Maple News reports that Christmas in Canada is a festive and culturally rich time of year, marked by a unique blend of traditional customs, modern festivities, and multicultural diversity. While its roots lie in Christian tradition—the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth—Christmas in Canada is observed in both religious and secular forms, embracing the nation’s inclusive and multicultural ethos.
Canadians typically celebrate Christmas amid classic winter landscapes—think snowy streets, frosty mornings, and cozy attire. Activities like building snowmen, enjoying snowball fights, sledding down hills, and sipping hot cocoa by the fire are all hallmarks of the season. Families come together to decorate Christmas trees, string up lights, bake festive cookies, and exchange gifts and warm wishes.
Although many traditions are shared with other Western nations, Canada also boasts distinct regional customs. In Quebec and New Brunswick, for instance, the French-Canadian tradition of Réveillon is common. This Christmas Eve feast features classic dishes such as tourtière, a spiced meat pie, and ragôut de pattes, a stew made with pork hocks and meatballs—bringing family and friends together for a night of celebration.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly in rural areas, a unique tradition called “mummering” still takes place in some communities. This centuries-old practice involves costumed locals visiting neighbors’ homes during the Christmas season, asking “Any mummers ‘loud in?” in a playful call reminiscent of Halloween trick-or-treating. Though less widespread today, mummering remains a cherished folk custom in some regions.
Canada’s multicultural composition means people from diverse backgrounds add their own flavor to Christmas celebrations. While some Canadians say “Merry Christmas,” many choose broader greetings like “Happy Holidays” out of respect for the country’s religious and cultural diversity. Both December 25 (Christmas Day) and December 26 (Boxing Day) are national statutory holidays, giving Canadians a chance to relax, reconnect, and reflect as the year winds down.
Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal host large-scale Christmas events that draw thousands of participants and tourists annually. In Toronto, the “Cavalcade of Lights” kicks off the festive season with a dazzling display of fireworks, live performances, and the ceremonial lighting of the city’s grand Christmas tree in Nathan Phillips Square.
As 2023 concludes, Canadians once again come together to embrace the spirit of giving, family, and festive joy. Whether through age-old traditions or new community celebrations, Christmas in Canada reflects the nation’s enduring values of warmth, inclusivity, and cultural pride.