The Christmas holiday is a time for friends and families to gather together and enjoy unique Canadian traditions and customs on Christmas Eve. One such tradition is Réveillon, a French Canadian feast that includes a variety of dishes dating back to the 19th century, such as black pudding, pâtés and meat pies. Other dishes have been added over the years, including lobster and scallops, as well as desserts like Tarte au sucre and Bûche de Nöel.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the 400-year-old tradition of mummering, also known as jannying in some areas, involves dressing up in masks and disguises and parading around, visiting neighbors and entertaining them with singing and dancing.
In French parts of Canada, the holiday custom of making and eating Taffy, called la tire, is still maintained. This candy creation is made from molasses, cane sugar, butter, and corn syrup, and has its origins dating back to 1653.
Another Christmas tradition in Canada is drinking Eggnog, which is a popular seasonal drink made from a mix of milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, egg yolks, and nutmeg or cinnamon. According to Statistics Canada, Canadians consumed over 5,000 kilolitres of eggnog in December 2020.
The holiday classic movie, “A Christmas Story,” which is about a boy in the 1940s who tries to convince his parents to get him a BB gun for Christmas was shot in locations around Toronto and St. Catharines, with some Canadian connections.
One of the most loved ballet stories of all time, The Nutcracker, can be enjoyed in Canada either in-person or in video. The National Ballet of Canada offers digital programs to guide the audience through the show and offer insights into the Canadian performance.
Ice skating is a favorite holiday activity in Canada and there are many public and private skating rinks available for enjoyment during the holiday season, including on Christmas Eve. Some outdoor rinks even allow visitors to skate after dark, offering a special holiday experience under the stars.
Church services on Christmas Eve, including Midnight Mass, draw crowds from across Canada to celebrate the birth of Christ, with other Christian denominations also holding services.
Another beloved holiday tradition in Canada is gathering family and friends to go caroling and serenading neighbors with Christmas carols, creating great memories for all.
Finally, many homes across Canada decorate for the holiday season, and some neighborhoods use light displays as fundraisers for charities like the local food bank. This presents an opportunity to be dazzled and to give back to the community.