Spending your Christmas in the Great White North this year? With so many fun traditions and plenty of snow to go around, Canada has a lot of holiday magic to offer during Christmas time. Plus, Christmas in Canada means there are Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve celebrations to look forward to, so the festivities go on all week long.
If you’re planning on staying in Canada instead of heading to a warmer destination, try participating in a few classic Christmas traditions to get in the holiday spirit. Learn about five Canadian Christmas traditions to enjoy with friends and family.
What are some popular Christmas traditions in Canada?
Christmas traditions in Canada are a blend of both old-world customs and modern North American practices. Here are five traditions to be a part of this holiday season:
Enjoy a holiday festival or parade
Christmas festivals and parades are a common feature in Canadian cities and towns. Many of these occasions happen before or after Christmas Day to keep the holiday spirits going all season long. The Santa Claus Parade in Toronto is one of the most famous parades, featuring floats, marching bands, and even Santa Claus himself. Other big cities like St. Johns, Calgary, and Winnipeg also have their own Santa Claus parades that attract many people. You can also catch the Quebec Winter Carnival at the end of January, the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, or the VanDusen Festival of Lights in Vancouver to celebrate the season among others.
Have fun in the snow
Canadians embrace the winter season with outdoor activities like tobogganing, skiing, and snowshoeing. Iconic outdoor ice-skating rinks like the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa or the Place D’Youville skating rink in Quebec City are also frequently visited spots during Christmastime. And if you’re looking to revisit some fun childhood memories, grab an old sled and find a perfect snow-capped hill to go sledding down.
Explore traditions that are native to other provinces
Canada is a large country, and each province has its own special Christmas traditions that are unique to them. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador practice a tradition called mummering, which involves dressing up in disguise and visiting neighbors’ homes to engage in playful antics and offer entertainment. New Brunswick and Quebec residents share the French-Canadian tradition of hosting a festive meal called Réveillon, which is held on Christmas Eve. Réveillon often includes traditional dishes like tourtière and ragoût de pattes (pigs’ feet stew). Try out a different province’s tradition this season to experience a different side of Canada.
Playing and watching sports
Watching or participating in winter sports is a cherished tradition in Canada. Playing hockey on frozen ponds or attending a local hockey game is a common activity during the holiday season. The NHL no longer has games on Christmas Day and the CEBL and CFL are both off-season in the winter, so many Canadians tune in to watch the Christmas Day NBA or NFL games.
Attend a Christmas Mass
Canada is a predominantly Christian nation, so many Canadians like to spend Christmas Eve at church with their families. Most churches in Canada will open their doors to welcome parishioners and visitors for their annual Christmas service. Beautiful churches can be found all over Canada for those interested in attending a service. Some popular churches may require tickets for their Christmas Mass, so be sure to secure a ticket if necessary.
Spend Christmas with joy, however you decide to celebrate
Christmas traditions in Canada vary by region and family, but the common theme is one of warmth, togetherness, and celebration during the holiday season. Use our tips for wintering in the Great White North and Christmas traveling to get more ideas on how to spend your Christmas.
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