Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas! Here are our 9 favorite activities to enhance your getaway in Old Quebec City.

Christmas Markets in Old Quebec

 The German Christmas Market in Old Quebec

Sip mulled wine and revel in the scent of warm pretzels while strolling between the small wooden kiosks of the German Christmas Market in Quebec City. This year, the Christmas market offers five sites in the heart of Old Quebec. In addition to finding original ideas to spoil your loved ones, you will enjoy a unique experience, just like the European Christmas markets.

Plus, the German Market offers entertainment for the whole family at the new Theaterplatz puppet theatre. Don’t miss the on-site tastings! Consult the program now to plan your visit to this enchanting market. The event takes place from November 23 to December 23, 2023 and entry to the sites is free.

The Quebec City Christmas Market

This year, the Grand Marché de Noël  (Québec City Christmas Market) welcomes more than 200 exhibitors. 100% local gifts and a festive atmosphere await you. The Grand Marché de Noël takes place from November 23 to December 23, 2023. Remember to bring your skates, in order to enjoy the magnificent ice path, illuminated in the evening.

Discover the interactive light trail at Place Jean-Béliveau. This year, the event offers two interactive light games: Pop! and the Domino Effect. Admission is free for the whole family. New date are coming soon !

Old Quebec illuminated this Christmas

Petit Champlain et Place Royale Quarters

The picturesque Quarter:  Petit Champlain and the historic Place Royale are transformed for the holidays. Christmas trees, illuminated garlands, a giant Christmas tree and small wooden house are set up to celebrate the magic of Christmas. Simply stroll through the decorated streets or search for original gift ideas in the many small shops. You can admire the Christmas decorations beginning November 25, 2023.

From December 2 2023 to January 1 2024,  the Christmas choir will perform around Place Royale and Quartier Petit Champlain.

From December 9, 2023, the artists of Flip Fabrique are preparing an entertaining animated tour for young and old, on the Place Royale site. Watch their programming and immerse yourself in the magic of the Holidays!

Kaléidoscopes

Extend the Christmas festivities until the end of the year by discovering the multidisciplinary event: Kaleidoscopes. Unique animations will be presented on the five different sites. An event that highlights Quebec’s heritage accompanied by music, visual arts, literature and its gourmet side. Kaleidoscopes takes place from December 27 to 31, 2022 everyday at 14h to 21h. Admission is free for all visitors. Let yourself be amazed by this original and artistic event.

Skating at Place d’Youville

In the heart of Old Quebec, put on your skates and enjoy winter in the enchanting setting of Place d’Youville. The ice is refrigerated  to provide skaters with exceptional conditions all winter long. Equipment rental is available on site, as well as a heated cabin and bathroom for added convenience. Consult the ice rink schedule to plan your visit. Access to the ice rink is free.

Outdoor activities not to be missed

 Onhwa’ lumina

Just 15 minutes from the Old Quebec City and precisely in the town of Wendake, discover the way of life​​ of the  Huron-Wendat Nation through a luminous night walk in the forest.

As night falls, a 1.2 km route will transport you into the magic of light, sound and video projections. A completely unique immersive multimedia experience ideal for immersing yourself in the magic of the holiday season. Come immerse yourself in the ancestral rhythms and songs of the Huron-Wendat culture.

Reserve your ticket online by visiting the official website.

Festival Toboggan

Celebrate the New Year at the Toboggan Festival, an outdoor winter music festival in the beautiful Quebec City.

From December 28 to 31, 2023, the shows are 100% free. Toboggan presents a fiery musical program that mixes electronic, traditional and Quebecois music.

For 4 days of celebration, the winter village is set up on Grande-Allée at Place Georges-V. Heated tents, bars, comfort areas, fire pits and open-air dance floor are waiting for you.

Consult the Toboggan program on their website.

Toboggan on Dufferin Terrace, crédit photo @Pascale Rosenthal

Toboggan ride on the Dufferin Terrace

Open from mid-December to mid-March, this slide is the oldest attraction in Quebec City. For more than 135 years, tourists and locals have been sliding in vintage toboggan in the enchanting Old Quebec City.

This slide, imbued with the very essence of the Canadian winter, remains a nostalgic page in the recreational history of Quebec City. Strong sensations guaranteed!

Put on your schedule a moment to enjoy a delicious hot drink at the café Au 1884 right next to the site, open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Consult the website to find out the schedule of the slide and the restaurant.

Indoor activities not to be missed

The Museum of Civilization

A must to put in your calendar: a day at the Museum of Civilization. Along the St. Lawrence River, the museum offers a diverse program. Among their extensive programming, here are our two suggestions:

To play and learn as a family, the Ma Maison youth exhibition will be perfect for the curious hands of your little ones who will want to touch everything. Discover all the rooms of a house like no other, guided by the friendly birds that live there.  One of the things we love about the Museum of Civilization are the interactive exhibits like Ma Maison, which really keep the young ones engaged.  Fun for the entire family!

Consult the programming and prices of the Museum of Civilization

Reserve your holidays getaway now by clicking here or by calling us at 418.694.1173.