What to Do in Québec City in December

Thanks to its grandiose light displays and its wooden kiosks which emit the smells of cinnamon, mulled wine and pretzels, the German Christmas Market recreates the atmosphere of the great European Christmas markets in the heart of Old Québec. 

Once the German Christmas Market is over, the activity on the sites continues with the Kaléidoscopes event, where visual arts, theater, music, performing arts and literature are presented throughout the Holiday Season. 

With the installation of decorations in the neighbourhoods, the first snowflakes and themed events, it's easy to get into the holiday spirit! Petit-Champlain and Place-Royale are among the best places to immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere. Impressive performances by the Flip Fabrique circus troupe and choirs add a touch of wonder on December weekends.

This year again, the Grande Allée sector will come alive during the Toboggan – New Year Evenings event, a major winter urban music festival to mark the end of the year.

Head to Québec City’s latest and greatest gourmet destination, Le Grand Marché, and take your pick of over 1,000 local products offered at the Christmas Market. November 25, 2024 to January 5, 2025.

Every good Christmas movie has a few key ingredients: gently falling snowflakes, sparkling lights, gorgeous scenery, and that feeling of magic in the air. No surprise, then, that the heaps of snow, beautiful old buildings, decorations, and warm and friendly people here tend to make you feel like you’re in one! Here are a few things you can do in Québec City to experience the magic of Christmas.

With the arrival of snow and cold weather, it's the perfect time to add outdoor activities to your plans. Here are some great options to consider:

• Family activities at the new Gougoune et Doudoune site will kick off on December 21.

• Snow tubing: Village Vacances Valcartier is set to open on December 20, while tobogganing on the Dufferin Terrace is expected to start on December 13.
• Ice skating: The ice rink at Place D’Youville is already open while the one on the Plains of Abraham will open on December 14.

• Alpine skiing: The four ski resorts in the region are operational.

• Cross-country skiing: Forêt Montmorency has been in operation since the end of November while the other centres will gradually open over the coming weeks.
• Fat biking: Empire 47 has already opened a few trails, but the entire network of different fat bike centres should soon be rideable.