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If you are wanting to find the best things to do in Québec City at Christmas, allow me to change your life. Québec City is one of my favorite Christmas destinations and is perfect for people who want to go to Europe for Christmas without actually going to Europe for Christmas. This French-Canadian hybrid is quite possibly the most unique city I’ve ever been to, with a perfect blend of old-world charm meets new-world functionality.
If you’re looking to spend 2 days in Québec City in the winter, the holidays are the most perfect time to come check out this destination that many say is “stuck in time” (in a good way!). This blog post talks about the best things to do in Québec City at Christmastime, along with notable streets to check out that have a lot of good bars, restaurants, shops, decorations, and notable buildings.
- Historical fun fact: Québec City is the only fortified city in North America that is north of Mexico, and its historic, medieval-like buildings blend perfectly with the modern-day architecture sprinkled throughout the city. In 1985, it became the first city in North America to be declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
Fun Fact: I took this photo myself using this tripod from Amazon
**This post was updated to include dates for the 2024 holiday season**
I most recently visited Québec City during the 2022 holiday season. Although everything is accurate as of the publication of this post, it is important to keep in mind that prices, attractions, and other things may change with time.
Winter in Québec City is one of the best times to visit, because it’s when the city’s European roots really get brought to life. The authentic Christmas markets, decorated buildings and storefronts, and Rue de Petit Champlain all come together to make Québec City a bucket list destination for the holidays.
Speaking of European, I was warned that some of the locals may be a little reluctant to speak English when I arrived there. French is, after all, the native language of Québec City, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that people were incredibly polite and welcoming to me as an English speaker. Even if they said “Bonjour!” to me and I replied back with the same greeting, most people instantly started talking to me in English afterwards. In other words, don’t panic if you don’t know French.
- Want more Christmas in Canada? Check out 8 Things To Do in Toronto at Christmastime
What are the 2024 Dates for the Québec City Christmas Markets?
This year, the Christmas markets in Québec City are open all day during the weeks of November 21st – December 22nd 2024, but ONLY on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The markets is also open all day on December 23rd.
Oh – and admission is FREE!
Québec City
Hotel recommendation
Hôtel des Coutellier
Location: In Old Town, on Rue Saint-Paul, very close to the train station
I loved the boutique rooms & the staff here. You even get breakfast delivered to your room each day in a cute little lunch box!
You’ll have to walk up some hills to get to the main streets, but walking uphill warms you up reeeeal quick, so…
Click your favorite link below to book
- Related Post: My Honest Review of Hôtel des Coutellier in Québec City
What’s the Best Way to Get to Québec City?
The best airport to fly into for Québec City is Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) in Montréal, Canada. From here, it is about 3 hours (driving) or 4 hours (train or bus) to Québec City.
When I went to Québec City, I flew into Montréal and took the train. Taking the train is great except for when it breaks down and leaves you stranded for 4 hours, causing you to get there late on a Sunday AND miss the Christmas markets. If you haven’t guessed, that’s what happened to me, and I’ll forever live in regret until I can make it back up there to see them.
BUT – that’s not to say you shouldn’t take the train. Just don’t give yourself only one day to see the Christmas markets like I did.
VIA Rail Canada is the app that you can use to purchase train tickets. If you would rather drive yourself, click this link to rent a car.
What’s the Best Way to Get Around Québec City?
Québec City is very walkable in terms of checking out its popular Christmas attractions. If you are staying near Old Town, you should be able to walk to everywhere that I talk about in the upcoming sections of this post. The only place you could potentially have to Uber would be if you decide to go to Strøm Nordic Spa. I was even able to walk from my hotel to the train station.
Québec City has a lot of hills and cobblestone streets, so make sure to bring good shoes, especially if you’re going in winter.
Things to Do at Christmastime in Québec City
See The German Christmas Markets in Old Town
As much as it kills me to say this, I actually did NOT get to see the Christmas markets for myself when I visited…but everyone I ran into told me they are fabulous (and hundreds of Québec citizens can’t be wrong, right?). The German-style Christmas markets in Québec City mimic traditional European Christmas markets, from stands selling handmade gifts all the way down to the mulled wine and Bavarian pretzels.
The Christmas markets in Québec City also have live shows and plenty of kid-friendly activities (yes, your kids can meet Santa Claus!).
Since my train broke down, I didn’t get there until 9:40pm Sunday night, so I was unable to witness the magic for myself. Lesson learned: you never give yourself just ONE DAY to see something. One day, I intend on going back and spamming this entire post with Christmas market pictures, but until then, just know that I’m jealous of you for already being a MUCH better planner than I was.
For more information, including why there is a German Christmas market in a French-speaking province, check out the Québec City Christmas Market website here.
Visit Château Frontenac
Originally built for the Canadian Pacific Railway company, the Château Frontenac is an absolutely stunning hotel located right in the heart of Old Town. Boasting 262 feet tall with a grand total of 18 floors, it sits atop a 54 m elevation, which only adds to its magnificence. Now managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, it is the most photographed hotel in the world and has been declared a National Historic Site of Canada.*
To book a stay at the Château Frontenac, click here.
Liiiike….I KNOW, right?!
Get Your Guide has a guided tour of Château Frontenac that you can book. If you are not overly interested in the history but still want to stand in awe of its interior beauty, you can go inside and walk around the main floor. There are shops, restaurants, a spa, fitness center, and a pool, not to mention the Christmas decor is absolutely beautiful. You can also see 400 year old artifacts that have been preserved in glass cases.
While you’re here, stop inside their fancy AF 1608 Wine Bar and get yourself a glass of wine. Sit at the circular bar, marvel at the gorgeous interior, meet a man in finance. Pinkies up, bitch.
Relax at Strøm Nordic Spa
Another mistake I made on this trip was not bringing a bathing suit to Québec City. Yes, I realize it’s 20 degrees out, but there’s ALSO this incredible Nordic spa there…so rest assured, you need one. (Thankfully I was able to find one at La Maison Simons, and it was relatively inexpensive!)
I’m now convinced that a Nordic spa is something everyone should experience in their lifetime. The idea centers around the belief that taking your body from extremely hot to cold temperatures can help boost your immune system, relieve body aches and pains, and promote overall wellbeing.
The Strøm Nordic spa has various aesthetically beautiful hot tubs (including an infinity pool!), and a couple of smaller cold plunges. The idea is to go to the hot tub first, then the cold plunge, then relax somewhere warm while your body returns to its regular temperature. You can repeat the cycle all day long, as often as you like.
- Another fun fact I learned from a friend I made in Québec City is that forcing your body to get comfortable going into cold water better prepares your fight or flight response, so you are better equipped to handle stressful situations when your body recognizes them!
If you’re thinking to yourself, “that sounds miserable” – it isn’t. I promise. Well, maybe the cold plunge. But being outside in the cold temperatures submerged in 104 degree water is FABULOUS. I will never get over sitting in the hot water of the infinity pool, staring out into the St. Lawrence River and watching boats go by as the city lights appeared after dusk. It’s something I’ll remember forever.
Strøm Nordic Spa Pro Tips:
- I walked here from my hotel in Old Town, and although it IS walkable, it is also confusing. The path to get here isn’t always on the main road, so Google Maps literally took me through fields and on dirt paths. To ensure you don’t get lost, I would advise Ubering here instead.
- If you get a massage, the outside pools are also included in your reservation but NOT INCLUDED in the massage price.
- You are able to do JUST the pools (without a massage) if you wish.
- On their website, it says you can’t book a reservation within the next 48 hours, but I called and they were able to get me in. Always call 😉
- In addition to everything mentioned above, they also have a restaurant, sauna, and multiple relaxation rooms. (IMO, food at the restaurant is “meh” compared to the rest of the food I had in Québec City)
- Nordic spas are best experienced in cold climates, so take advantage of this if you come to Québec.
Get a Croissant at Paillard Bakery
Paillard is a top-rated bakery on Rue Saint-Jean that is a great breakfast option. They were born out of a passion for bread, and have now evolved into carrying pastries and pizzas. Their almond chocolate croissant has nutroll filling inside, and I would drive 13 hours from my house just to get another one. Seriously, I didn’t even know that I liked almond croissants before I cam here, and now I’m hooked. I’m not even embarrassed to tell you that I got one every day that I was in Québec City.
Go Christmas Shopping
I mean…duh.
Québec City has many different shops, from boutiques to department stores to actual malls. Some notable places include:
- La Boutique de Noël – Store that sells all things Christmas, all year round. The interior is decked out in lights and festive displays, and they sell a TON of ornaments that would make for great souvenir gifts!
- La Maison Simons – This is the department store that I mentioned finding a bathing suit in earlier in this post. Think of it as the Canadian version of Macy’s in the USA.
- Laurier Quebec – I did not go here because I would have had to Uber, but if you are looking for more of a traditional shopping mall, this is a good place to go. They have a lot of the same stores that you can find in malls in the US, so for me, it was worth it to skip this one so I could explore more of the city.
- Pot en Ciel – Boutique on Rue de Petit-Champlain selling cute kitchen accessories
In addition to the places mentioned above, there are numerous stores on Rue de Petit-Champlain and Rue Saint-Jean to check out. Check out this website for a more extensive list of shopping options.
Go Ice Skating at Place D’Youville
Place D’Youville is a public square with an ice skating rink that’s open from mid-November to March. It’s located on Rue Saint-Jean, the main shopping street in Québec City. The best part? There’s no admission fee! Click the highlighted link for more information, including skating rules, opening times, and cost to rent.
Unfortunately, I can’t give you my personal skating experience here because I don’t trust myself to skate without breaking my neck. Every time I go to a Christmas market that has ice skating, part of me wants to try it, but my back pain always whispers “ehhh…probably shouldn’t.” Maybe one day, though. Maaaaaaaybe…..
See a Show at the Théâtre Capitole
Across the street from the ice skating rink at Place D’Youville is the Théâtre Capitole, where performers put on live music shows. Click the highlighted link to see the schedule and purchase tickets. The Théâtre Capitole also has 2 different restaurants – Il Tiatro (authentic Italian) and BŌ Cuisine d’Asie, (Asian-Québec hybrid), so you can grab a bite before your show.
IMO, Christmas is the perfect time to break out your holiday glitter and sip on a glass of wine or champagne while watching the performance. This year, they have 15 holiday shows from December 12, 2024 to January 4, 2025, so plan your vacation wisely! The music includes traditional Québec songs as well as international hits, plus a few holiday songs.
Famous Streets in Québec City That You Have to See at Christmastime
Okay, I’m sure these streets look fabulous any time of the year, but at Christmas?! GIRL…
What is the Most Famous Street in Québec City at Christmastime?
The most famous, must-see street in Québec City is Rue de Petit-Champlain. This is *the* Christmas card street that we are all obsessed with. Wait, you didn’t know we were obsessed? Just keep scrolling…
Rue de Petit-Champlain and Place Royale
If you have ever seen a photo of Québec City at Christmastime, it was likely taken on this street. Rue de Petit-Champlain is lined with cobblestones and old buildings, and is the street that you will hear say looks like it’s taken right out of a Christmas card. It sounds cliché to say that it’s magical, but I truly don’t know how else to describe it.
The only thing that would have made this photo more perfect is if there was snow on the ground. Like I said earlier, I can’t win all the time 😉.
The restaurants and shops on each side of the street are decorated for Christmas and have that French old-world feel that you can’t find anywhere else in North America. In addition, Place Royale – where the city of Québec was founded in 1608 – is located along this street. Here, you can soak up some history and see the Notre Dame des Victoires church – the oldest stone church in North America.
Rue Saint-Jean
Rue Saint-Jean is the main shopping street and one of the oldest streets in Québec City. In addition to shops, it also has plenty of restaurants, pubs, cafes, bookstores, and entertainment venues. This is a very lively street that I walked down multiple times, and one you don’t want to miss.
This street is home to Place D’Youville and Théâtre Capitole that I mentioned previously. Right next to the Théâtre Capitole is the Saint-Jean gate, a medieval times-looking structure and one of 4 gates providing access to Old Québec’s Upper Town. Finally, Palais Montcalm – a music concert hall – is a more modern-looking building that overlooks the skating rink and provides live music shows. You can see it in the background of the Place D’Youville skating rink photo that I posted earlier.
Rue de Jardins and Hôtel de Ville de Québec
Rue de Jardins is where the Hôtel de Ville de Québec is located. This is a massive, gorgeous building that houses Québec City’s City Hall. The architecture is part medieval, part château-esque, and compliments the old-world French aesthetic of the surrounding buildings. This is one that is beautiful to marvel from the outside, and because of its location, you will likely walk by it multiple times.
- To further clarify, in French, a “hôtel de ville” literally translates to “city hall.” It does NOT mean an actual “hotel” the way you would think it meant in English. In other words, you can’t stay here ;).
Grand Alleé
Known as the street with the most nightlife, Grand Alleé is home to nightclubs, bars/restaurants, and shops. The most unique nightclub in the city – Dagobert – is also on Grand Alleé. It is a multi-level nightclub set in a castle-like building where they have a DJ and various light shows.
Every New Years Eve, Grand Alleé is closed to traffic, allowing thousands to come out to party and ring in the New Year. When warm weather hits, the restaurants and bars open up their outdoor patios so people can enjoy the sunshine and scenic views.
During Christmas, there was a house lit up on Grand Alleé with color changing lights and music playing that you could hear as you were walking down the street. You’re probably thinking, “doesn’t everyone have their house lit up?” – but this house took it to another level. I would stand outside on the sidewalk and just watch the lights change. (Listen, I promise I’m not creepy…I just love decorative things, colored lights, and an exuberant amount of effort, especially when all 3 are put together.)
Summary of Christmas in Québec City
I absolutely loved Québec City at Christmastime, even though I was heartbroken that I couldn’t see the Christmas markets. Still, it was one of the most charming, adorable towns that I loved getting to explore. I loved how the streets and restaurants were decorated for the holidays, and I was even lucky enough to experience a snowfall my very first night there!
I couldn’t end this post without one last photo recap. If nothing I write convinces you to plan a trip to Québec City, surely the photos below can say all the things that I can’t.
How many days is enough time at Christmas time?
Hi Brenda! I think 2-3 days is perfect. 🙂