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Discover Montreal’s secret enchanted hidden alley this holiday season

The coolest street in the world, rue Wellington, is way cooler than ever this winter.

Laura Osborne
Written by
Laura Osborne
Editor, Time Out Canada
Promenade Wellington
Photograph: Caroline Perron
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The Enchanted Alley on rue Wellington is back this year with a completely new, magical look!

More glittering than ever—and worthy of the most epic winter fairytale—the Enchanted Alley is the perfect spot for your holiday family photo, or to create an unforgettable Christmas moment.

Like something out of Harry Potter, look for the twinkling holiday installation between the Salvation Army and Dollarama on the coolest street in the world.

Promenade Wellington
Photograph: Caroline Perron

Promenade Wellington is a glow with Christmas markets, sparkling lights and decorated shop windows from one end to the other.

Promenade Wellington
Photograph: Caroline Perron

Where is the enchanted alley on rue Wellington in Verdun?

The fun-filled, family-friendly street, renamed “Pole Wellington” for the holiday season, is also home to a giant Christmas tree, dazzling choirs and two Christmas villages. 

Promenade Wellington
Photograph: Caroline Perron

What else is happening on rue Wellington?

Stroll past magical window displays, enter Christmas contests and mark your calendar for not one but two visits from Santa: Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Promenade Wellington
Photograph: Caroline Perron

Why is rue Wellington one of the coolest streets in the world?

With one of the city’s best restaurants at one end, and one of the best new restaurants at the other—plus a slew of bars, cult coffee shops and family-friendly spots in between—there’s no questioning a street’s cool factor. Throw in a tuk-tuk service and a sandy beach smack in the middle, and you’ve arrived on Rue Wellington in Montreal.

Promenade Wellington - Bar Verdun Beach
Photograph: Caroline Perron | Bar Verdun Beach

Located in the heart of Montreal’s Verdun neighbourhood, “Wellington” (as it is affectionately known by locals) is constantly evolving. Promenade Wellington, a vibrant 1.3-km strip that is pedestrian-only from June to mid-September, is home to over 250 businesses—from the city's newest bagel shop to a next-level specialty beer store. 

Christmas / Noël : Promenade Wellington
Photograph: © Caroline Perron Photographies

Wellington is a street where friends and family enjoy ice cream after a free puppet festival on the swings and benches that punctuate the promenade. Picture strollers stuffed with sand toys; loyal patrons lining up outside of Bossa (the beloved neighbourhood family-run sandwicherie) for meatball, basil oil, mozzarella, parmesan and hot peppers hoagies, and terrasses like Bar Palco heaving with revellers toasting to $1 oysters. 

Promenade Wellington
Photograph: Caroline Perron

To read more about why rue Wellington was ranked one of the world's coolest streets, click here.

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