Discover the Best Christmas Markets in Quebec
Stretching from the Outaouais region to Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, The Christmas Market Route brings together the best Christmas markets in Quebec under the Regroupement des Marchés de Noël du Québec umbrella. Through the group’s ever-growing network, you’ll discover a host of authentic outdoor Christmas markets inspired by the European tradition. And you’ll find artisanal creations and home-grown food products showcasing specialties typical of their regions. In addition to Santa Claus, the best Christmas markets in Quebec also offer demonstrations, activities for children, and traditional songs and dances.
Christmas in Quebec has special traditions, many of which are of Germanic origin. Christmas markets are no exception. They first appeared during the 14th century in regions now part of countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, as well as in certain regions of eastern France such as Alsace, Lorraine, and Franche-Comté. According to Wikipedia, Vienna's December Market, dating back to 1294 and officially recognized by Albrecht I in 1298, can be considered the earliest forerunner of European Christmas markets.
With Ôrigine artisans hôteliers, take a look at some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Quebec that you can discover and rediscover in 2018.
European Christmas Market in Saguenay
From November 29 to December 9, 2018, experience a European Christmas in Quebec when you visit this village of wooden houses and illuminated forest erected at Place du citoyen in downtown Chicoutimi. At the foot of a majestic Christmas tree, artisans and creators of all kinds offer local arts and crafts, as well as mulled wine, sweets, and cold cuts. To top it all off, the sounds of Christmas choirs and storytellers enliven the site of the Marché de Noël européen de Saguenay.
Not far from Chicoutimi, Auberge des 21 in La Baie can welcome you as warmly as if you were staying with friends. See all the Ôrigine artisans hôteliers inns and hotels in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
German Christmas Market in Quebec City
From November 22 to December 23, 2018, Thursday through Sunday, the German Christmas Market will light up Old Quebec City. Located at the Place de l’Hotel-de-Ville, Quebec City’s German Christmas Market is an unforgettable experience in a magical setting.
With the German Market’s grand displays of Christmas lights, traditional wooden kiosks (filled with local products) and free entertainment for the whole family, Christmas in Quebec City transports you into a faithful recreation of a European Christmas market. On the program are original gift ideas, tastings of German and local delicacies, fantastic shows, Christmas music, and choral singing. Verify opening hours before going.
Ideally located on Rue Sainte-Ursule, Hotel Acadia welcomes you in a historic 18th-century building. The rooftop spa is the perfect place to spend quality time with your special someone while enjoying the unique panoramic view of Old Quebec offered by this member of the Ôrigine artisans hôteliers network.
Christmas Market at the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Shrine
Near Trois-Rivières, you can visit the Christmas Market at the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Basilica, which has been designated by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops as a National Shrine of Canada. This year, the annual Noël en Lumière event weaves its magic on December 15 and 16, creating an enchanting atmosphere where you can find unique gifts and take part in organized activities at the Marché de Noël du Sanctuaire de Notre-Dame-du-Cap. A light-festooned forest, miniature dioramas, stained glass, and the heritage chapel are among the attractions that make for a thoroughly enjoyable family outing. It should be noted that there are entrance fees and specific opening hours.
Thanks to the Ôrigine artisans hôteliers network, two hotel options are available to you – either Le Baluchon, Eco-Resort in Saint-Paulin, Mauricie, or Auberge Godefroy in Bécancour on the other side of the St. Lawrence River. See all our hotels in the Mauricie region.
Christmas Market of Yesteryear
As part of the Desjardins Village in Lights event, which runs from December 7 to January 2 at the Village québécois d’antan in Drummondville, the century-old houses on the Village's main street welcome artisans from across Quebec. Among the artistic creations, discover handmade jewelry, stained glass, and wooden chests while tasting wines, jams, and chocolates among the local specialities. With over 25,000 Christmas lights illuminating the entertainment and activities along the street, the outdoor atmosphere feels entirely magical. It is Christmas in Quebec at its finest. Entrance fees are applicable and it’s a good idea to verify the opening hours.
If you’re heading for Quebec City after your visit, Ôrigine artisans hôteliers can put you up in style at Auberge Godefroy in Bécancour. If, on the other hand, you’re headed toward Montreal, go for Hotel Rive Gauche in Beloeil.
Christmas at Marché de la Gare in Sherbrooke
On weekends from December 1 to December 23, Christmas comes to the Marché de la gare housed in Sherbrooke’s former CP Rail train station. The Christmas market will be held there in the presence of Santa Claus, bathing the station market in a festive holiday atmosphere. You’ll be able to browse the offerings of the artisan village where you can find the perfect gift among a host of handmade items. Vendors at the station market also have an array of local specialty foods on offer for the holiday season. Every year, the entire Marché de Noël de la gare de Sherbrooke event is illuminated by one of the largest Christmas trees in Canada while your young ones – and even your pet – can have their picture taken with Santa!
With Ôrigine artisans hôteliers, you’ll find what you need to enjoy the Townships version of Christmas in Quebec to the fullest at Estrimont Suites & Spa near Mont-Orford or at Ripplecove Hotel & Spa on the shore of Lake Massawippi in Ayer’s Cliff.
Sutton Christmas Market
For two weekends at the end of November and into December, when the Sutton Christmas Market is in full swing, this most welcoming village in the Eastern Townships takes on an extra-special holiday atmosphere. You’ll find it all at Veterans Park in Sutton … Arts and crafts, storytellers, carollers, a miniature train, and a host of activities for the whole family.
During your stay, Ôrigine artisans hôteliers will gladly welcome you at Auberge West Brome or Domaine Château Bromont.
Lanaudière Christmas Markets
The Lanaudière region holds three Christmas markets at approximately the same time. Only a few kilometres separate the L'Assomption Christmas Market from the Joliette Christmas Market and the Terrebonne Christmas Market, which means you can organize a grand day out visiting all three. At the end of your busy day of shopping, you’ll be able to take some time and enjoy a taste of mulled wine. To plan your trip right, take a look at all the Ôrigine artisans hôteliers member hotels in the Lanaudière region on our website.
To stay up-to-date with the latest news from Christmas markets across Quebec, keep an eye on the Regroupement des Marchés de Québec Christmas Facebook page.
