This glowing Christmas market is under 3 hours from Montreal but will feel like you're in Europe
If you're craving a slice of Europe for the holidays but can't afford a plane ticket, this cozy German Christmas Market is probably the next best thing.
Just a three-hour drive from Montreal, this winter wonderland will make you feel like you've been whisked straight to Europe, right down to the smell of mulled wine and fresh gingerbread.
Nestled in the heart of Old Quebec, the market sprawls across five sites, each one dressed up with lights, wooden kiosks, and all the festive trimmings that make European Christmas markets so dreamy.
This, combined with Quebec City's classic cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and (hopefully!) a dusting of snow, are all the ingredients you need to be transported to Germany—no plane ticket is required!
This year, the Quebec City German Christmas markets , also known as Le Marché de Noël allemand de Québec, will begin on November 21 and run until December 23. They're open weekly from Thursday to Sunday. The market's opening hours are 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday.
The market goes all out to give visitors that authentic German Christmas experience, from rustic wooden kiosks filled with German handcrafted ornaments to carved wooden Santas and beautifully decorated Christmas pyramids imported from Germany itself.
Local artisans add their own Quebec twist to gifts, ranging from cozy knitwear to unique art pieces, making it the perfect spot to pick up something special for those on your holiday list.
If you're a foodie, you're in for a treat because this "enchanting Christmas village" is packed with delicious snacks that'll instantly transport your taste buds to Europe.
From traditional German bratwurst and gingerbread to giant pretzels and stollen—a rich, fruit-filled cake that's a holiday tradition in Germany—you can nibble your way around Barvaria without even leaving Quebec.
For drinks, swing by one of the market's themed bars, like the GlühweinBar, for a warm cup of spiced mulled wine. There's also the AlpenBar, the WinterBar, and the SchokoKaffeeBar, where you can sip on everything from hot chocolate to schnapps while soaking up the authentic European atmosphere.
When it comes to performances and holiday traditions, you can catch choirs singing traditional carols, alphorn players playing tunes, and the market's iconic giant puppets parading through the streets.
The market is also packed with family-friendly activities, tons of eye-catching decorations, and the opportunity for little ones to meet the big man in red himself.
Quebec City's German Christmas market
Price: Free entry
When: November 21 until December 23, 2024
Address: Various locations around Quebec City
Why You Need To Go: From Quebec City's natural charm and the festive cheer of the German Christmas market, to the incredible food and drinks to keep you warm, this is a little taste of Europe that's close enough to do on a weekend.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
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