Christmas in Quebec City

Do you dream of a Holly Jolly Christmas or do you think Christmas is the best time of the year? If so, you should definitely visit Quebec City in Canada. Quebec City is one of the oldest European cities in North America and it has really perfected Christmas over the years. It truly is as pretty as a Winter postcard (or a Winter Instagram post)! Here are our top 10 things to do for Christmas in Quebec City if you are lucky enough to be able to visit during the most wonderful time of the year.

1. Quebec City’s German Christmas Market - Every year a few weeks before the holidays, the town is made to look like a Christmas painting with lights, shows, shopping, food, drinks, and children’s activities. And of course all with the soundtrack of Christmas music and choirs. The Market is in the heart of Old Quebec at the Place de l’Hotel-de-Ville. Times vary but mostly the Market is open from either 11am-6pm or 11am-9pm. There is a special program of free events every day. The Market closes for the year on December 23rd which is an extra special day to go as there is a Closing Ceremony and Parade!

2. Chateau Frontenac - This is said to be the most photographed hotel in the world and when you see it you will understand why. Even if you don’t stay here, you can visit for some winter fun. There is a toboggan run at the foot of the Chateau. It is open to the public daily from 9am-5pm. If you like your Christmas to be thrilling, this is the perfect activity for you as it reaches speeds of up to 70/km/h! But don’t worry, you can ride with up to 3 other people. If this is a little too thrilling for you, maybe a tour of the gorgeous hotel is more your speed. Guided tours are available from December 23-January 2 if you are visiting during Christmastime.

3. Ice Skating at Place D’Youville - Well just the name of this public square in the core of Quebec City sounds like you’re in a children’s Christmas movie. From mid-November until mid-March, you can skate outdoors from 10am-10pm most days of the week (including Christmas Day). Don’t worry about bringing your ice skates with you, you can rent skates there ($8 cash). And it’s free to skate!

4. Ferry ride between Old Quebec and Levis - The ride across the St. Lawrence River takes about 15 minutes and is very inexpensive at just $5 per round trip. Although this ferry is year- round, the winter ride is extra special as the ferry cuts through thick pieces of ice on the river. You can stay on round-trip or disembark to enjoy some time in Levis. While in Levis you can take photos of Chateau Frontenac and the Old City’s skyline from across the St. Lawrence River. You can also visit Chocolate Favoris where you can get some amazing chocolate in so many different forms (think ice cream, fondue, hot chocolate, etc., etc.). That alone is worth the ferry ride!

5. Galeries de la Capitale Mall - This is a mall that has an amusement park inside! This is a great place to spend a day in the mall before Christmas to do some last minute shopping. Or you can just visit to ride the roller coaster, ice skate, eat, and maybe even catch a movie. (The mall is closed Christmas Day).

6. Maple Syrup Snow Candy - This is kind of what you think it is but even more. Maple Syrup Snow Candy is also known as Snow Taffy or Maple Syrup Taffy and is created by boiling maple sap past the point of it being maple syrup (but before it gets to be maple butter or maple sugar), then it is poured onto fresh snow then lifted up with a popsicle stick. Look for sugar shacks throughout Quebec (or look for a Cabana a Sucre if you want to sound like the locals).

7. Basilica-Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec - This cathedral is beautiful to visit all year long, but if you are there during Christmas you can see their life-size outdoor nativity scene or perhaps even attend a Christmas Mass (in French of course!). There are plenty of times available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. No ticket required. Just show up (but be prepared to stand as it is quite popular).

8. Maelstrøm Café - At Christmastime this is a pop up kitschy Christmas cafe & bar in in Saint-Roch. During the day it is a cafe where you can get coffee and the likes and at night you can enjoy lots of specialty Christmas-themed cocktails. The entire place is decked out with Christmas decor and is filled with Christmas music.

9. Petit Champlain District - Meet Santa Claus in this picture-perfect Christmas Village. This area will really put you in the mood for Christmas with its holiday lights, snow, and gorgeous European architecture. Plus there are plenty of places for more Christmas shopping!

10. Hotel de Glace - sadly this is not open for Christmas but if you find yourself in the area in January you must stop by this hotel made entirely of snow and ice! If you don’t stay here, you can still enjoy the Ice Bar and Ice Slide. The hotel rooms change every winter (because they are made from snow and ice!) and they make you feel like you are living in an igloo (well except some of the rooms have fireplaces and the hotel has a spa...). Staying an an Ice Hotel is probably one of those experiences you would never forget. What a way to kick off a New Year!

Ready to plan your Quebec City getaway? Contact me today to get started!