The Best Christmas Markets in Quebec to Visit This Year: Embrace the Quebec Christmas Spirit!
The Christmas Markets of Quebec are a phenomenon to be greatly appreciated and cherished. Across the province they regularly host over 30 markets during the holiday season, each with their own flare and appeal. Below, we go through which Quebec Christmas markets you should have on your radar!
When people first think of quaint and colourful Christmas markets, it’s easy for their minds to get swept over to Europe. That’s totally fair, as many travellers will know that the Christmas markets in countries like Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, and central Europe at large are absolutely sensational.
However, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have our own Christmas market traditions worth celebrating in Canada. When I first think of Christmas markets in Canada, my mind immediately drifts to the Christmas Market in Toronto’s Distillery District but, of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
When you zoom out a bit more, it’s quite clear that, when it comes to holiday markets, the province of Quebec has something special going on. In fact, this year, there are over 30 notable markets that will be popping up across the province! This article is all about helping you explore those markets this holiday season by laying out the location of each of those markets as well as what they’re known for in particular.
What is a Christmas Market, Exactly?
Christmas markets, for those who don’t know, are essentially grandiose street markets that typically pop up during the four weeks of Advent. The markets originated in Germany, and that’s where they’re most prominent still in many respects. The very first Christmas market is said to have been held all the way back in 1434 in the city of Dresden.
Traditionally, a Christmas market will have a variety of offerings like food, drink (especially mulled wine), and plenty of seasonal items. It tends to be that these markets are hyper local, so while they reflect the Christmas spirit, they also very much reflect the local culture. There’s typically a fair bit of music and cheer in the air as well, and don’t be surprised if you see caroller or two singing a song!
They’re fun to walk around and explore without much of an agenda, especially with piping hot mulled wine in hand to stave off the cold…and, well, because mulled wine is absolutely delicious.
Which Quebec Christmas Markets Should You Visit This Holiday Season?
This year, there are give or take 35 Christmas markets in Quebec which are up and running, and it’s safe to say that the province can’t wait to kick off the festivities. Generally speaking, most markets run from the middle of November to the middle of December.
To make it easy, I’ll organize the Christmas markets based on their start date!
The Canadian Museum of History’s Christmas Market
In Gatineau (Hull District), in the Outaouais Region, is where you’ll find this Christmas Market. There are more than 80 local food producers and artisans located on site, and they welcome everyone to come and embrace this welcomed and relaxed Christmas atmosphere.
The market is open from November 15th - December 15th.
Noël Chez nous à Rivière-du-Loup
Located in Rivière-du-Loup in Bas-Saint-Laurent, this market is known for its Christmas parade and market. It’s also known for its love of fireworks once it gets dark, as well as a Christmas cruise, a brunch, and a whole bunch of family friendly activities. This Quebec Christmas market is really geared towards being a fun experience for kids!
This little festival will run from November 18th until November 21st.
Montréal Christmas Market
The Montréal Christmas Market aims to create an experience of a truly authentic Christmas market. It’s located at the Place du Marché right across from the Atwater Market. For those travelling by public transit to get to this well known Quebec Christmas market, it’s located only steps away from the Lionel-Grouix metro station.
You’ll find dozens of exhibitors here, and no shortage of entertainment on hand to put smiles on the faces of visitors.
This market, in the Les Quartiers du Canal district of Montreal, runs from November 25th to December 19th.
The German Christmas Market in Old Québec
The famed German Christmas Market in located in the Vieux-Québec district of Québec City. It’s one of the most well-known Christmas markets in Canada. At this market, you’ll find over 90 European-style wooden kiosks that, honestly, for a moment will make you think you’re in Germany.
There’s a little bit of everything here, and no shortage of mulled wine! They’ve got a mixture of local products that showcase the city and region’s culture, as well as some imported items and products. Whenever you go, it’s likely they’ll be a free show or event running.
They’ve got an outdoor bar, a heated alpine chalet, a children’s playground and more.
It runs from November 25th - December 23rd, and it’s can’t miss as far as Quebec Christmas markets are concerned.
Christmas in Old-Aylmer
This is a classically European-style Christmas market, taking place in the Aylmer District of Gatineau which, of course, is in the Outaouias Region. The market will be held over two weekends, and it’ll feature approximately 25 different merchants. As far as I understand, they’re very intent on showcasing all the delicious treats that you can find across the region.
The market will run from November 26th - December 5th, but do please note that, as I said above, it will only be running on weekends.
Marché de Noël de Baie-Saint-Paul
Here they aim for that classic European Christmas market feel. It’s located in the city of Baie-Saint-Paul in the region of Charlevoix.
As with many of the other markets here, they’re putting artisans and craftspeople first, and aiming to showcase their great work, while making much of it available for purchase.
They’re honed in on the magic feeling, and organizers have said that they’re keen to prepare “surprises for visitors of all ages.”
It’s on from November 26th - December 5th.
Marché de Noël et des traditions de Longueuil
The market takes place in the city of Longueuil in the region of Montérégie.
This is widely considered to be Quebec’s most traditional, old-school style Christmas Market. They’ve highlighted some of the classic experiences, like telling Santa what you’d like for Christmas for kids, but they’ve also done a nice job of showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of the artisans from the local area and across the province.
Here you’ll find piping hot pretzels right out of the oven, hot chocolate galore, and mulled wine which will be served at the chalet-style bar.
Mark this one on your calendar.
It’s taking place from November 26th and running until December 19th.
Sutton’s Christmas Market
Sutton’s Christmas Market takes place in the city of Sutton, which is located in the Eastern Townships. You’ll find igloos, tepees, and tents set up with a whole range of arts and crafts and Christmas goods. There will also purportedly be campfires, music and tasting, which sounds awfully Christmas-y to me!
The market runs from November 27th - December 5th.
Noël au Marché de la gare de Sherbrooke
In the city of Sherbrooke, a part of the Eastern Townships, is where this Christmas market is based. More specifically, in the Borough of Jacques-Cartier.
This market is dead-set on creating a festive atmosphere that all can enjoy. There’s handmade gifts, items to help make your own Christmas dinner extra special, and areas set up to be fun for the whole family.
The market will be set up from November 27th to December 19th.
L’Assomption Christmas Market
The L’Assomption Christmas Market takes place in the city of L’Assomption in the Lanaudière Region. The market is located in front of the Collège de l'Assomption. It’s known for the large showing of local craftspeople and producers from the region, as well as the photogenic sparkling atmosphere that people have come to love and expect with Christmas markets!
The market runs from November 27th - December 23rd.
Le Grand Marché de Noël
You’ll find Le Grand Marché de Noël in the Limoilou District of Québec City. It’s supposed to be a brand new, modern take on the traditional Christmas Market.
There will be over 100 producers, processors, and artisans, and that’s the largest amounts of merchants listed publicly before all the festivities kick off, so they’re really gunning for something special here.
They’ll be tons of gourmet treats that are photogenic as can be, as well as gifts you can nab before the big day.
The market will be running from December 1st to December 31st, so the entire month of December.
Marché de Noël de Laval
Located in the city of Laval, in the region of Laval, this market is held at the Centre de la Nature, and it features no fewer than 35 artisans on hand, showcasing their best stuff. The Arts Village will also be totally transformed to ring in the holiday cheer.
It’ll be on from December 2nd - December 12th.
Féerie au Lac du Village
Located in the city of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville in Montérégie, this market is a winter wonderland that features more than thirty different stands. It’s a lovely natural setting that showcases part of what makes Quebec so special.
You'll find the whole scene adorned with bright lights and there will even be a 10 metre Christmas tree in the centre of it all!
It’ll only be running from December 2nd-5th.
Enjoy the Christmas Spirit in Quebec!
Quebec is a province that wholeheartedly embraces the Christmas spirit, and I sincerely hope that if you head there, and use this as your guide, there will be laughs and smiles to be had amongst you and your loved ones.
If you’re reading this right around the holidays, let me take this chance to warmly wish you a very Happy Holidays.
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