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What's Open and Closed in Montreal on Christmas and New Year's Day?

Holiday Schedules for Montreal Sports Centres, Parks and Museums

By , About.com Guide

What's open and closed in Montreal on Christmas and New Year's Day? The city pretty much shuts itself down on those two days, but there are exceptions to the rule. The list below sums up what to expect but it isn't exhaustive enough to cover every mom & pop shop, restaurant and retail store and government branch in town. If in doubt, call the commerce, business or agency you wish to frequent directly for detailed scheduling information. When it comes to recreational activities, there are a few activity possibilities on Christmas and New Year's Day.

NOTE: 2011 and 2012 DATES UPDATED BELOW

Major Attractions
You can always count on the Montreal Casino being open on both Christmas and New Year's Day. Same goes for St. Joseph's Oratory.

Museums
The Montreal Biodome closes December 24 and December 25 but is open on January 1, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Montreal Botanical Garden and Insectarium close December 24 and December 25, 2011 but both are open on January 1 and January 2, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Pointe-à-Callière Museum closes December 25 and December 26, 2011 as well as January 1 and January 2, 2012. Montreal museums not listed above are closed on both December 25 and January 1 but it never hurts to call in case of an isolated exception.

Parks
As a general rule, Montreal parks close December 25 and January 1st. "Closed" means that any ice skates, ski or snow shoe rentals are unavailable and that parks will not clear/clean up skating rinks and cross country ski trails on those days. Basic services like bathroom access can not be guaranteed either. Some exceptions exist: Bonsecours Basin's skating rink is operating Christmas Day as well as New Year's Day, Parc La Fontaine's skating rink and ice skate rental office stay open, weather-permitting, on December 25 and January 1st from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Mont-Royal's Beaver Lake bathrooms will be accessible at least from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas and New Year's Day, though no rentals will be available and the rink will not be cleaned on either day.

Arenas, Swimming Pools, Sports Centres, Libraries and Maisons de la Culture
Residents are encouraged to call these facilities directly since their schedules vary. As for the Complexe Sportif Claude Robillard, it will be closed from December 23 to December 26, 2011 and then from December 30, 2011 through January 3, 2012.

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