10 Great Places to Spend Christmas
Why Go: -A quiet celebration in the Canadian city that Harriet Beecher Stowe described as "a mountain of churches."
-A spin in one of the many outdoor ice-skating centers (our favorite is the Patinoire du Bassin Bonsecours in Old Montreal).
Where to Stay: After a day of shopping in the frosty air, check into a hotel with a heated outdoor pool: the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure (1 Place Bonaventure; 800/267-2575 or 514/878-2332; doubles from $95) or the Omni Mont-Royal (1050 Sherbrooke St. W.; 800/267-2575 or 514/878-2332; doubles from $145).
Pre-Holiday Dinner: The majority of restaurants in predominantly French-Catholic Montreal are closed December 24 and 25, so it's best to have a fabulous meal before Christmas day. At the loungey, elegant Restaurant Globe (3455 Rue St.-Laurent; 514/284-3823; dinner for two $170), chef Alex Rolland's duck breast with Japanese eggplant and black cherry sauce is a perfect stand-in for goose.
Stocking Stuffer: Fill your stocking the old-fashioned way, with edibles such as juicy oranges and imported chestnuts, by visiting two of Montreal's bustling outdoor markets. Le Marche Jean-Talon (7070 Rue Henri-Julien Road; 514/937-7754) sells maple candies and regional cheeses, while Le Marche Atwater (138 Avenue Atwater; 514/937-7754) specializes in chocolates and pastries.
—Dara Y. Herman
10 Great Places to Spend Christmas
