As the holiday season approaches, the City of Montreal has released its official schedule for municipal services operating throughout the festive period. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for changes to regular schedules, particularly around waste collection and recreational facilities.
Key Services and Facility Hours
The announcement, made on December 17, 2025, provides clarity for Montrealers navigating the holidays. While specific details for all services are being finalized, major cultural institutions like Espace pour la vie—which includes the Biodome, Insectarium, Planetarium, and Botanical Garden—are expected to have special holiday hours. The Montreal Biodome, with its newly revealed treetop walkway experience, is a highlight for families during the break.
Essential services such as public security, water distribution, and snow removal will remain operational to ensure safety and continuity. However, administrative offices, including Accès Montréal offices and borough town halls, will be closed on statutory holidays. Residents should check the city's official website for precise closure dates and any emergency contact information.
Waste Collection and Public Transit Adjustments
A critical area for residents to note is changes to waste collection and recycling schedules. Collections normally scheduled for statutory holidays will be postponed, with pickups resuming on the next regular collection day. The city advises confirming your revised pickup date online to avoid missed collections.
Public transit via the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) will run on a modified holiday schedule. While the metro and bus networks will operate, frequency may be reduced on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Detailed schedules are available on the STM website and mobile app.
Planning Your Holiday Activities
For those looking to enjoy Montreal's cultural offerings, the holiday schedule release is timely. The Espace pour la vie museums, a major attraction, often feature special winter programming. The recent unveiling of the new perspective on the rainforest canopy at the Biodome offers a unique winter escape.
Residents are reminded that other services, like municipal courts and permit counters, will also observe the holiday closures. The city recommends handling any urgent municipal business before the holiday closures take effect to avoid delays.
By publishing this information well in advance, the City of Montreal aims to help citizens and visitors alike plan a smooth and enjoyable holiday season, minimizing disruptions to daily life while celebrating the festive period.
