, executive director of La Lutinerie, said the organization is continuing to develop its events and programming with the support of volunteers.
“The Circuit continues to grow year after year, thanks to people who put their hearts into creating moments of joy for others. This season, around a hundred volunteers will join our team, bringing their energy and dedication to this shared effort. We keep improving our installations and enriching our free programming to live up to the public’s enthusiasm and make the magic of Christmas accessible to everyone. Our greatest reward is seeing Montrealers enjoying time together and feeling proud of the holiday traditions we are building with them. Our ambition is to make Montréal shine.”
The Great Christmas Market will remain open through Jan. 3, 2027, while the PVM Winter Market will conclude Dec. 13 and the Montréal Christmas Village will close Dec. 24. All three destinations will offer free admission.
More from Retail Insider:
