The Latest and the Greatest of Winter 2023-2024

Équipe édito
Editorial Team
Updated on November 17, 2023
Vue aérienne sur Québec en hiver
Jeff Frenette

*Several new features will be added to this page over the weeks, come back and visit it regularly!*

Winter is part of the DNA of Québec City and its people. Anytime is the right time to get out and enjoy the fresh, crisp air! Right from November, the holiday spirit grips the Old City, from the opening of the German Christmas Market to the New Year’s celebrations on Grande Allée. Before February’s out, the whole town is swept up in the Québec Winter Carnival for nearly 10 days. And don’t forget the classics—combine the legendary all-ice Hôtel de Glace with the fun of Village Vacances Valcartier

Fresh for winter 2023–2024, here are the latest and greatest additions to the long list of wonderful things to do in Québec City this winter.

  • 1

    Diocese of Québec Turns 350 and Holy Door Opens

    From December 8, 2023, to December 8, 2024, Québec’s Catholic Church will celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Diocese of Québec, founded in 1674. The thousands of visitors expected throughout the year will be invited to rediscover the history of the diocese community through activities designed for everyone.

    • The Holy Door opens: Starting on December 8, visitors will be able to walk through the only Holy Door outside of Europe. A unique spiritual experience not to be missed.
    • Pilgrimages: Throughout the year, would-be pilgrims can use the Pèlerinages Vieux-Québec portal for help planning an individual or group pilgrimage to Old Québec’s holy sites.
  • 2

    The Québec Winter Carnival Turns 70

    The Québec Winter Carnival has been the symbol of Québec winters since 1955, drawing thousands of visitors from all over the world to celebrate the joys of this special season. For its 70th year, the festival will be celebrated in style over the course of 18 days, with special activities added to the classic Winter Carnival line-up of parades, ice sculptures, Bonhomme’s Palace, the ice canoeing race, and more.

    The Latest in 2024

    • Ice Palace: For his 70th anniversary, Bonhomme is treating himself to an Ice Palace on two floors including a terrace with breathtaking views, a slide and entertainment.
    • The ice sculpture garden: Carvers will create works inspired by the Carnival’s most cherished traditions in a magical setting at Place George-V.
    • Sled city: For four days, the Carnival will take over three Québec City hills, equipping them so that visitors can go flying down each in a different way.
    • Gougoune and Doudoune (Flip Flop and Blankie) Site: At Bonhomme’s new winter beach, the waterslides are replaced by snowtubing slides and there’s a 45-foot ice-climbing bear!
    • Place Jean-Béliveau: The venue for the opening-night show will be transformed into a beginners’ ice-cross run, giving everyone the chance to try this thrilling winter sport.
    • There will be free shuttles to take passholders to the three main sites: the Upper Town, the Espace Quatre Cents wharfs, and Place Jean-Béliveau.
    • Carnival fare: The city’s talented chefs will be cooking up special Carnival dishes that promise to be mighty tasty. Details to come in December.
  • 3

    Exhibitions at Musée de la Civilisation

    • Word Is Bond. The Sound of Rap Queb: Retrace the history of Québec’s hip-hop culture, get an insiders’ view of its many facets and discover its role in our society. November 10, 2023, to September 9, 2024.

    • Wrestling. Québec in the Ring: See wrestling in a new light with this exhibition co-designed and co-produced by the museum and creative company Ex Machina along with its artistic director, Robert Lepage. March 20, 2024, to March 16, 2025.

  • 4

    Exhibitions at Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ)

    • View the Night: A collective exhibition with the night as its theme. The works selected for this exhibition are bathed in an enveloping, intimate atmosphere that invites visitors to be guided by their senses, emotions, and memories. November 2, 2023, to March 17, 2024.

    • Generations: The 175 works in this exhibition belong to three generations of the Sobey family, for a fascinating look at the iconic figures of 19th- and 20th-century Canadian art. February 15 to May 12, 2024.

  • 5

    Winter Karting

    Whether you're a seasoned driver or experiencing karting for the first time, adrenaline enthusiasts will be captivated by this activity exclusively offered at K.C.R. Karting Château-Richer. Equipped with studded tires, the karts provide traction on ice and snow, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.

  • 6

    New Restaurants

    There’s always a new restaurant popping up in Québec City, whether it’s for a quick bite, a multi-course extravaganza, or tasty international cuisine. Treat your taste buds in a new restaurant.


Équipe édito
Editorial Team

As proud ambassadors of our beloved city, we’re delighted to be sharing the things and places we love most in the Québec City area. What a joy for us to help you discover everything this vibrant and welcoming city has to offer!

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