MONTREAL, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 – Holiday magic is coming to Montreal’s public markets with the first-ever Christmas market at Jean-Talon Market and the return of the Montreal Christmas Village to Atwater Market. These special winter markets, organized in partnership with the Village de Noël de Montréal (Montreal’s Christmas Village) organization, are part of Le grand circuit féérique de Montréal, which will create a magical Holiday Season ambiance throughout the city.

“We are very happy to welcome the first-ever Christmas market to Jean-Talon Market this year, along with the return of the well-known Christmas Village to the Atwater Market. These Christmas markets are another great reason to visit our public markets this winter. They’re an excellent way to keep supporting our independent merchants, and to be part of the buy-local movement,” said Nicolas Fabien-Ouellet, interim executive director of Marchés publics de Montréal.

“The public markets are a natural fit for our Christmas markets. We are proud to be back at Atwater Market this year, and thrilled to be preparing to open the very first Christmas market at Jean-Talon Market,” said Line Basbous, executive director of Montreal’s Christmas Village.

A new tradition begins at Jean-Talon Market

Sweet treats, gourmet fare and heady aromas wafting from the outdoor stalls will welcome visitors arriving at the market’s north mall entrance during this inaugural Jean-Talon Christmas Market. A gourmet food zone will give visitors plenty of treats to choose from, while following public health guidelines. There will be countless creations by local artisans, ready to fill Montrealers’ Christmas stockings. And the Christmas tree vendors, who will open in late November, will guarantee a thoroughly festive atmosphere!

The Christmas market will be open from Friday, December 4 to Wednesday, December 23 on Fridays from noon to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Christmas market will also be open the last three weekdays before Christmas Eve: December 21, 22 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A much-anticipated fifth annual Christmas Village at Atwater Market

With some 30 thematic stalls showcasing all kinds of local artisans, the fifth annual Montreal Christmas Village will delight supporters of local business. This year’s layout will allow for ample physical distance between visitors, who will find a winter wonderland where they can relax for a while or enjoy various activities, a sugar shack and surprise entertainment. The friendly and festive atmosphere will extend into the Christmas tree vendors’ area, which will open at the end of the month.

The Christmas Village at Atwater Market will welcome its first visitors with a pre-opening event on Thursday, November 26 and will remain open until December 20 on Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A festive trail through Montreal

Village de Noël de Montréal, the organization behind the Christmas markets in the city’s public markets, is also responsible for design elements in public spaces near Atwater Market and in the Quartier des Spectacles. Le grand circuit féérique de Montréal invites Montrealers to check out the full route and make the most of the city’s charms this Holiday Season.

For details visit www.noelmontreal.ca.

About Montreal’s Public Markets

Founded in 1993, the Corporation for the Management of Montréal’s Public Markets is a non-profit organization that manages and develops the major public markets in the Montreal area – Jean-Talon, Atwater and Maisonneuve – and some ten Neighborhood and Solidarity Markets. Its objective is to ensure that Montrealers have access to local products as diverse as they are in markets that are at the heart of their community.

About Village de Noël de Montréal

Village de Noël de Montréal (Montreal’s Christmas Village) is a non-profit organization based in the city’s Sud-Ouest district. Its initiatives include the Christmas Market outside Atwater Market, whose 2019 edition attracted more than 100,000 visitors. A nominee and winner of several awards in 2019 (Tourisme Montréal, Chambre de commerce et d’industrie du Sud-Ouest), the organization has quickly emerged as a major player in Holiday Season events and temporary spaces in Montreal.

-30-

Diane Leblanc

Director, communication and marketing

dleblanc@marchespublics-mtl.com, 514-816-3107

Image credit : Vincent Nedelec/Village de Noël de Montréal