Magical things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time

This post focuses on Quebec City’s most festive winter experiences and events. If you’re looking for ideas you can enjoy all winter long, I’ve written a separate guide covering the best winter activities in Quebec City, which you can find here.

Quebec City is one of the most popular destinations to visit during the holiday season – and for a good reason! From late November until early January, the city becomes a real-life Christmas village. There’s no shortage of festive things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time, from traditional Christmas markets to cultural events.

While many visitors come in December, some of Quebec City’s most iconic winter experiences – including the Ice Hotel and the Winter Carnival – actually take place in January and February.

With so much on offer, it can be tough to decide when to visit, so I’ve rounded up the most festive and bucket-list winter experiences in Quebec City. These are standout seasonal events that take place at Christmas time as well as some post-Christmas events that are ideal for a January or February trip.

So, whether you’re visiting before Christmas or in the new year, here are my top recommendations for things to do in Quebec City during the holiday season!

Need more help planning your trip? I’ve also written a detailed 3-day Quebec City winter itinerary that you can follow too.

Disclaimer: This blog post features some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase. There’s no extra cost to you but it just helps me to keep writing these free guides and itineraries for my readers. Thank you for your support!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT QUEBEC CITY FOR CHRISTMAS AND WINTER EVENTS?

Festive events and experiences in Quebec City at Christmas

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Quebec City in winter twice now – once in November for a work trip and once in January for a long weekend. I loved both trips, but they were very different experiences because of the time of year.

From late November until early January, Quebec City is at its most festive. The Christmas markets, seasonal events, and beautifully decorated streets create such an enchanting atmosphere. Most Christmas markets take place before the holidays and typically end around December 23 or 24.

But that doesn’t mean the winter celebrations are over! From the end of December to early March, there are plenty of fun winter events and experiences to enjoy. January brings the fabulous Ice Hotel, and February is all about the famous Quebec Winter Carnival.

The best time to go really depends on what you want to do. To make planning easier, I’ve divided this guide up by month, so you can quickly see what’s happening when. If you already know when you’re visiting, you can jump straight to what’s on. If you’re still deciding, you can choose your dates based on what you’d like to see and do.

There are loads more things to do in winter in Quebec City – these are just the festive, special events that take place each year. I go into more detail about winter activities you can do throughout the season in this guide: What to do in Quebec City in winter

MOST FESTIVE THINGS TO DO IN QUEBEC CITY AT CHRISTMAS TIME

The best things to do in Quebec City in December

Best winter activities to do in Quebec City at Christmas time

1. Go to the German Christmas Market

The German Christmas Market (Marché de Noël Allemand) is hands down one of the best things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time. I lived in Germany in my twenties and the Christmas markets there really are in a league of their own, so I didn’t expect much from Quebec City. I went with pretty low expectations but wow, was I wrong! The atmosphere was incredible and felt just like the big European Christmas markets. It’s without doubt one of the best Christmas markets I’ve been to and there were moments where I really felt like I was back in Germany!

The market is held in the heart of Old Québec and spans various locations such as Place d’Youville, Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville and Saint-Anne Street. Traditional wooden stalls take over the streets selling everything from handmade gifts to festive decorations to artisanal products.

What makes the Christmas market in Quebec City so great is the food. Just follow your nose and you’ll find all the succulent German treats such as bratwurst (a must when visiting a German Christmas market!) and pretzels.

There’s also plenty of Quebec products to try like local cheeses and maple taffy, a traditional Canadian treat that you have to try at least once! Also known as ‘sugar on snow’, it was so fun to watch the vendors making maple taffy when we went in November. They pour boiling maple syrup onto clean, fresh snow (or sometimes crushed ice) where it cools into a chewy, sticky candy. They then roll it onto a stick and voilà!

The market is free to attend and usually runs from the end of November to the end of December, from Thursday to Sunday. You can find more information on their website.

Travel tip:

A lot of vendors (especially the food stalls) don’t accept card so make sure you take some Canadian money with you.

Dates:

2026 dates TBD (the markets typically run from November 20 to December 23)

2. Join a German Christmas Market Tasting Tour

You can explore the Christmas market on your own but if you want to learn about the local culture and traditions, consider joining this German Christmas Market Tasting Tour. Your local guide will tell you about the history of Christmas markets in Germany dating back to the 13^th century, and how they came to Quebec City.

Along the way, you’ll get to sample a range of typical German products, including spiced glühwein (mulled wine – my favourite Christmas beverage!), pretzels, and stollen, a traditional German cake.

I did this tour when I went in November with a couple of colleagues and it was the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. We had a wonderful guide who was full of energy, and we learnt a lot about how Quebec has blended German and Canadian traditions.

The tour lasts around 1.5 hours. Make sure you wrap up warm because you’ll be outside the whole time and it can get very cold!

Dates:

2026 dates TBD (the markets typically run from November 20 to December 23)

3. Stop by the Grand Christmas Market

I’ll be honest with you – Quebec City gets very cold. Like, extremely cold. I lived in Canada for six years and have also been to Iceland and Germany in winter, and I’ve never experienced temperatures like we had in Quebec City. Wearing the right clothes will make a huge difference but you’ll also need to go inside and warm up as much as possible. Fortunately, there are lots of great things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time that are indoors.

One of my favourite events was the Grand Christmas Market which takes place at the Grand Marché de Québec. The indoor marketplace hosts over 200 food companies and local artisans every year for the Christmas market. Like the Marché de Noël Allemand, it’s free to attend and runs from the end of November until just before Christmas. You can find more details nearer the time on their official website.

Here you’ll find local crafts and gourmet products. It’s the perfect place to pick up Christmas gifts for friends, family, and maybe even yourself! There are also lots of tastings and demonstrations, so you’re bound to leave with some new ideas for Christmas.

Dates:

2026 dates TBD (the market typically runs from November 20 to December 24)

4. Visit Wendake Christmas Market

If you’re looking for something special and unique to do in Quebec City during the Christmas period, head up to Wendake. Just 20-minutes from Quebec City, Wendake is set in the heart of the Huron-Wendat Nation and is an important cultural and historical centre. Visiting the Wendake Christmas Market offers a slightly different and more meaningful festive experience and is a great way to learn more about Indigenous culture.

The market showcases handcrafted goods, traditional crafts and locally made products, all made by local artisans. There are also cultural performances and demonstrations that offer a unique opportunity to learn about Wendat culture and Indigenous traditions.

In addition, there’s also lots of delicious seasonal food to try! As someone who calls Canada home, I really encourage you to try and learn a bit about Indigenous culture when you visit. It’s such an important part of Canada’s history and identity. The Wendake Christmas Market only takes place for a couple of days in November but if you can go, I highly recommend it. The market is a quieter, more intimate alternative to Quebec City’s larger Christas markets, and is a lovely way to learn about the region’s history.

Travel tip:

Check out ONWHA’ Lumina while you’re in Wendake. This magical night walk takes you through the forest and includes immersive installations inspired by the stories and symbols of the Huron-Wendat Nation. It was developed by artists, writers and community members from the Nation, and explores themes such as the cycle of life and the shared connection between all living things.

Dates:

2026 dates TBD (usually late November – in 2025 it took place from November 21 – 23)

5. Admire the Christmas decorations in Old Quebec

Quebec City is one of the prettiest cities in the world, but even more so at Christmas time. I’m sure you’ve seen photos of the snowy cobbled streets adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. I can assure you; it’s every bit as magical as it looks in the pictures!

Head to Old Quebec, grab a hot chocolate or glühwein, and take a stroll down the quaint streets. As a photographer, I loved walking around Old Quebec with my camera. It was so pretty, especially at night when the lights came on and made the already picturesque streets even more magical.

The decorations and illuminated trees stay up from late November until early January so there’s plenty of time to enjoy them. I’ve written a guide to the best winter photography spots in Quebec City but if you’re in a rush, here are my favourites:

Rue Sous-le-Fort: This might be the most picture-perfect scene in Quebec City (in my opinion anyway!). From the bottom of the road, you’ll see the magnificent Château Frontenac towering behind the charming stone houses.
Rue du Petit Champlain: Said to be Canada’s prettiest pedestrian street, it’s one of the oldest commercial streets in North America. At Christmas time, festive lanterns and mini-Christmas trees line the street. It’s also a great place to do some Christmas shopping!
Le Capitole Hotel: This hotel is set in a beautiful building and always has a stunning Christmas display. When I went they had a giant reef with a big red bow on the front of the building!

Dates:

Late November until early January

6. Check out the Christmas tree at Place Royale

This beautiful square is an important part of Quebec City’s history. It was here, back in 1608, that Samuel de Champlain established the first permanent French settlement in North America.

During the holiday season, Place Royale comes alive with choirs and circus performances (more on this later) with a majestic Christmas tree taking centre stage. You’ll also find one of the oldest stone churches in North America in this square – Notre-Dame des Victoires Church. Built between 1687 and 1723, the church was restored in 1816 and is a prominent landmark. It’s even got its own claim to fame as one of the filming lcoations for Steven Spielberg’s Catch Me If You Can featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. If you’ve seen the movie, you might recognise the church and square from the Montpellier scenes where Frank (DiCaprio) is arrested by police for the first time.

Dates:

Late November until early January

7. Go on an Old Quebec Christmas Walking Tour

Whenever I visit a new city, I always try and join a walking tour. It’s a great way to learn about the city’s history, get your bearings, and discover places you wouldn’t find on your own. There’s honestly nothing better than having a local show you around!

There are lots of great guided tours to pick from, but did you know there is actually a Christmas themed walking tour you can do? The Christmas Magic Walking Tour is a 2-hour tour that will take you to some of the most enchanting sights in Old Quebec. Along the way you’ll learn about Quebec’s Christmas traditions and the city’s history from a local guide.

If it’s your first time in Quebec City, this is a lovely way to explore this UNESCO site’s heritage. I did this tour last November with some work colleagues and learnt a lot about the city’s past and present. What made it even more memorable was our guide! He was dressed in authentic local attire and stayed in character the whole time! Not only was he so knowledgeable, but he was also funny and energetic – something you really need to be in the cold weather!

I always recommend booking your tickets through Get Your Guide in case your plans change. You can cancel up until 24 hours before and get a full refund. The winter weather can be unpredictable so having this flexibility gives me a lot of peace of mind when booking walking tours! Buy your tickets here >

Dates:

November 20, 2026, to January 6, 2027

8. Take a trip to Marché du Noël d’Antan de Cap-Santé

Cap-Santé is considered one of the most beautiful historic villages in Quebec. Each year, it hosts a traditional Christmas market, bringing together over 70 artisans. I found out about this market from my friends in Quebec who told me to go. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time during my November trip, and the market had sadly finished when I went in January, but it sounds incredible.

Every year at the end of November, Cap-Santé sets up a temporary village in the square made up of small, colourful houses that host the artisans. There are also lots of traditional Quebec festivities, including the Christmas tree lighting, children’s choir, nativity scene exhibitions, games and rifle demonstrations.

Cap-Santé is about a 40-minute drive from Quebec City. My friends mentioned that there is a shuttle that runs during the Christmas period but I couldn’t find any information about it online. If you’d like to go, I think driving would be your best bet if you have a car.

Dates:

November 27 – 29, 2026

9. Pop into La Boutique de Noël de Québec

Since you’re visiting during the festive season, you can’t miss La Boutique de Noël de Québec – the city’s Christmas shop. This famous little shop is one of the best things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time. It’s the perfect spot to pick up some decorations and souvenirs. Plus, it’s a nice place to pop into if you need to escape the cold and warm up for a bit. Funnily enough, the shop is actually open year-round despite being a Christmas store!

Dates:

Open all year round

10. Enjoy some festive cocktails at Miracle, a Christmas themed pop-up bar

I don’t know about you, but I love a themed pop-up bar especially at Christmas time! If you’re visiting Quebec City during the Christmas period and looking for something fun and festive to do in the evenings, add Miracle to your list. This Christmas-themed pop-up bar appears in different cities all around the world each winter. I’ve been to the ones in London, Toronto and Ottawa, so when I found out there was also one in Quebec City, I knew I had to go!

Expect over-the-top decor (in a good way), Christmas music, and a cozy but lively atmosphere. The drinks menu features creative holiday cocktails served in fun, themed glassware. Think mulled wine inspired drinks, spiced cocktails, and all the seasonal flavours.

It’s a lovely option for warming up after a busy day of sightseeing in the cold. The bar is usually open from end of November until end of December but keep an eye on the website for 2026 dates.

Dates:

2026 dates TBD (in 2025 it took place from November 19 – December 31)

11. Enjoy the Kaléidoscopes festival

The German Christmas Market usually finishes just before Christmas, but the festive atmosphere continues with the Kaléidoscopes festival. Running between Christmas and New Year, the festival celebrates Québécois culture through a vibrant mix of music, theatre, visual arts, performing arts and literature – hence the name, ‘kaleidoscope’.

The city puts on a rich and diverse programme with events taking place every day throughout Old Quebec. There are three stages in the heart of the old town which host free daily performances, so you can pop in and out as you please while exploring.

From live music and theatrical performances to mural art and creative installations, Kaléidoscopes is one of the best things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time. I haven’t had the chance to go yet but my friends in Quebec went last year and had a really fun time. If you’re in Quebec City during the quieter period between Christmas and New Year, it’s a great addition to your itinerary.

Dates:

2026 dates TBD (in 2025 it took place from December 27 – 31)

12. Watch circus and choir performances in the Petit-Champlain

Located in the Basse-Ville (lower town), the Petit Champlain district is one of the most festive spots in the city. During the Christmas period, it comes alive with roaming choirs and circus performances. As you wander along the cobbled streets, don’t be surprised if you suddenly come across acrobats performing impressive feats. It definitely startled us on one or two occasions!

Walking around Old Quebec feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. And just when you think it couldn’t get any more magical, the Christmas choirs start, giving you your very own festive soundtrack! One evening we were in Place Royale and a large choir started singing in front of the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church. It was such a beautiful scene that I was convinced we had stumbled onto a film set!

Whether you’re shopping, sightseeing or simply soaking up the atmosphere, these performances make exploring Old Québec at Christmas feel even more special.

Dates:

2026 dates TBD (usually from mid-December to end of December)

13. Bring in the new year at Quebec’s Epic 4-Day New Year Party

Quebec City certainly knows how to ring in the new year in style! There are lots of NYE events but for something truly epic, you need to go to Toboggan, Quebec City’s New Year’s Eve Festival.

From December 29 – 31, the city turns into one big EDM music festival, complete with a bar crawl, winter village and live performances. On NYE itself, there are two free outdoor parties (yes, free!) and a giant fireworks display over Grande Allée.

From what I’ve been told (and seen online), it’s a must-do if you’re in Quebec City for New Year’s Eve – and well worth timing your trip around if you like music festivals.

Travel tip:

Dress very warmly as it’s all outdoors. There are some warming stations with outdoor fire pits dotted around the city but wrap up warm. Layers are essential! I’ve shared more detailed packing advice in my winter guide.

Dates:

2026 dates TBD (usually December 29 – 31)

The best things to do in Quebec City in December and January

What to do at Christmas time in Quebec City

14. Visit the iconic Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel)

One of Quebec City’s most iconic winter experiences – and one that is top of my bucket list – is Hôtel de Glace. Made entirely of snow and ice, visitors come from all over the world each year to see it. I’m sure you’ve probably heard of it (especially since you’re searching for things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time!) but did you know it’s North America’s only ice hotel?

Located 45 minutes from the city centre, the hotel is rebuilt from scratch every year with a different theme. Inside you’ll find ice suites, towering snow arches, and impressive ice sculptures. People say it’s like stepping into a frozen art gallery – and I can see why!

The exact dates vary year to year depending on the weather conditions, but it usually opens early January through to March. If you’re feeling brave, you can stay overnight! Don’t worry, you’ll be given arctic sleeping bags! You’ll also get access to nearby facilities at Village Vacances Valcartier which include a complimentary room, hot tubs, and saunas – so it’s actually a pretty comfortable experience! Book your tickets here >

If you don’t fancy sleeping in an ice hotel but still want to see it, you can get a day pass and go explore the hotel. It’s a great way to see the hotel, take some photos, and even enjoy a drink at the ice bar.

There are a few different day pass tickets to choose from. The cheapest option is the self-guided tour which gives you admission to the hotel. If you don’t have a vehicle, you can book this self-guided tour ticket which includes admission and roundtrip transportation from Quebec City. Alternatively, you could combine a city tour with a visit to the Ice Hotel which is really good value for money.

Travel tip:

You can visit Hôtel de Glace without a car. There’s a convenient shuttle service from Quebec City and Village Vacances Valcartier that you can book.

Dates:

December 25, 2025, for visits, January 4, 2026, for overnight stays (weather permitting)

15. Quebec Winter Carnival

If you’re visiting Quebec City in late January or February, don’t miss Carnaval de Québec, the largest winter carnival in the world. For 10 days, the city transforms into one huge winter playground.

There are elaborate ice sculptures, pop-up bars, and music events throughout the city, along with night parades which light up the streets. Another highlight is the legendary ice canoe race across the St. Lawrence River, an impressive tradition rooted in Quebec’s history. If you’re willing to brave the cold, you can take part in quirky experiences like the famous snow bath where you take a dip in just your swimsuit!

Make sure you keep an eye out for Bonhomme Carnaval, the festival’s cheerful snowman mascot and say ‘salut!’. He pops up everywhere during the festival but you can also find him at the Bonhomme Palace. This towering castle is made entirely of ice and is especially magical at night when it’s lit up in different colours.

Carneval is one of the best things to do in Quebec City during winter and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the fun! For full details and the complete schedule, visit the official Carnaval de Québec website.

Travel tip:

You can get the official Carnival Effigy pass which gives you access to a number of activities, as well as discounts at local businesses.

Dates:

February 6 – 15, 2026

VISITING QUEBEC CITY IN WINTER: WHAT TO EXPECT

Winter weather in Quebec City

I lived in Ontario which is very close to Quebec for two years and the winters really are brutal! If you visit Quebec City in winter, be prepared for freezing cold temperatures, snow and ice. December, January and February are typically the coldest months when the wind-chill can make it feel like -22°C to -27°C.

As with anywhere, it does vary each year but here are the average temperatures during the winter months to give you an idea of what to expect:

December: -3°C (26°F) high / -10°C (14°F) low
January: -6°C (20°F) high / -13°C (6°F) low
February: -4°C (24°F) high / -13°C (8°F) low
March: 0.5°C (33°F) high / -8°C (18°F) low

What to pack for Quebec City in winter

Quebec City gets really cold but don’t let that put you off visiting! There are so many fun things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time, you just need to have the right clothing and gear so you can enjoy it. You’ll definitely need the following items:

Base layers
Mid-layers
Warm parka
Merino wool socks
Winter waterproof boots
Toque
Gloves
Scarf
Hand warmers

The paths and roads can get very icy and slippery so make sure you pack warm, sturdy footwear with good grip when visiting. It might sound extreme but I also recommend getting a pair of ice grips to help with walking on the ice. When we went some of the sidewalks were like ice rinks and people were falling over. I always take my Yaxtrax when I travel in winter – they’re light weight and easy to pack.

I’ve put together a detailed guide on what to wear in Quebec City in winter with the exact things I took on my trip. All the clothes and gear in my packing guide are items I personally used when I lived in Canada and highly recommend.

Where to stay in Quebec City at Christmas time

Accommodation can get very expensive in Quebec City during the festive season. If you are planning to visit during the Christmas period, make sure you book your accommodation in advance to get the best rates.

If your budget allows, try and stay in Old Quebec so you can easily walk to all the main attractions. Hotels can be more expensive as you’re very central but there are deals if you book in advance. We visited in late January and it was a lot cheaper so consider going after the Christmas holidays if you’re not too worried about visiting the markets.

We stayed at the Auberge Saint-Antoine during our trip and had a lovely stay. The spa hotel is located in the lower part of Old Quebec so it’s close to some of the prettiest streets and popular sightseeing spots. The rooms are uniquely decorated and have everything you need – they even have a rock tray outside for your wet winter boots! Honestly, they’ve thought of everything!

While there is plenty to do in Quebec City at Christmas time, if you do want to relax a bit, Auberge Saint-Antoine has a great wellness centre. It includes a well-equipped gym, treatment rooms for massage and facials, as well as two saunas. There are also two restaurants (Bar Artefact and Chez Muffy) which are both amazing and serve farm-to-fork dishes. And to top it off, there’s even a cinema room if you want an epic movie night!

Need more ideas? Check out my full post on the best hotels in Quebec City for more lovely places to stay.

How to get to Quebec City

By Train

When I went to Quebec City, I was living in Ottawa so I took the train. Via Rail operates train services to Quebec City from various Canadian cities, making it a very convenient (and scenic!) way to get there. Once you’re in Quebec City, you don’t really need a car to explore so I highly recommend travelling by train if you can. That way you don’t have to worry about road conditions.

By Air

Did you know Quebec City has its own international airport? Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is well connected so flying to Quebec City is a great option. You can check flight prices and find the best rates here.

By car

You don’t need a car to get to most attractions but if you want to venture further afield it can be helpful. The highways and roads are well-maintained all-year round; however, winter weather can result in closures and delays. Always check Ontario 511 and Quebec 511 for the latest information before setting off.

I always book my hire cars through DiscoverCars. They’re the Skyscanner for car rentals and allow you to compare prices between all the different car rental companies in a given location. I’ve used them in 5 different countries now and have never had any issues with them. Check out DiscoverCars’ options in Quebec City here.

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time

There are so many wonderful things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time and during the holiday season. With its quaint cobbled streets, festive decorations, dreamy Chateau and incredible culinary scene, it’s easy to forget you’re in North America and not Europe! As someone who has lived in France and Germany, I can honestly say Christmas time in Quebec City is truly magical!

I hope my guide gives you some ideas on how to plan your own trip. If you have any questions or need more suggestions, ask away in the comments!

Here are some more guides to help you plan your winter trip to Quebec City: