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Activities and Outings in Quebec in December During the Holiday Season

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Activities and Outings in Quebec in December During the Holiday Season
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Christmas Markets

Explore Quebec’s Christmas Markets for local shopping and an unforgettable festive atmosphere. Discover our selection of the best markets in the province:

Montreal

  • The Montreal Christmas Village, from November 27 to December 21, 2025. Atwater Market Square is a must-visit location with over 90 free activities;
  • The Grand Christmas Market, from November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Place des Festivals, in the Quartier des spectacles, offers the public over 150 free activities. Take the opportunity to warm up at the Aeroplan Orangery, an indoor space where you can drink, eat, and maybe even receive a surprise;
  • The Ritz-Carlton Montreal Christmas Market, from December 11 to 24, 2025. A chic festive experience with pop-up boutiques, gourmet treats, and a holiday atmosphere in the heart of the hotel!

Lanaudière

  • The L’Assomption Christmas Market, from November 27 to December 23, 2025. Over 60 exhibitors and a giant 35-foot igloo;
  • The Terrebonne Christmas Market, from December 5 to 21, 2025 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) on Île-des-Moulins. Activities include nutcracker decorating and mini-wreath making.
Activities and Outings in Quebec in December During the Holiday Season - Montreal Christmas market

Capitale-Nationale

  • The Grand Christmas Market, from November 22 to December 24, 2025. Again this year, over 250 businesses, artists, and artisans will gather at the Grand Christmas Market of the Quebec Horticultural Cooperative, offering a festive atmosphere, local crafts, and regional products;
  • The German Christmas Market of Quebec, from November 20 to December 23, 2025 (open Thursdays to Sundays, with extensions on December 22 and 23) in Old Quebec.

Eastern Townships

  • The Sutton Christmas Market, on November 29 and 30, and December 6 and 7, 2025. Around thirty exhibitors, crafts, gourmet treats, a warm atmosphere under a heated marquee, and Santa Claus present for children.

Outaouais

  • The LPG Christmas Market, 100% Croquez l’Outaouais!, is back for its 9th edition from November 26 to December 24, 2025. It’s the perfect place to discover products from local agricultural and agri-food businesses in the region.

Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

  • The Saguenay European Christmas Market will take place every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 4 to 14, 2025. Discover a charming little village of 32 traditional wooden cabins in a magical, illuminated setting inspired by the great European markets.

Outdoor Activities

From snowshoeing to cross-country skiing, including tobogganing, here are some suggested places to enjoy winter.

Montreal

  • The winter trails of Jean-Drapeau Park offer a host of activities, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing;
  • Immerse yourself in nature with an electric bike ride on Mount Royal;
  • Christmas in the Park offers more than a hundred shows for the whole family in some Montreal parks.
Activities and Outings in Quebec in December During the Holiday Season - Ice skating

Capitale-Nationale

  • Try ice canoeing on the St. Lawrence River during a guided excursion and also enjoy a moment of relaxation in a Nordic sauna;
  • In Saint-Jean-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, you could book a guided snowmobile adventure;
  • Try fat biking at Domaine Maizerets, cross-country skiing on the Plains of Abraham, or free tobogganing at Pointe-aux-Lièvres Park;
  • Jacques-Cartier National Park will enchant you with its snowshoeing trails on some of the most beautiful trails;
  • Looking for a thrill? Head to the Winter Playground at Village Vacances Valcartier, day and night, 20 minutes from Quebec;
  • Visit the various installations of the Illumine Baie-Saint-Paul event.

Saguenay

  • Want to try ice fishing? Head to Glaces du Fjord in Saguenay for a unique experience;
  • Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean is nicknamed the snowmobile paradise with its 3,800 km of maintained trails. Go enjoy them!

Abitibi-Témiscamingue

  • The Agnico Eagle trail in the Val-d’Or Recreational Forest is ideal for getting some fresh air: grab your skates and explore the ice trail.

Winter Terraces

The Ritz-Carlton Montreal Winter Terrace, which we recently visited, offers a luxurious and cozy atmosphere under the COAT LAB theme, perfect for enjoying signature cocktails and seasonal treats. The place is decorated in holiday colours with magical lights and ornaments. It is open until December 21, 2025.

Here’s a glimpse of our experience on Instagram.

The Belvu Terrace, located on the rooftop of the Montreal Marriott Château Champlain hotel, offers an urban experience with views of downtown Montreal, outdoor fireplaces, and a heated area to enjoy winter in comfort. Visitors can enjoy comforting cocktails and small bites while admiring the winter scenery.

The William Gray Winter Terrace, on the rooftop of the William Gray Hotel in Old Montreal, charming with its warm and intimate atmosphere. It offers heated domes, outdoor fireplaces, blankets, and soft lighting. Mulled wine and creative cocktails accompany visitors in this picturesque setting.

The Bivouac winter terrace, located in the Quartier des Spectacles, features an urban chalet style with private huts, outdoor fires, and magical lights. Perfect for evenings with friends or a romantic night out, it offers a gourmet winter menu and hot drinks.

Winter Generosity

The holiday season is synonymous with kindness. Here are some suggestions for volunteering:

Save With Points

The holiday season is also a great time to treat yourself to a nice meal at a restaurant or discover new cocktails with friends or family.

You might want to try Sabayon restaurant in Montreal, which topped Air Canada’s list of Best New Restaurants.

The best strategy to save is to get the National Bank World Elite Mastercard or the American Express Cobalt Card to earn 5 points per dollar on your spending at restaurants and bars.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Festivities: where to spend Christmas in Montreal?

You could visit the Quartier des Spectacles to experience the 15th edition of Lumino and go skating at Esplanade Tranquille, then head to the Grand Christmas Market. After dark, hop aboard one of the 42 cabins of La Grande Roue de Montréal for a breathtaking view of the city.

Outings: where to see Santa Claus in town?

Santa Claus will be very busy in December, but he always makes a stop at certain libraries in Montreal. The Kingdom of Santa Claus at Complexe Desjardins will also be welcoming him until December 24, 2025.

Are there free or low-cost activities?

In Montreal, many winter activities are accessible without spending a fortune. You can skate on the Esplanade Tranquille in the Quartier des Spectacles, stroll through the Montreal Christmas Village at Atwater Market, or visit the Grand Christmas Market at Place des Festivals, all offering free entertainment and a festive atmosphere.

Where to do local Christmas shopping in Montreal?

To find handmade gifts and regional products, head to the Montreal Christmas Village at Atwater Market and the Grand Christmas Market at Place des Festivals. These markets bring together local artisans and creators and offer many original and festive gift ideas.

Which places to take Christmas photos in Montreal?

The best photo spots are in the Quartier des Spectacles with its illuminations and ice rinks, at the Montreal Christmas Village and the Grand Christmas Market at Place des Festivals. Chalets, lights, and decorations create a magical setting ideal for capturing the holiday spirit.

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