Christmas in Canada: Customs & Traditions

Christmas in Canada is a magical time, steeped in traditions and customs that are celebrated from coast to coast. You’ll find that the holiday season brings together a diverse blend of cultures and influences, offering a uniquely Canadian take on this festive time of year.
One of the most cherished Christmas traditions in Canada is decorating a Christmas tree and exchanging gifts with loved ones. On Christmas Day, you’ll gather around the table for a special meal, which often consists of roast turkey, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Canadians’ love for traditional English desserts shines through with Christmas plum puddings, mincemeat tarts, and rich fruit cake often featured at the end of this celebratory feast.
In addition to the delightful home gatherings, Canadians embrace the spiritual side of Christmas with many attending midnight mass. This solemn and beautiful service is an age-old tradition, offering a rich atmosphere within Canada’s historic churches, complete with a variety of worship music styles from traditional organ and choirs to modern worship bands. So as you can see, Christmas traditions in Canada are a heartwarming and eclectic mix that truly capture the spirit of the season.
Origins of Canadian Christmas Traditions
British Influence
As a former colony of Britain, Canada inherited many Christmas traditions from England. You’ll find classic English dishes like roasted turkey with all its trimmings, mincemeat tarts, and fruit cake, which are enjoyed during Canadian Christmas celebrations. The exchange of Christmas crackers as party favors is another tradition passed down from England.
French Influence
In Quebec, the French influence on Canadian Christmas traditions is evident. For instance, on January 6th, people celebrate Epiphany with a unique cake-baking custom. A bean is hidden in the cake, and whoever finds it becomes the king or queen of the feast. “Noël,” the French word for Christmas, is also used in many parts of Canada, derived from Latin “Dies Natalis,” meaning “Day of Birth.”
Indigenous Influence
Indigenous peoples in Canada have their own unique Christmas traditions and celebrations, which have been integrated into Canadian culture. Some First Nations communities celebrate the season by incorporating their cultural elements, such as music, feasts, and ceremonies. It’s a reflection of the rich multicultural tapestry that is Canadian society.
Influence From Other Cultures
With immigration from various parts of the world, Canada has become a multicultural mosaic where different Christmas traditions are celebrated side by side. You’ll see influences from countries like Germany, Ukraine, Netherlands, and Italy, adding to the festive spirit of the holiday season in Canada.
Regional Variations
Due to its vast geographical landscape, Canada’s Christmas traditions differ from province to province. For example, in Newfoundland and Labrador, mummering is a popular pastime during the holiday season where groups of friends dress in disguise and visit neighbors, often performing songs and dances. In other regions, you may come across unique events and parades celebrating the season, making the Canadian Christmas experience diverse and full of surprises.
Popular Canadian Christmas Traditions
Christmas Tree Tradition
In Canada, setting up a Christmas tree is a beloved tradition that brings warmth and cheer to the holiday season. Whether you choose to decorate a natural or artificial tree, it’s a chance to showcase your creativity and personal style. Often adorned with lights, ornaments, and topped with a star or angel, a Christmas tree becomes the centerpiece of your holiday décor, eagerly awaiting the arrival of gifts underneath.
Santa Claus Parade
The Santa Claus Parade is a must-see event, with Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade being one of the most legendary. Dating back to 1905, it has become a time-honored tradition attracting families from not only Toronto but across the country. This joyful parade features colorful floats, marching bands, and various entertainers, culminating in the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus himself. Other cities like Vancouver and Airdrie also delight in Rogers Santa Claus Parades that bring holiday cheer to the local communities.
Mummering
Mummering is a Newfoundland and Labrador Christmas pastime that dates back to the early colonial period. This whimsical tradition involves dressing up in disguises and visiting neighbours’ homes while singing and dancing. If the hosts guess the identities of the “mummers,” these masked revelers reveal their true faces, share some laughs, and may even enjoy some holiday treats. Mummering is a unique and entertaining way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
Belsnickeling
Belsnickeling is a lesser-known, but festive Canadian Christmas tradition hailing from Nova Scotia. Originally brought over by German settlers, this activity involves dressing up as Belsnickel, a kind of Santa-like figure, and going around the neighbourhood to evaluate the behaviour of children. Belsnickel rewards well-behaved kids with treats and reprimands the naughty ones. The tradition of Belsnickeling gathers communities together and makes Christmas extra special, especially for the children.
These enriching traditions truly capture the spirit of Christmas across Canada. No matter where you are during the holiday season, embracing these customs with open arms will make your celebrations even more memorable and enjoyable for years to come.
Christmas Eve and Day Celebrations
Midnight Mass
On Christmas Eve, many Canadians attend a special church service known as Midnight Mass. This late-night celebration brings families and friends together to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. With hymns, carols, and readings from the Bible, Midnight Mass sparks a spirit of reverence and unity.
Réveillon
In the French-speaking regions of Canada, like Quebec, a distinct tradition called Réveillon is held. This celebration starts after Midnight Mass and continues into the early morning hours of Christmas Day. Friends and family gather for a festive feast, sharing delicious dishes like tourtière, a savory meat pie, and indulging in sweet treats.
Christmas Dinner
Christmas Day in Canada wouldn’t be complete without a mouthwatering Christmas dinner! Families gather around the dining table to enjoy traditional dishes like roast turkey or ham, accompanied by scrumptious sides such as mashed potatoes and gravy. In addition to the main course, Canadian Christmas dinners might also include regional delicacies, like tourtière in Quebec or seafood dishes on the East Coast. The meal is a time for laughter, gratitude, and togetherness, truly capturing the essence of the holiday season.
Festive Decorations
Christmas Lights
Canadian Christmas celebrations are filled with festive decorations to brighten up the season’s dark days. Christmas lights are a popular way to add some sparkle to your home. You’ll find Canadians hanging colorful lights outside their homes and on trees to create a magical atmosphere. Some communities also host light displays, with stunning illuminated arrangements that are sure to leave you in awe.
Light Displays
There are various breathtaking light displays spread across Canada. One of the most famous displays is the Festival of Lights held in Niagara Falls. This event features millions of lights, transforming the area into a winter wonderland. Other noteworthy light displays include the ones in Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden and Ottawa’s Parliament Hill. So, when visiting Canada during Christmas, make sure to include such mesmerizing events in your itinerary.
Home and Tree Decoration
Canadian homes and Christmas trees are also beautifully decorated during the holiday season. Traditional decorations include ornaments like Christmas stockings, tinsel, garlands, and nativity scenes. Many families have their unique decorations passed down through generations, adding a touch of heritage and customs to their celebrations.
Trees are adorned with various items, such as baubles, ribbons, and, of course, a tree-topper, often in the form of a star or an angel. Some also incorporate ice sculptures into their holiday décor, embracing the Canadian winter spirit.
This Christmas, as you embrace the Canadian traditions, surround yourself with festive decorations and create cherished memories with your loved ones.
Festive Treats
Baking
There’s something magical about Christmas baking in Canada! You gather with your family and friends to create delicious homemade treats, filling your home with the warm aroma of freshly baked goods. Some popular treats include cookies, doughnuts, and pastries, all perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Don’t forget about the traditional fruitcake – a staple in many Canadian homes.
Plum Pudding
If you haven’t tried plum pudding yet, you’re in for a treat! This delectable dessert is rich in flavor and steeped in tradition. Made with a mixture of dried fruits and sweetened with molasses, it boasts a wonderful texture and intense taste that will have you reaching for seconds. In Canada, it’s common to make this dessert in advance, as it improves with age. Light it up with brandy before serving for an extra festive touch!
Candy and Chocolate
Canadian Christmases wouldn’t be complete without the sweet taste of candy and chocolate. One classic festive activity is a taffy pull – an interactive and playful way to make homemade taffy! By stretching and pulling the warm, yet sticky taffy, you can create fun shapes and flavors to share among loved ones. Another essential candy is the Yule log, widely known as la bûche de Noël in Quebec, a delightful chocolate cake filled and decorated to resemble a log. Indulge to your heart’s content as you enjoy these delightful treats during the holiday season.
Post-Christmas Celebrations
Boxing Day
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is a significant post-Christmas tradition in Canada. It’s historically a day to give gifts to the less fortunate, but nowadays, it’s better known as the biggest shopping day of the year! You’ll find huge sales, discounts, and promotions in stores across the country, making it a popular day for Canadians to spend their money on various items.
Epiphany
Another post-Christmas tradition observed in some parts of Canada is Epiphany or La Fête des Rois, celebrated on January 6th. This Christian festival commemorates the visit of the three wise men to Baby Jesus. In Quebec, you might come across the delightful Galette des Rois, a special cake containing a small, hidden figurine called “la fève.” Whoever finds the figurine in their slice becomes the “king” or “queen” for the day and wears a paper crown as a fun, lighthearted way to celebrate.
German Christmas Market
In certain Canadian cities, you can experience authentic German Christmas markets as a post-Christmas celebration. These markets offer a vibrant mix of food, beverages, crafts, and entertainment. They bring a taste of European Christmas into the heart of Canada, creating a delightful, festive atmosphere. While wandering these markets, you may find yourself indulging in hot mulled wine, gingerbread cookies, and, of course, shopping for unique gifts and decorations. Fun fact: did you know that the Canadian Christmas tree tradition has German roots? That’s right, it was the Germans who first introduced the concept of decorated Christmas trees!
Overall, Canada’s post-Christmas celebrations are a blend of traditional festivities, modern shopping events, and multicultural influences that make the season truly memorable. So, after Christmas Day has passed, there’s still plenty of cheer to go around!
Canadian Christmas Songs and Stories
As a Christmas enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to learn about the plethora of Christmas songs and stories that originate from Canada. Canadian artists have contributed wonderful tunes to the holiday season, such as Diana Krall, a jazzy singer from British Columbia. She released her rendition of “Let It Snow” on her 2005 album, Christmas Songs.
Many Canadian Christmas stories are deeply rooted in the country’s diverse cultural heritage. These tales often reflect the influences of French, British, and American traditions, making for a unique and memorable holiday experience. You’ll find that your Christmas celebrations can be enriched by incorporating some of these Canadian classics into your own festivities.
Now, who can resist the charm of Rudolph and Mrs. Claus during the holiday season? You’ll be glad to find out that these beloved characters are just as cherished in Canada as they are around the world. Rudolph’s bright red nose and Mrs. Claus’s love for nurturing have found their way into many heartwarming songs and stories throughout the Canadian provinces.
Additionally, personalized Christmas experiences have become increasingly popular in recent years. Canadians enjoy crafting their own customized ornaments, cards, and gifts for their loved ones. It’s a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations, making your yuletide memories even more special.
So, while you prepare for your own Christmas festivities, be sure to explore the vast array of Canadian Christmas songs and stories that are at your disposal. You might just discover a new favorite tune or tale to share with your loved ones, as you gather around the tree and bask in the warm glow of the season.
Regional Christmas Celebrations
Quebec
In Quebec, Christmas has a strong French influence, making it quite unique. You’ll find the city of Quebec adorned with beautiful decorations, lights, and Christmas markets. Montreal is also known for its enchanting holiday displays. Attending midnight mass and celebrating on Christmas Eve with a feast called “réveillon” is customary among French-speaking Canadians.
Newfoundland
Newfoundland is known for its lively and unique Christmas traditions. In some communities, you might experience the “Mummering” tradition, where people dress up in disguises and visit neighbors’ homes to entertain guests, often accompanied by song and dance. Labrador City hosts an Annual Tree Lighting ceremony, spreading joy and festive cheer!
British Columbia
In British Columbia, you’ll find Vancouver’s Festival of Lights at the Van Dusen Botanical Garden. This stunning display is sure to leave you feeling merry and bright. Across the province, many communities host various events and light displays to celebrate the season, embracing the true spirit of Christmas.
Ontario
Ontario hosts multiple events to celebrate the Christmas season. You can’t miss the Toronto Cavalcade of Lights, where the city’s main square sparkles with stunning light shows, live music, and a huge Christmas tree. Ottawa’s Christmas Lights across Canada is another magical display in the capital city that brings festive warmth to even the coldest nights.
Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, there’s a special bond with Boston, Massachusetts, thanks to their assistance during the Halifax Explosion in 1917. To show their gratitude, every year Nova Scotia sends a massive Christmas tree, known as the “Tree for Boston,” to be displayed in Boston’s city center. Locally, you’ll find unique Christmas craft markets and a sense of community spirit that makes the season even more special.
New Brunswick
Christmas in New Brunswick is all about family gatherings, festive feasts, and community events. You might find yourself enjoying a traditional “kitchen party” where friends, family, and neighbors share music, food, and good times. Also, New Brunswick’s towns and cities host various events, such as the Fredericton Christmas Tree Lighting, to spread holiday cheer.