Quebec Christmas Market

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In the recent years, in quebec  inspired by the European tradition for Christmas markets, those markets start to multiply across the province. Typically installed outdoor, Christmas markets are an opportunity to participate in several traditional activities (workshops, demonstrations, animations,…), to attend various shows (dances, songs, stories…), to do some shopping with artisans, enjoy typical and comforting, festive dishes in short, enjoy with the family or between friends, the magic of the holidays, a glass of war wine in hand!

Tips

Here are some suggestions for Christmas markets which are held in different regions of Quebec. Dress warmly and enjoy the walk!

Montreal region

If the visits of the famous Salon des métiers d’art (Place Bonaventure) and the Nutcracker market (Palais Des congres) are very pleasant and allow both to buy art, handicrafts and delicacies, it’s an indoor events. To be closer to the experience of European Christmas markets, put the cap on the following locations:

Christmas in the Park (Montréal)

From first to December 26, event is in three places in Montreal, Sun Life financial Esplanade, the Olympic Park as well as the Park of the companions of Saint Laurent and the Lahaie Park, both on the Plateau Mont-Royal. Besides the traditional activities, Christmas in the park presents this year 50 free concerts for all tastes, Mononc’Serge and sportsmen (December 12), quality Motel (13 December), Random Recipe and Betty Bonifassi (December 19), and Elisapie, Stefie Shock, and Daniel Boucher (December 20).

Christmas Market and traditions (Longueuil)

In the charming setting of Old Longueuil, the atmosphere of the Christmas Market is worth a visit on weekends, from 29 November to 21 December. To recall a small village of old, sixty illuminated houses are located at St. Mark Park, which also host more than 70 producers and artisans. On the program: Santa Claus visits P’tit Train du Nord, workshops for children, selling Christmas trees, singing, music, dance, comedy, and more.

The Capitale-Nationale

If the Old Port of Quebec Market takes festive Christmas tunes during the month of December also set course for the following foreign markets:

German Christmas Market (Old Québec)

From November 28 to December 14 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays), a small village of houses will come alive on the place of the City Hall of Quebec and its gardens, the German Christmas Market. You will find (mulled wine, sausages, German cakes, gingerbread, hot chestnuts, etc.), but also crafts and decorative items. Innovations this year a giant Christmas tree, a mountain chalet restaurant and more booths and products!

Christmas market in the Jacques-Cartier (Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury)

From 12 to 14 December in Stoneham, the Christmas Market of the Jacques-Cartier has over fifteen producers, local artists and artisans. Music, Christmas lights, entertainment, shows, creative workshops and sports activities are also waiting for you.

The Christmas Market in Baie-Saint-Paul (Charlevoix)

Enjoy the magical atmosphere of the Christmas Market in Baie-Saint-Paul, in the heart of Charlevoix artisans, local producers and artists come together in the spirit of the European Christmas: kiosks, lighting the large Christmas tree, gathering folkloric shows, traveling entertainment, competition leaders, Santa Claus race, and more. From 28 to 30 November, and December 5 to 7.

Across the province

Visit the Christmas Market in l’Assomption

(29 November to 23 December), where you can discover artisans, enjoy delicious local produce, warm up before the braziers, enjoy mulled wine, admire the lights and let yourself be charmed by music and friendly atmosphere!

Also visit the Christmas Markets in downtown Joliette, from 4 to 23 December. An exciting program awaits you, including a multimedia work, an exhibition of the artist Jacques Thisdel, the horse-drawn carriage rides, tasting a giant gingerbread, a parade, and a host of other activities and entertainment including highlight is undoubtedly the evening of 19 December, whit DJ Champion will make visitors dance outdoors.

Eastern Township

Hard to miss the Christmas Market of Sherbrooke, illuminated by one of the biggest Christmas tree in Canada … and a big wheel! From December 4 to 21, you can explore the artisans’ village where they will be happy to show their products and works in the holiday spirit.

Christmas markets of old town Quebec Drummondville

As part of the activity The illuminated town Desjardins Village Québécois d’Antan in Drummondville, the century-old houses in the main street of the village welcome craftsmen who will make you discover jewelry, chocolates, stained glass windows, wooden chests, wine, jams, etc. On 12 and 13 December and from 19 to December 31 (except December 25).

The Christmas Market in Val-David (13 and 14 December)

Christmas Market in Mont-Laurier (20 and 21 December)

Christmas Light – Notre-Dame-du-Cap

Mauricie

From 12 to 14 and from 19 to 21 December, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Cape will host a Christmas market, as part of the annual event Christmas Light. In a magical atmosphere, you can take part in activities or visiting attractions (forest of a thousand lights, reduced model, stained glass or heritage chapel). A rewarding family outing and a chance to find unique gifts for all.

In addition to this list, small fairs and Christmas markets are pointing the nose everywhere in November and December. So stay tuned to what is organized near you!

 

 

Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico

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Huatulco centered on the town of La Crucecita, is a tourist development in Mexico. It is located on the Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca.

Huatulco’s tourism industry is centered around its nine bays; four of which have been designated as ecological preserves where no development is permitted. Huatulco has a wide variety of accommodations to suit just about all budgets. From rooms for rent, small economy hotels, vacation condominiums and luxury villas, along with several (All Inclusive) resorts standing on the shores of Tangolunda Bay. The Las Brisas (Formerly the worlds largest Club Med), the Dreams Resort (Formally the Gala Hotel),the Barceló, Crown Pacific and the Camino Real Zaashila are examples of the most popular larger resorts in the area.

Tips

Huatulco’s main attraction are its nine bays and thirty-six beaches, many of which are pristine and undeveloped, and accessible only by boat. With the help of local guides and tour operators, one can explore the beaches and bays in relative privacy, or if you choose you can scuba dive or snorkel to see the abundant tropical fish and the beautiful coral reefs.

In addition to the beautiful bays and beaches, one can explore and shop in the small communities of the Huatulco area, such as La Crucecita, Santa Cruz or old Santa Maria Huatulco (the district’s municipality).

When doing so, one can travel between the communities by bus or taxi. The entire area has a “small town” feel about it and is rarely crowded with tourists with the exception of the Christmas and Semana Santa (Easter) holiday periods.

Swim with dolphins, Florida

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Swimming with dolphins is not just child’s play, it’s an activity adults also enjoy for the chance to interact with these intelligent creatures. There are a number of locations where you can swim with the dolphins in Florida, in a variety of atmospheres.

Tips

Miami Seaquarium The Miami Seaquarium’s Dolphin Odyssey includes a 15-minute educational presentation followed by 30 minutes in the water with the dolphins. During that time, you may touch, feed and learn to train one. You will also get to swim with one and have the opportunity to take a dolphin ride across the water. The Miami Seaquarium also offers a shorter Dolphin Encounter experience, which includes interacting but not swimming with dolphins.

Discovery Cove, Orlando When you purchase a dolphin swim at Discovery Cove in Orlando, you are getting an entire day’s worth of ocean experiences in 30 acres of marine life and coral reefs. You can take your time learning about the dolphins and wading in their lagoon before or after the 30 minutes of interaction. Discovery Cove also has an optional Trainer For A Day program, which gives you one-on-one instruction and additional access.

Gulf World Marine Park, Panama City Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City beach offers a swim with dolphins program that last for about an hour and a half. The first part is the familiarization with the mammals, which includes learning about the dolphin’s senses. The encounter follows, allowing you time to get up close and interact. At Gulf World Marine Park you will also find alligators, sea lions, stingrays, sharks and turtles. There are also concerts, shows and events.

Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key The purpose of the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, Fla., is to aid marine mammals and teach humans to interact with them, so swimming with the dolphins here is a different experience than at other places. You are encouraged to spend the day there, watching the marine life train and seeing the ones being rehabilitated. There are many programs here that allow you to interact with the dolphins. To swim with them you need to purchase the Dolphin Encounter program.