25 Ways to Make November Bright

Annie Lafrance
Annie Lafrance
Updated on October 12, 2023
Deux filles lançant des feuilles d'automne dans une rue du Viuex-Québec
Audet Photos

Who said November is dull and grey? In Québec City, it’s warm, fun, and welcoming, with all kinds of events and activities that bring people together. To find out how to make November magical, read on!

  • Do the Québec Table Gourmande Festival

    With over 70 participating restaurants, Québec Table Gourmande is a food festival not to be missed. Explore new restaurants in different neighbourhoods for an outstanding culinary experience.

  • Sleep at a Hotel

    Most hotels have lower rates and great deals at this time of year.

  • Visit a Christmas Market and Get into the Holiday Spirit

    Who said you have to wait until December to get into the holiday spirit? The festivities start on November 23 at Québec City’s German Christmas Market, filling Old Québec with light.

  • See a Show

    A show is a sure bet for a night in good company. We love getting out to see a show at one of the many venues in the area.

  • Relax at a Spa or Wellness Centre

    November is the perfect month to relax before the hustle and bustle of the holidays and indulge in a little self care at a wellness centre or a Nordic spa.

  • Enjoy a Local Pint

    Québec’s craft breweries are calling! Pull up a chair for some comfort food and a fine craft beer. We like the award-winning brews and down-to-earth vibes at La Souche and La Korrigane, but with some thirty microbreweries in the region, there’s plenty more to explore!

  • Try a New Restaurant

    Discovering a new restaurant is so satisfying. Our recent faves include Distillerie Arsenal & CO. and Ouroboros, where the dishes are extra special thanks to ingredients from the restaurant’s very own farm.

  • Take the Kids to a Christmas Parade

    On November 11, the streets of Québec come alive for the city’s traditional toy parade.

  • Grab a Coffee and Explore the Neighbourhoods

    It’s getting cooler, which makes a nice, hot cup of locally roasted coffee the perfect bevvy for a stroll around town. So cozy and satisfying!

  • Indulge in Comfort Food

    Take a quick trip to Switzerland with the cheese fondue at La Grolla or indulge in comfort food at one of the many local restaurants in the region.

  • Go for Brunch

    Brunch is the very best reason to get out of bed in the morning. Head to Lapin Sauté for brunch and shopping in the Petit-Champlain District, or make it a grand affair with the brunch at Ciel! Bistro-Bar.

  • Admire the Christmas Decorations

    Chase away the November grey with the magic of Christmas. Starting in November, the Petit-Champlain and other central districts are decked out in lights, which makes for an enchanting evening stroll.

  • Bask in Nature at a City Park

    With the days growing shorter, it’s important to fill up on fresh air and sunshine. It’s surprising how healthy a simple walk can be!

  • Take Afternoon Tea

    Weekend afternoons are high teatime at Château Frontenac and Auberge Saint-Antoine, where a delicious platter of fresh tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries awaits.

  • Take a Cooking Class

    Hone those kitchen skills and try new recipes with a cooking class at Ateliers & Saveurs Québec.

  • Sharpen Those Skates

    Get those thighs and calves ready for skating season at an indoor skating rink. It’s the perfect time to try the Olympic ring at Centre de glaces Intact Assurance or go skating with the kids at the Méga Parc’s patinarium. Just be sure to check the skating schedules and book ahead!

  • Play a New Game

    Nothing says cozy times like a new board game. For endless options and expert advice on which game to pick, swing by La Revanche, Le Randolph, or Benjo.

  • Watch a Remparts Game

    Hockey fever has taken hold! We’re reared up and ready to cheer on the local team with family and friends. Lucky for us, Québec City’s Remparts have six home games in November. Game on!

  • Go to the Museum

    The museum is a classic all-weather outing. At Musée de la civilisation, “Our Time on Earth” shares 120 solutions to climate change, while “Love Me Gender” invites us to explore gender identity. At Musée national des beaux-arts (MNBAQ), “View the Night” is a new collective exhibition that embraces the night. See it first in November!

  • Take a Guided Tour of Château Frontenac

    The Château Frontenac’s juicy secrets and fascinating history are revealed on a guided tour into the darkest corners of this famous hotel. Follow it up with a drink and a bite at Sam and a leisurely stroll to admire the Christmas trees in the grand entrance hall.

  • Entertain the Kids

    Go on a spree at the Méga Parc in Galeries de la Capitale or see the “Ludovica” exhibition at Laurier Québec. There’s also the wave pool at the Bora Parc, the climbing at Récréofun and the bouncy-bouncy fun-fun-fun at Carie Factory.

  • Escape from an Escape Room

    Test those puzzle-solving skills and break free at one of the city’s many escape rooms. There’s À Double Tour, Défi Évasion, Eliviascape, and Sauve qui peut.

  • Shop for Local Gifts

    Get that holiday shopping done at Galeries de la Capitale’s Signé Local or in one of the many independent stores in the city centre. 

  • Get in on the Action at the Grand Marché

    With an oyster bar, a special market of crafts, a local wine and spirits market, and the annual Christmas market, November weekends are a busy time at Québec City’s Grand Marché!

  • Stay Somewhere Unique

    What if we made November the month for reconnecting with nature? The many unique accommodation options in the region provide plenty of ways to spend quality time in the great outdoors.


Annie Lafrance
Annie Lafrance

A keen observer of consumer and design trends, journalist and columnist Annie Lafrance has specialized in fashion and lifestyle coverage for over 15 years. Its mission: to promote local creations, artisans and merchants in Québec City.

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