Things to Do in Québec City During the Holiday Season

Équipe édito
Editorial Team
Updated on September 22, 2025
Choir in Quartier Petit Champlain
Quartier Petit Champlain, Barrons-nous

With its enchanting lights, festive decorations, European-style architecture, and blanket of snow, Québec ranks among the top destinations for experiencing the magic of Christmas. Here are our recommendations for activities to enjoy during the holiday season, along with places open on Christmas and New Year's Day.

Activity Ideas at Christmas Time

Add these activities and events to your agenda to fully experience the holiday season in Québec. It is recommended to check the hours with the businesses before heading out.

Christmas Markets

Grand Marché de Noël
Lorraine Richard-Nolin

Most Christmas markets take place before the holiday break, such as the Québec City German Christmas Market (ending December 23) and the Grand Christmas Market (ending December 24).

Kaléidoscopes

Kaleidoscopes
Geneviève Roussel

From December 27th to 31st, the Kaléidoscopes festival invites to immerse yourself in the heart of Québécois culture. Music, theatre, visual arts, gastronomy... A rich and diverse program awaits you in Old Québec.

Circus and Choirs Performances in the Petit-Champlain

Spectacle de cirque dans le Petit-Champlain en hiver
Kova Production

This historic neighbourhood, with its unique charm, comes alive during the holiday season with choirs and circus performances at different times.

Toboggan Festival

Festivaliers pour Toboggan
André-Olivier Lyra

From December 29th to 31st, the Grande Allée area comes alive for the Toboggan New Year's Eve celebrations. The program includes a winter village, outdoor performances, and various activities. On December 31st, we ring in the new year with classic New Year's Day traditional music.

Ice Skating

Patinoire place D'Youville
Simon Clark

We lace up our skates and head to the many ice rinks in the Québec City area. The refrigerated rinks at Place D'Youville, the Plains of Abraham, and the Discoglace in the Old Port offer excellent ice quality, no matter what the weather has in store.

For skating away from the elements, head to Méga Parc or to Centre de glaces Intact Assurance.

Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel)

Hôtel de Glace
Pikur

The Ice Hotel is scheduled is scheduled to open on December 27, depending on weather conditions and construction progress. Be sure to check their website for the latest updates.

Onhwa' Lumina 

Onhwa' Lumina en hiver
Simon Clark

This 1.2 km forest trail takes visitors on a magical journey, combining nature and technology while showcasing the rich history of the Wendat Nation.

AURA at St-Roch Church

Maquette pour illustrer AURA à l'église St-Roch
Moment Factory

St-Roch Church comes alive with AURA, the immersive creation by Moment Factory that has already captivated audiences in Montreal and Paris. Over 45 minutes, the iconic space is transformed into a grand spectacle, where breathtaking projections, enveloping light displays, and orchestral music immerse visitors in a stunning visual and auditory journey.

Global Tourisme - Glissade Terrasse Dufferin

Snow sliding is the ultimate winter activity to delight every member of the family. It’s sure to leave both kids and adults wanting more!     

Museums and Indoor Attractions 

Méga Parc amusement park
Gabriel Rancourt

Museumsamusement centresindoor attractions in Old Québec... Québec City offers several options to escape the whims of the weather. Please note that the vast majority of these attractions are closed on December 25th and January 1st.

Montmorency Waterfalls Park

Parc de la chute-montmorency en hiver
Luc Charbonneau

Montmorency Falls is stunning both in summer and winter. Experience the power of this natural wonder just 15 minutes from downtown.

Outdoor Activities

Raquette aux Sentiers du Moulin
Sentiers du Moulin, Axelle St-Clair

Less than 30 minutes from Québec City, enjoy winter activities such as snowshoeingcross-country skiingdownhill skiingdogsledding, or fat biking. Depending on the weather, most outdoor centres are open throughout the holiday season, but some are closed on December 25th and January 1st. Be sure to check ahead before heading out!

Nordic Spas 

Le Nordique Spa Stoneham - Photo aérienne
Le Nordique Spa Stoneham

Nordic spas are perfect for taking a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas festivities.

What Is Open on Christmas Day 

Here are some activity suggestions available on December 25th:

What Is Open on New Year's Day

Restaurants That Are Open for the Holidays in Québec City

Finding a restaurant open on Christmas and New Year's Day can be challenging. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together our recommendations for restaurants open during the holiday season.


Équipe édito
Editorial Team

As proud residents of our beloved city, we’re delighted to be sharing our tips about the things and places we love most in the Québec City area. Always on the lookout for what's new, we have decades of experience for Québec City's official tourist guide. What a joy for us to help you discover everything this vibrant and welcoming city has to offer!

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