Quebec City’s Christmas Markets: A Magical Holiday Getaway

Welcome to the Quebec Christmas Markets!

As summer slowly slips away, the sparkle of the holiday season begins to peek over the horizon. If you're dreaming of twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine, and cobblestone streets straight out of a European snow globe—let me introduce you to the magic of Quebec City’s Christmas Markets.

This enchanting city is worth a visit any time of year, but in November and December, it transforms into a holiday wonderland. Picture three charming open-air Christmas Markets, a skating rink in the heart of town, festive theater performances, and local shops decked out in holiday style. The food scene is just as festive, with hot cider, maple treats, and cozy cafés on every corner.

Living in Vermont gives us the advantage of being just under four scenic hours away. It’s an easy drive for a Friday-to-Sunday (or Monday!) weekend escape that sets the tone for the season—and helps kick off your holiday shopping.

This year, the Markets open on November 20 and run through December 23, Thursday through Sunday. If you stay in Old Quebec, you can walk to everything—the Markets, the rink, restaurants, and all the twinkling streets in between. The iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac offers gorgeous views of the city and the St. Lawrence River, but there are also plenty of boutique hotels and familiar chains nearby, depending on your preference.

Meet Lenny of Lenny Expeditions our go-to tour guide in Quebec City.

If you’re interested in exploring more of the area or want a deeper cultural connection, we work with an incredible local guide named Lenny, who truly brings Quebec’s history and spirit to life. (Did you know all tour guides must complete an 18-month certification program? It shows!) We also know a wonderful local French teacher if you'd like to learn a few phrases before your trip.

Les Violons du Roy and La Chapelle de Quebec performed J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio

Each time we’ve visited, we’ve caught a show at the beautiful Palais Montcalm Theater, which sits just above the skating rink and one of the main markets. One year we saw a holiday symphony, and last year, a Charlie Brown Christmas concert. Even with the language barrier, the joy was universal. It was a reminder that music truly transcends words.

For updated information on the Christmas Markets and special events, visit https://www.mnaq.ca/en. To learn more about Quebec City itself, check out https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/old-quebec-city.

If you're thinking about a trip and would like support planning your perfect weekend—or if you’d like to join us—we’re heading back the weekend of December 5–7 and would love to share this magical experience with you.

Bundle up and get ready to explore—you’ll be glad you did!