Whether you celebrate or not, the holidays are a time of nostalgia.
Memories from childhood, classic movies, seasonal music and yes, even snow, can trigger holiday nostalgia, all of which is part of the allure of Miracle sur Saint-Paul, a Christmas-themed pop-up bar that serves delicious holiday cocktails in a festive, and kitschy, setting.
The pop-up bar, which is running from November 26 until December 27 and is open from 4 pm until 1 am daily, serves such holiday drinks as the vodka and elderflower infused Christmapolitan, the cognac and porto based Jingle Balls Nog, the Run Run Reindeer, which is a mulled-wine reduction with prosecco and the Snowball Old Fashioned, a delightful whiskey and gingerbread concoction.
Other than Miracle Montréal, the Secrets speakeasy will also be transformed into a yuletide haven this year, all the way until January 4. Known as Secrets Bar de Noël, the location, which has been made to look like it’s straight out of a Christmas movie will be serving cocktails and seasonal appetizers in an atmosphere conducive to creating your own holiday memories.
For those who love a great tea room experience, both Bar à Beurre and Paparmane will be offering up a variety of holiday high teas and other high jinks, while the always-flawless winter aesthetic of Ruelle Pépin will be providing the perfect setting for a nostalgic holiday photoshoot.
To make things even more magical, the SDC Vieux-Montréal set up of the neighbourhood’s signature winter illuminations at nearly thirty specially designated locations and Winter Rest Areas featuring outdoor fire pits complete with Adirondack chairs will be gradually introduced at four sites in Old Montreal by the beginning of January.
The all-new Saint-Paul West Winter Station will also be unveiled in front of the Old Customs House on the north side of Place Royale. This winter oasis will come alive between January and March with cozy fire pits, twinkling decorations and an enchanting musical atmosphere.
Word to the wise: a winter tales and legends storytelling session plus a free marshmallow bar will be available to Winter Station visitors on Saturday afternoons.
As for New Year’s Eve, the open-air Grand Minuit de Montréal, at Jacques-Cartier Quay in the Old Port, and at Place Jacques-Cartier in Old Montreal, promises to be a colourful and festive celebration on December 31.
This free, large-scale event will blend together music, lights, art and winter magic for one truly unforgettable New Year’s Eve with live performances and a grand countdown, à la Dick Clark.
Nostalgic much?