Here are the Montreal municipal services operating over the holidays

New view of the treetops at the Montreal Biodome. (Mathieu Rivard/Espace pour la vie)

The City of Montreal will be operating on modified schedules for several municipal services over the holiday period. Residents are encouraged to check hours in advance before heading out.

Want to know what else is open or closed? Here’s a broad list across the country of standard services and attractions

Permit counters and online services

Bureaux Accès Montréal (BAM) offices and permit counters will be closed from Dec. 24 to Jan. 2. Many services remain available online, allowing residents to complete transactions virtually. Requests submitted during the holiday closure will be accepted but processed starting Jan. 5, 2026.

Garbage and recycling collection

Most household collections — including garbage, bulky items, recycling, food waste, and construction or renovation debris — will continue as scheduled. In some boroughs, collection days may be moved up or delayed. Residents can check their local schedule through Info-collectes.

Christmas tree collection is handled separately. Natural trees must be free of decorations and placed at the curb in front of the residence before 7 a.m. on collection day, without blocking the sidewalk. Trees must not be wrapped. Details and schedules are available on the city’s website.

Ecocentres

All ecocentres will be closed from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, reopening Jan. 2 under the regular winter schedule: Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sports facilities

Most sports facilities will remain open during the holidays, though hours may vary by borough. Residents are advised to contact facilities directly or consult montreal.ca before visiting.

Libraries and Maisons de la culture

Libraries and Maisons de la culture will operate on variable schedules depending on the borough. Holiday hours and contact information are available through the city’s online directories.

Esplanade Tranquille skating rink

The outdoor skating rink at Esplanade Tranquille in the Quartier des spectacles will be open every day, including Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. Visitors are encouraged to check ice conditions and schedules before heading out.

MEM – Centre des mémoires montréalaises

The MEM will be open throughout the holiday season, except Dec. 25, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026. On Dec. 24 and 31, hours will be reduced, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Espace pour la vie

The Biodôme, Biosphère, Insectarium, Planetarium and the indoor areas of the Botanical Garden will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25. On Jan. 1, all five museums will open at 1 p.m. Online ticket purchases are strongly recommended.

Municipal court

Only hearings for detained individuals will be held at the courthouse located at 775 Gosford Street. The municipal court call centre and main courthouse will be closed from Dec. 24 to Jan. 4. Requests for stays of execution may be submitted but will not be heard between Dec. 22 and Jan. 4.

Customer service counters will be closed as follows:

• Main courthouse: closed Dec. 24-28 and Dec. 31-Jan. 4
• East counter: closed Dec. 24-28 and Dec. 31-Jan. 4
• North counter: closed Dec. 24-28 and Dec. 31-Jan. 4
• South counter: closed Dec. 24-Jan. 4

The City of Montreal encourages residents to consult its website or contact municipal services directly for the most up-to-date information on holiday closures and modified schedules.