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!
