On this page, we spotlight the celebration of various religious/cultural days of significance, with special focus on events hosted by McGill student groups and other groups in the Montreal area.
Chanukkah
Thursday, December 18, 6:30 - 11:00 PM: Young Professionals : Chanukah at the Shaar Join Congregation Shaar Hashomayim's young professionals for a cozy evening of latke poutine, Beaver Tails, beer, and good sportsmanship as we celebrate the miracle of Chanukah when the Habs beat the Blackhawks.
Friday, December 19, 2025, 7:45 PM - 10:00 PM EST: Shabbat Special: Shabbat Chanukah with Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom
Friday and Saturday, Dec 20-21, 7:30 PM - 12:30 AM: Dreidel, Dice & Lights with the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue. A Hanukkah night with dreidel games, cocktails, sushi, prizes and menorah lighting. Dress sharp and bring your luck for an unforgettable evening
Advent and Christmas
McGill Faith Clubs
December 20-22, 2025: International Christmas Camp with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship All international students are welcome to join! Every year those who attend our camp find a space of welcome and opportunity to engage in conversation around the themes and story of Christmas. There is also winter fun that you don't want to miss! Tubing, sledding, snow shoeing and more. Please Register by Dec. 12th!
December 25, 2025 (evening Christmas Day meal): Eucharist and Dinner with St. Martha's Chapel Are you in town for Christmas? Scott and Sarah, Pastor for St. Martha's Chapel, will be hosting a Christmas Eucharist and dinner at their cozy apartment on Christmas (25th Dec.) evening. While we would love to have everyone there, but their space is limited, and we do not want to upset the fire department. So it would be very helpful to email Sarah at sarah [at] stemarthe.ca or message me directly on this account if you would like to participate so that you can reserve your spot. Open to individuals aged 18 to 35.
McGill Student Services
Thursday, December 18, 5:00 - 7:00 PM: Home Alone Holiday Hang at Mac Sticking around over the Holidays? Need a pick-me-up as finals wind down? Come hang with us! Join the Hub Peer Supporters for a Holiday Hang! We’ll have hot chocolate, snacks, and fun board games with small groups (2–5 players). Meet new friends, relax, and enjoy a warm and welcoming space during this winter break.
Friday, December 19, 9:30 - 11:30 AM: Montreal for the Holidays: Gingerbread House Contest at Macdonald Campus Take a well deserved break from exams, de-stress, and join ISS and other fellow international students at the Macdonald Campus in the Gingerbread House Contest event as we head into the festivities of the winter season. Come meet new people, grab some treats for breakfast, show off your ginger bread houses and be eligible to win a prize!
Tuesday, December 23, 12:30 - 4:00 PM: Home Alone Holiday Hang, downtown Here for the Holidays? Need a reason to get out? Now that the semester is over, and finals are wrapped up, it’s time to chill out and sleigh the winter break with a day full of socializing, laughter, and festive fun. Don’t let this opportunity flake away—come and have a tree-mendously good time! Come by the Healthy Living Annex for board games, holiday games, food, music, super fun community on campus, and more!!
Miscellaneous
Thurs Dec 18, 2025, 3:30pm - 4:30 PM: Joy Through Lament: A Blue Christmas Worship Service (pre-recorded) Joy honors sorrow and sadness, pain and despair, regret and grief. We invite you into a space that recognizes that “good cheer” may not be attainable for all.
The Church of Saint Andrew and St. Paul Christmas and Advent Services and Eve
Thursday, Dec. 18, 5:30 p.m. – Advent Chapel Service IV with Heather Liddell
Saturday, Dec. 20, 4:00 p.m. – Carols by Candlelight (Night 1)
Sunday, Dec. 21, 11:00 a.m. – Sunday Worship Service
Sunday, Dec. 21, 4:00 p.m. – Carols by Candlelight (Night 2)
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 4:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Family Service
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 11:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Evening Service
Sunday, Dec. 28, 11:00 a.m. – Sunday Worship Service
Christ Church Cathedral Advent and Christmas Services and Events
Wednesday, December 24, 4:00 PM: Christmas Eve Mass for Families
Wednesday, December 24, 7:30 PM: Christmas Eve Mass in French
Wednesday, December 24, 10:30 PM: Christmas Eve Choral Mass
Thursday December 25, 10:30 AM: Choral Mass for Christmas Day
Saint John's Lutheran Church Advent and Christmas Services and Events
Sunday, December 21, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Fourth Sunday of Advent
Wednesday, December 24, 2025, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Christvesper German Language - Deutsche Sprache Christvesper. Pastor Eric Dycke Presiding
Wednesday, December 24, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Christmas Eve Eucharist Service
Thursday, December 25, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Christmas Day Eucharist Service
Mary Queen of the World Cathedral (Messes et événements en français)
Jeudi le 25 décembre- 14h30: concert de Noël du CPM.
Mercredi le 31 décembre à 17h: Messe du Jour de l’An.
Find Christmas Mass Schedules Here!
Looking for the schedule of Christmas Masses celebrated at Saint Joseph's Oratory, Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, or simply at a church in your neighbourhood? Look no further than on the Diocese of Montreal's Searchable Map of Catholic Spaces and Christmas Masses.
