Christmas in Montréal throughout the 20th century was marked by sparkling streets, festive window displays, and a lively spirit shaped by the city’s cultural diversity. In the 1910s and 1920s, Sainte-Catherine Street emerged as the centre of holiday excitement, where storefronts glowed with garlands, painted winter scenes, and carefully arranged toys that drew families downtown to admire the artistry of the season.
By the mid-century, department stores such as Morgan’s and Eaton’s transformed holiday window displays into a beloved annual tradition. Animated figures, twinkling ornaments, and detailed snowy landscapes turned shopping districts into winter destinations. Strolling to see the windows became a cherished ritual, marking the unofficial start of Christmas.
In the postwar decades, neighbourhoods across the city expanded their decorating traditions. Plaza Saint-Hubert, with its signature covered streets, became especially festive, lined with illuminated arches and shop decorations. These glowing walkways, along with decorated balconies and public squares, helped create a warm, inviting holiday atmosphere throughout the city.
1884 – The Bonsecours Market, Christmas Eve.1957 – Parade in Montréal.1957 – Parade, the Dupuis Frères store train.1957 – Crowd waiting for a helicopter.1957 – Crowds gather at the Christmas Parade in Montréal.1957 – Photograph of a Christmas nativity scene on display in a greenhouse at the Botanical Garden.1957 – Santa Claus in front of a crowd.1958 – Photograph showing an exhibition of Christmas nativity scenes in the gymnasium of Mousseau School Park.1959 – Decorations at the SDC Plaza Saint-Hubert.1959 – Plaza Saint – Hubert.1959 – Santa Claus greeting the crowds at Plaza Saint-Hubert.1959 – Santa Claus near Plaza Saint-Hubert.1959 – Santa Claus on the Christmas Float at Plaza Saint-Hubert.1959 – Various decorations at Plaza Saint-Hubert.1963 – Christmas nativity scene at the Botanical Garden.1966 – Photograph of a Christmas nativity scene in the exhibition greenhouse of the Botanical Garden. It shows an arrangement of flowers next to the figures of Joseph and Mary.1970 – Photograph of Plaza Saint-Hubert at the intersection of Saint-Hubert and Bélanger streets in the evening. Decorations are displayed on the street.1970 – Decorations on Saint-Hubert Street.1975 – Christmas at Plaza Saint-Hubert.1975 – View of a display in a shop window offering Christmas greetings.
Find more photos from the Montréal archives on their website.
Dalia, a photojournalist hailing from Montreal, is deeply passionate about documenting events and sharing stories about people's lives. She is on track to graduate from Concordia University with a degree in journalism and a minor in art history. Currently, Dalia holds the position of Editor-in-Chief at her school's newspaper, The Concordian. Following graduation, she aims to secure a full-time reporting job at a major news outlet.
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