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. New this year: it is possible to take a guided tour to discover the typically German products offered on the different sites.

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 24 to December 24.

Until December 8, 2024, the Catholic Church of Québec will mark the 350^th anniversary of the founding of its diocese (1674). The thousands of people expected during the year will be invited to rediscover the history of the diocesan community through activities aimed at everyone, including the opening celebrations (December 8 to 31, 2023) and the opening of the Holy Door, the only one located outside Europe.

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.

The arrival of snow and cold weather allows us to put some outdoor activities on our agenda. Here are some suggestions:

• Snow tubing: Opening of Village Vacances Valcartier on December 16
• Alpine skiing: Start of the ski season at Stoneham, Mont-Sainte-Anne and Massif de Charlevoix in early December 
• 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
• Cross-country skiing: Forêt Montmorency has been in operation since mid-November while the other centers 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 centers should soon be rideable.