Feeling nostalgic for a White Christmas this year? Quebec is the perfect destination for experiencing a snowy yet magical Christmas. This province’s blend of French and North American traditions adds a unique flavour to their holiday season and forms a spectacular fusion of festivities. Learn what Christmastime in Quebec has to offer and find ideas on how to celebrate.
What are some fun ways to enjoy Christmas in Quebec?
With two of Canada’s largest cities and plenty of winter wonderland activities to go around, there are so many ways to enjoy the holidays in Quebec. If you’re not migrating south to warmer places like Florida or Arizona for the holidays this year, here are some ways you can spend your Christmas in Quebec:
1. Stroll around a Christmas market
Outdoor Christmas markets are the perfect place to sip on some hot chocolate and look at holiday lights. In Montreal, you can enjoy the foods and exhibits at the Great Montreal Christmas Market (or “Le Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal” in French), the Jean-Talon Christmas Market, and the Christmas Village in Atwater Market throughout the season. Quebec City hosts its famous annual German Christmas Market, which is the perfect place to get your fill of Bavarian favorites like mulled wine and potato pancakes. You can also walk through the picturesque Petit-Champlain street and gaze at the decorations.
2. Enjoy some outdoor winter activities
It may be cold outside, but there’s so many ways to have fun in the snow. Embrace the winter season by enjoying outdoor activities like ice skating at the Place D’Youville in Quebec City or skiing in the Laurentian Mountains. Many parks and outdoor spaces offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. You can also rediscover your sense of childlike wonder by dusting off your old sled and finding a snow-topped hill to go sledding on.
3. Try some traditional French-Canadian Christmas dishes
Savour traditional Quebecois dishes and desserts with a holiday twist. The most notable Christmas dinner entrée in Quebec is the tourtière, which is a flaky meat pie that looks as good as it tastes. For dessert, pick up a tasty Bûche de Noël (yule log cake) to share with friends and family. Don’t forget to try the tire sur la neige, a maple taffy treat made by pouring hot maple syrup onto the snow.
4. Attend a midnight Mass
Christmas is a religious holiday, and most churches in Quebec will be open to welcome parishioners and visitors from all around to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Beautiful churches can be found in every corner of the province for those interested in attending a Christmas Eve Mass. Popular churches like the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal require tickets, so be sure to secure a ticket before leaving for Mass.
5. Take in the scenery
Quebec is full of scenic spots, all of which look even more charming in the snow. The metropolitan areas have their fair share of beautiful buildings like Montreal’s City Hall building and the Château Frontenac hotel in Quebec City, but there are plenty of small towns that shouldn’t be overlooked. Towns like Sherbrooke, Tadoussac, and Saguenay are the perfect places to have a Hallmark Christmas moment.
Have yourself a French-Canadian Christmas
Christmas in Quebec is a heartwarming experience that combines the magic of the holidays with the province’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re taking part in traditional activities or trying out Quebecois customs, you’re sure to create cherished memories during the holiday season. Use our tips for wintering in the Great White North and Christmas traveling to find more inspiration for the season.
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