Canada’s Christmas traditions

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/12/2024 (341 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A country rich in cultural diversity and vast geography, Canada offers a variety of exciting traditions at Christmastime. While many customs reflect the multicultural heritage that defines Canadian society, others are shaped simply by our snowy winters. From quirky regional practices to community get-togethers, Canadian Christmases offer something special for everyone.

In Quebec and other French-speaking regions, Réveillon is a long-standing Christmas Eve gathering. It’s a time for families to come together and share a late night feast after the Messe de Minuit (Midnight Mass). The meal is a grand affair, featuring home-cooked dishes such as tourtière (meat pie), pouding châud (hot pudding), and delicious desserts, along with plenty of wine and good cheer. Réveillon is as much a social event as a culinary experience, with lively conversations and festive atmosphere lasting well into the early hours of Christmas morning.

One of Canada’s most distinctive Christmas rituals is ‘mummering’. Celebrated primarily in Newfoundland and Labrador, this tradition dates back to the early days of European settlers. It involves groups of people known as ‘mummers’ who dress up in costumes and masks. They visit homes to sing, dance, and solicit food or drink, as homeowners try and guess who they are. The masked revellers bring an element of mystery and excitement to the holidays, making mummering a cherished way to share in festive joy.

Across Canada, Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies are beloved events that mark the official start of the season. The lighting up of large public trees are often celebrations filled with music, performances, and other festivities. Some of the most iconic ceremonies include the Toronto Christmas tree lighting at Nathan Phillips Square, and the Vancouver Christmas tree lighting at Jack Poole Plaza. Most tree-lightings also conclude with a visit from Santa, bringing smiles to the faces of kids of all ages.

Here in Canada we love our Christmas lights! There’s something magical in the way they shimmer, shine, and reflect off freshly fallen snow. It’s not uncommon for entire neighborhoods to be adorned with spectacular displays, and even elaborate synchronized light shows. Holiday happenings often include piling into vehicles with hot chocolate in hand, just to drive around and gaze at lights. There are drive-through light displays, too, such as Ottawa’s Festival of Lights, Winnipeg’s Winter Wonderland, or Regina’s Twinkle Tour.

The good old hockey game is a big part of Canadian winters. Because hockey is more than just a sport here, it’s part of the cultural fibre. It’s common to have the television on over the holidays to watch the World Junior championships which typically begin on Boxing Day, or the NHL Winter Classic, an outdoor match usually played on New Year’s Eve. Many folks across the country take to the ice themselves to play their own games on backyard surfaces, frozen ponds, and community skating rinks. No matter where hockey happens, it’s sure to embody the warmth of winter in the spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition.

Christmas comes but once a year, so I hope you get to spend a little time outdoors enjoying the magic of the season. If skating is not your thing, there are plenty of other activities to do like tobogganing, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, making snow forts, building snowmen, or even just a wintery walk in nearby woods.

Whatever you do, and however you celebrate, here’s wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season.