11 Christmas Markets And Events To Hit Up In & Around Quebec City This Holiday Season
The most beautiful Christmas city in Canada is worth the road trip.
- Below are listed 11 Quebec Christmas markets and events to check out in, around, and on the way to Quebec City this winter.
- The Quebec capital is known for its winter charm and each of these events takes full advantage of that quality inherent to the city itself as well as its surrounding area.
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For any Christmas lover, a trip to Quebec City should rank pretty high on the list of must-do road trips. Considered one of North America's most beautiful cities around the holidays, the capital of Quebec becomes the quintessential winter wonderland. Along with its narrow cobbled streets, and cozy cafés, Quebec City is host to a ton of holiday markets and outdoor activities that help add to the overall ambiance.
While there are a lot of choices for Christmas markets around Montreal, the three-hour road trip north is still worth it. With so many things to do, it's easy to make a weekend of it. The only downside will be choosing which ones you want to attend.
If you want to make the most of your drive, you can take a little detour and stop off at the stunning Trois-Rivières Noël en Lumière or check out the market at the old railway station in Sherbrooke.
Most of the festivities gear up towards the end of the month and run through to just before Christmas. And unless otherwise noted, they are all 100% free to attend, so you can take in the holiday spirit without reaching for your wallet.
Here are 11 of the best holiday festivities you should try to visit this year around Quebec City.
Grand Marché du Noël de Québec
When: November 21 to December 24, 26, 27
Where: 250-M, boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel; Le Grand Marché
The Grand Marché de Québec has some of the highest quality gourmet foods you can find. This is truly the market for budding chefs and foodies. During Christmas, they also host culinary workshops, sell Christmas trees and have Santa in on the action.
Marché de Noël allemand de Québec
When: November 22 – December 23
Where: In the heart of Old Quebec, Quebec City
This is one of the few authentic German-style Christmas markets in the region. Old Quebec City welcomes over 80 exhibitors selling everything from European food and alcohol to hand-produced crafts. There is also free entertainment for all ages to enjoy.
Marché de Noël de Baie-Saint-Paul
When: November 29 – December 8 (weekends)
Where: Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste; Baie-Saint-Paul
The best way to visit this market is to take the Christmas themed, animated train from Quebec City. Once you're there, you can peruse the local artisan kiosks for all your Christmas needs.
Marché du Noël d'Antan à Cap-Santé
When: November 29 to December 1
Where: 30 Rue Marie Fitzbach; Cap-Santé
The idyllic town of Cap-Santé is worthy of a visit anytime of the year, but come the holidays this sleepy town is transformed into a bustling European style market from yesteryear.
Le Marché de Noël du Sanctuaire de Notre-Dame-du-Cap
When: TBA (usually runs mid-December)
Where: 626 Rue Notre-Dame E., Trois-Rivières
This market in Trois-Rivières only runs for a few days in December, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly. As part of the Noël en Lumière event, it creates an enchanting Christmas shopping experience. The best part is that it's located only an hour and a half from Montreal.
Marché de Noël de Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
La Grande Fête Hivernale
When: December 21-22; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Rue des Carrières, Quebec; Terrasse Dufferin
Cost: $5
Celebrate winter with the official opening of the century-old slide in Quebec City. There will be animators on hand, and the cost of entrance allows you a ride down the slide and a hot chocolate to warm you up.
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Noël au Marché de la gare de Sherbrooke
When: Weekends only. November 30 – December 22
Where: 710 place de la Gare, Sherbrooke
You'll want to make a little detour to stop in at the Sherbrooke Christmas market. Along with the holiday artisan village, it also boasts one of the largest illuminated Christmas trees in Canada. Located in the old CP railway station, the whole atmosphere is cozy and festive.
Whether you're looking to do some shopping or just want to take in the holiday decorations, these markets have everything you could need this Christmas season.