The 18 Best Things To Do This Christmas in Quebec City
This Christmas time in Quebec City article features fun festive activities like beautiful decorations in historic neighbourhoods, Christmas carols, holiday brunches, ice skating and a German Christmas Market.
Christmas in Quebec City is a time to rejoice and celebrate. The city has the most lovely holiday decorations, and the Christmas activities in Quebec City are in full swing. As a local, I wrote this list of things to do in Quebec City during Christmas so you may also participate in all of Quebec’s jolly activities.
What to Expect From Christmas in Old Quebec
A magical vibe awaits you when you spend Christmas in Old Quebec. Expect Christmas trees, dazzling lights and sparkling snow as you stroll around the city. On top of that, enchanting music comes out of every venue. Christmas in Quebec City truly is a magical time.
As you’ll see, there are plenty of Christmas events in Quebec City, many of which are free. Your days and nights will be filled with holiday season magic.
Things to do in Old Quebec City for Christmas
1 – Quartier Petit Champlain
Christmas in Quebec City is only complete with a visit to Quartier Petit Champlain. Although the snowy city has many beautiful areas, this neighbourhood is the prettiest and has the best Christmas lights in Quebec City.
Because it’s by far the most animated district during the holidays, with its plethora of free activities and stunning decorations, we have an entire section below dedicated to this neighbourhood and its Christmas activities.
2 – Terrace Dufferin
Located next to the Chateau Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace has the advantage of being elevated over Old Quebec City. This means you can take in all the enchanting sites typical of Christmas in Quebec City. From here, you can see the gorgeous castle hotel (Chateau Frontenac), the icy majesty of the Saint-Lawrence River and even go for a toboggan ride at Au 1884. Make sure you look down, too, for lovely Lower Town views.
3 – Rue Saint-Jean
Rue Saint-Jean is a historic and lively street in the heart of Old Quebec. During the holidays, its bars and shops are decorated, and there’s never a lack of Christmas spirit. As you stroll down Rue Saint-Jean in the lightly falling snow, you can admire the Capitole de Quebec, the Montcalm Palace and the massive Porte Saint-Jean. Rue Saint-Jean will lead you to another excellent site for spending Christmas in Quebec City: Place D’Youville.
4 – Place D’Youville
Place D’Youville is a beautifully decorated central area filled with lovely holiday music. In winter, the best thing about Place D’Youville is its famous ice skating rink. You can skate for free if you have your own skates or easily rent them for a small sum. This year, a unique cable car featuring 27 replicas of ancient toys will be suspended over Place D’Youville.
5 – Place de l’Hotel de Ville
This area in front of City Hall becomes a magical place during Christmas in Quebec City. Come here to see gorgeous Christmas lights and a historic 19th-century building. It’s an excellent place to relax with a hot chocolate and take photos. Place de l’Hotel de Ville was the central hub for the German Christmas Market last 2023.
6 – Place D’Armes
Place D’Armes is next to the famous Chateau Frontenac and the iconic Rue du Tresor. It’s sprinkled with Christmas magic every year, as the Quebec City Christmas Market organizers use the site to set up a Santa sleigh and castle. It’s a majestic part of town that’s very pretty in the glittering snow. A visit here is a must while spending Christmas in Old Quebec.
7 – Grande-Allee
Grande-Allee is also nicely decorated during the holidays. The liveliness makes it seem like Old Quebec’s ‘’downtown’’ area. There’s no shortage of bars for you to enjoy a drink in the company of your holiday companions. While the areas mentioned previously are positively radiant during Christmas, this area becomes most active during New Year's Eve.
8 – German Christmas Market
The German Christmas Market in Quebec City is one of its best Christmas activities. I like how its activities last most of December and spread throughout Old Quebec. If you commit to participating in several activities, you’ll have the advantage of seeing most of Quebec City’s magical Christmas decorations.
9 – Benjo Toy Store
Shopping for children's presents is integral to my Christmas time in Quebec City. I particularly like Benjo Toy Store. It’s Quebec's most famous toy shop. Children can see Santa, ride a train, and get up close to robots. There are also more toys, legos, books and dolls than any kid can imagine. It’s located in the Saint-Roch district (Lower Town), a vibrant area of its own.
10 – Boutique de Noel
The Boutique de Noel, located near Place de l’Hotel de Ville, is a must-visit when shopping for Christmas presents in Quebec City. As the name suggests, this store has every kind of Christmas item imaginable. This includes tree ornaments, Christmas-themed souvenirs and religious items.
11 – Le Fairmont Chateau Frontenac at Christmas
The Chateau annually hosts a Christmas tree decoration contest (for charity) in their iconic lobby. Visitors are free to come and admire these beautifully decorated trees. They also host holiday brunches and tea times.
The good thing about these events is you don’t need to be a guest to attend. You simply need to reserve your spot ahead of time. Their festive Christmas Ball is reserved for hotel guests only.
Activities in Old Quebec Petit Champlain for Christmas
12 – Old Quebec Santa Claus Race
Date: 17 December 2023, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Last December 17th, there was a unique Christmas in Quebec City activity in Petit Champlain. It was the Santa Claus Race. People came dressed as Santa Claus and ran the 6km course through the district.
Kids came dressed as elves for their own Elf Run earlier that day. The kids' run started at 10 am, and the adults' race was at 11 am. Participate or watch this unique Christmas event in Quebec City.
13 – Christmas Carols in Old Quebec
Dates Petit Champlain: December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 26, 29-31, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Dates Place Royale: December 16-17, 23-24, 25, 30-31, afternoon – various hours
Petit Champlain is full of musical entertainment during Christmas in Quebec City. Carolers will be present on Petit Champlain Street and at Place Royale, which are side-by-side. If you want to see carolers, visit in the afternoon.
At Place Royale, there’s a unique concert by the Petits Chanteurs de Quebec on Christmas Day from 1 to 3:30 pm. They’re a locally famous kids-only choir.
14 – Flip Fabrique Circus Show Petit Champlain
Dates: December 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 30. 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
This exciting all-ages activity includes wall trampoline, balancing acts, juggling and more. Flip Fabrique will be in the neighbourhood on several dates at different times. This year, the concept is “The Grinchette Who Stole Christmas.” This is one of my favourite Christmas events in Quebec City to attend with my family.
Christmas Activities in Quebec City
15 – Noel au Trait Carre
Dates: 9 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
One of the best family activities for Christmas in Quebec City is Noel au Trait Carre. It’s located in Charlesbourg (minutes away from the city core) and had events for the whole family. This includes Christmas concerts, Santa Claus, elves and fun games.
16 – Seeing Santa Claus in Old Quebec
Dates: every weekend before Christmas, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Santa Claus accepts visitors from the heights of his castle at Place D’Armes every December weekend. This is an outdoor activity with a line-up, so make sure everybody dresses warmly. For indoor alternatives, visit a shopping mall. Every shopping mall in Quebec City has its own Santa Claus during Christmas, including Laurier Quebec, Place Sainte-Foy and Promenades Beauport.
Other Free Things To Do During Christmas in Quebec City
17 – Giant Marionettes Old Quebec
Dates: 25 November 2023 and 16 December 2023, 7PM – 8:30PM
I love the Old Quebec giant puppet parade. In 2022, there are two parades. Massive puppets of Saint-Nicholas and Krampus will parade through Old Quebec on Rue St-Jean and Cote de la Fabrique. It’s a magical parade that makes for perfect Christmas memories in Quebec City. If you plan to visit Old Quebec at night in December, those are the two best dates to do so.
18 – Ice Skating
The joys of ice skating under the stars surrounded by Christmas carols is something I won’t ever forget. Quebec City at Christmas time has many options, each offering something unique. Place D’Youville and Plains of Abraham host two popular outdoor ice rinks.
19 – Christmas Activities at Musee de la civilisation
From December 26th to December 31st the museum offers kids of all ages a theatre performance (twice a day, 12h30pm and 2pm, 25 mins, free), a cookie decoration workshop (every day, between 12pm and 3pm, free), and a postcard making workshop (every day, between 12pm and 3pm, free). There are no age requirements or advanced booking needed for these activities.
20 – Free Guided Tour Of Place Royale
From December 26th to January 7th the Museum of Civilisation offers free guided tours of Place Royale. Place Royale is in the Petit Champlain Neighborhood, which happens to be the oldest commercial area of North America, and dates all the way back to New France. Each tour is limited to 10 visitors and there are three or four departures every day. You need to sign-up at the front desk on the day of the tour.
Where To Stay in Quebec City At Christmas
- Best Hotel: The best hotel in Quebec City for Christmas is Le Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. It’s centrally located, has unparalleled holiday decorations and hosts several holiday events (some for guests only).
- Budget Option: Manoir de la Tour is a budget contender for the best place to stay in Quebec City for Christmas. I like this hotel because it’s in the heart of the Old Town. So, it’s a short distance from most of Quebec City's Christmas activities.
Related: We have a comprehensive guide on where to stay in Quebec City year-round.
Does Quebec City Have A White Christmas?
Unlike New York City and Toronto, Quebec City almost always has a white Christmas. Some years, Mother Nature leaves us hanging until the 23rd or 24th of December. Other years, Quebec City is covered in snow from the end of November.
Christmas 2023 in Quebec City experienced minimal snow. Warm weather and rain melted the early December snowfall, a rare occurrence that some say could be due to El Niño.
It’s clear the Quebec City Christmas Market and Old Quebec are the places to be during Christmas in Quebec City. Make a beeline to soak up the festive spirit along its snowy cobblestone streets.
Related: Looking for more things to do? Here are our favourite Quebec City activities in December.
About the Author
Anne was born and raised in Quebec City. She is our resident expert for the city of Quebec and other popular regional destinations such as Charlevoix and Gaspésie. Having travelled to every corner of the province with her children, she is also our expert for family related topics on Quebec Wonders.
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