Take on the holidays in stride with this Quebec City Christmas Guide!
In Quebec City Christmas is no joke, so get in the holiday spirit with these fun wintertime activities! From holiday markets to spending a night in an ice hotel, this city knows how to embrace the cold, no matter what you celebrate. Bundle up, hit the cobblestone streets, and you’ll see the city transformed into a winter wonderland!
1. Check out the German Christmas Market
Want a one stop shop for all things Christmas? From November 21 until December 23 (Thursday through Sunday), this charming holiday market lights up Old Quebec with its traditional charm, exciting programming and endless gift ideas. Bringing the magic of the big European Christmas Markets across the ocean, this month long celebration is sure to quench your Christmas spirit (or quench your thirst with some spirits). Roam amongst the quaint wooden kiosks, discover local Quebec artisans, European delicacies, catch a show or even visit the Alpine Village , for some raclette cheese and après-ski vibes… is it even a Quebec City Christmas without a trip to the Marché de Noël Allemand?
Place D’Youville, place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, Sainte-Anne Street and place d’Armes
https://www.mnaq.ca/en/
2. Take the Old Quebec Food Tour
Not sure where to start amongst all the festivities? Try taking the Old Quebec Food Tour and you’ll hit the ground running. You’ll sample food and drink from 5 local restaurants, see the sights, and learn all about the history and culture of Quebec City from an expert local guide while you’re at it. Traditional or modern, local and delicious, the food on this trip is plenty for a filling and hearty lunch. Plus, you’ll be able to make the most of the season and try maple taffy rolled directly in some fresh snow! An Old Quebec Food Tour is surely the best way to celebrate Christmas in the city… and makes for an amazing gift too!
3. Stroll through the Petit Champlain District
Take the funiculaire cable car down to lower Quebec City and it’ll feel like you’re stepping right into a Christmas card. Sparkly holiday lights line the narrow streets where historical architecture meets independent boutiques and restaurants. Beautifully decorated for the holidays, Petit Champlain is a picture perfect place to shop for presents made by local artisans, treat the family to a wintery day out with the fun kids’ activities, and see what else you can discover. Be sure to not miss out on their Christmas Choir shows happening from the 7th of December to the 1st of January at Place-Royale and Petit Champlain.
61, rue du Petit-Champlain
https://www.quartierpetitchamplain.com/en/home/
4. Get drinks at Miracle, a Christmas themed pop-up bar
Yes, you read that right, a pop-up bar for the holidays… this is truly a Miracle! Quebec City Christmas is even better when you go all out, and you can count on that in this gloriously kitsch space with an eye for detail. They’ll be serving holiday themed cocktails, comfort food, and the seasonal tunes we love from November 20th to December 31st at Maelstrøm Café in Saint-Roch.
181 Rue Saint-Vallier E
https://www.instagram.com/miracle_au_maelstrom/
https://maelstrom.cafe
5. Delight in festive atmosphere of the Grand Marché de de Noël
When Quebec City’s premier gourmet food destination takes on Christmas, you know it’s going to be a beautiful thing. The Grand Marché de Québec has been transformed into a winter wonderland from November 25th to December 24th, offering a wide range of culinary workshops, exclusive artisanal products (that you can’t get anywhere else!), and entertainment for the whole family. Discover incredible regional products from over 300 artisans, find beautiful gifts, try your hand at making some traditional Christmas treats and even meet the real Santa Claus (from December 8th to the 15th), all under the same roof!
250-M, boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel
legrandmarchedequebec.com
6. Book a holiday package at the nicest Strøm Spa Location
Tired of running around looking for presents? Get away for a few hours and treat yourself to an afternoon at the Strøm Spa. Their Thermal Experience will take you through a circuit of alternating hot and cold baths. Check out their holiday packages for a special deal to pamper yourself or to give the gift of relaxation to someone you love. Food and wine pairings, special gifts, or additional treatments (a much needed massage anyone?) take these packages to the next level, and you get all the credit!
515 Bd Champlain
stromspa.com
Forfaits des fetes vieux Quebec
7. Go ice-skating at Place d’Youville
The approaching winter does not mean you have to stay inside. Stay warm by getting active and step onto the rink at Place D’Youville from November 15th 2024 to March 16th 2025. It’s right next to the city’s fortress-like outer wall so you’ll be gliding along with a view. With skate rentals onsite, no admission fee and a system that keeps the ice cold even in warmer weather, what are you waiting for? Make sure to reserve online, then head over to Place d’Youville for some proper wintertime fun.
995, place D’Youville, La Cité-Limoilou
https://www.ville.quebec.qc.ca
8. Check out the 100% Île d’Orléans artisans
From November 29 to December 1, 2024 visit the 100% Île d’Orléans artisans Christmas Market at Espace Félix-Leclerc. On the program, musical entertainment with Les Voizelles on Friday evening, visit from Santa Claus, outdoor fire, coffee, hot chocolate and wine provided by Parfois café.
1214 Chem. Royal, Saint-Pierre
https://www.facebook.com/marchedenoeldeliledorleans
9. Slide into Winter Fun at Quebec City’s Toboggan Slide
Head to the iconic Toboggan Slide on Dufferin Terrace, where you can race down icy slopes at speeds of up to 70 km/h! Open from mid-December through March (weather permitting), this historic slide has been thrilling visitors since 1884. It gets frosty in Quebec City during the holidays, so indulge in a little hot cocoa after your ride, at the 1884 Kiosk! Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Toboggan Slide is a must-try winter experience, with the 2024 season starting on December 13th!
Place Terrasse Dufferin NEXT TO THE CHÂTEAU FRONTENAC KIOSK, Québec, QC G1R 4P5
https://au1884.ca/toboggan-slide-tickets
10. Visit the Boutique de Noël
This year-round Christmas-themed store offers a stunning selection of unique ornaments for your tree. Adorned with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and festive decor items for sale, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to add some holiday magic to their season. Although you can visit it anytime of year… what better time than the Holidays!!
47 Rue De Buade, Québec, QC G1R 4A2
https://boutiquedenoel.ca
11. Take a wintery walk in the snow
Take the family out for a hike that’ll bring togetherness, holiday cheer and won’t put a dent in your gift giving budget.
First of all, the Plains of Abraham is both a colonial battle site and a beautiful river-side park that’s easy to access from the heart of the city. You can go skating, cross-country skiing, sliding, on treasure hunts, see exhibitions and even an illuminated garden!
If you’d rather get out of the city than recount tales of heroic bloodshed, try taking a day trip to Jacques-Cartier National Park. There, you’ll find breathtaking views of glacial valleys and, similarly, endless fun for any little ones. Tobogganing, skating, skiing snowshoeing or a good old wintertime hike await just 30 minutes north of Quebec City. Simply bundle up and get moving!
12. Try tourtière, a classic Quebecois Christmas meal
This meat pie is traditionally made with a mixture meats, vegetables and spices and is certainly a Quebec winter classic. If you want a taste of the tradition, try an authentic version of it today an amazing local restaurant:
- La Bûche is a wonderful spot for all things traditionally Quebecois. You’ll feel right at home it it’s rustic and eclectic interior, which makes for the perfect atmosphere to savour their delightful and unique Tourtière.
- Aux Anciens Canadiens also offers a wide list of traditional dishes, so you can have meat pie prepared in the style of either Grandma or Grandpa (who adds wild meats)!
- Finally, if you’re not sure it’s your thing, try the tourtière at the Buffet de L’Antiquaire, buffet style means you’ll be able to sample the pie… and so many other delicious Quebec foods!
13. Grab a Hot Cocoa and Check out the Christmas tree at Place Royale
A must-do activity in Quebec City during the Christmas season is to visit the charming Place Royale, where history meets festive magic. Stroll through this picturesque square, where Samuel de Champlain founded the city in 1608, and admire the stunning Christmas tree surrounded by beautiful holiday decorations. The square is also home to the oldest stone church in North America and features historical buildings showcasing both French and British architectural styles. After taking in the festive atmosphere, warm up with a delicious hot chocolate or seasonal drink at Maison Smith Café, located nearby in the heart of Place Royale.
2-4 Rue des Pains Bénits, Ville de Québec, QC G1K
https://smithcafe.com/
14. Spend a night in the Ice Hotel
If you’re visiting from out of town you’ll probably need a place to spend the night. This is Canada, after all, why not try an igloo? I’m really serious.
What could be a more exciting experience than truly embracing the frosty winter and staying at Quebec City’s iconic Ice Hotel? The rooms opens on January 4th until March 15th, so it won’t be an option for the holiday season. But instead you will be welcome to get cozy in its frosty suites all winter long.
2280 Bd Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, QC G0A 4S0
www.valcartier.com
15. Soak in the art at the Musée National des Beaux-Arts de Québec
Get out of the cold for a few hours, and indulge in an afternoon admiring the galleries and exhibitions of the Musée National des Beaux-Arts de Québec. Until January 5th, 2025 catch their exclusive Helen McNicoll-An Impressionist Journey exhibition. Elsewhere in the gallery you’ll find the museum’s fresh displays of its permanent collection.
179 Grande Allée O, Québec, QC G1R 2H1
www.mnbaq.org
