Quebec City at Christmas: How to Spend a Weekend in December
Québec City at Christmas is magical. Yes, I know that sounds cliché, but it’s honestly true.
We’ve visited a few times during the Christmas season, and there’s something about Old Québec covered in lights, Christmas markets spread throughout the historic centre, and, if you’re lucky, snow on the ground that makes December one of my favourite times to visit.
But there’s more to a Christmas weekend in Québec City than wandering the markets. You can skate outdoors, ride the toboggan slide on Dufferin Terrace, explore Petit-Champlain and then head indoors when you need to warm up.
The trick is fitting everything into a weekend without spending the entire time outside. In this guide, I’ll share our favourite things to do in Québec City at Christmas, plus how I’d plan a weekend so you can enjoy the Christmas markets and still have time to see more of the city.
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Best Things to Do in Quebec City at Christmas
The Christmas markets are a big part of the experience, but there are plenty of other things to do in Québec City at Christmas too. Some are specific to the holiday season, while others are simply some of our favourite ways to experience the city in winter.
1. Visit the Quebec City German Christmas Market
If you’re visiting Québec City at Christmas, the German Christmas Market is the one thing you shouldn’t miss. It’s a big part of what makes the city so much fun to visit in December, and if you love European Christmas markets, Québec City does a pretty impressive version closer to home.
The market is actually spread across several locations throughout Old Québec, with wooden stalls selling food, hot drinks, Christmas decorations and gifts. Each area is a little different, and because they’re spread through the historic centre, you’ll naturally come across them as you explore the city.
We’ve been to the Québec City Christmas Market several times now, and it’s one I love returning to. My kids enjoy the activities and treats, I like browsing the stalls, and there’s enough variety between the different areas that it doesn’t feel like you’re seeing the same thing over and over.
I’d make time to visit during the day, but definitely come back after dark. Once the lights come on, the markets feel completely different, and that’s when I think they’re at their best.
You don’t need to visit all of the market areas at once. You’ll pass several as you’re exploring Old Québec, so you can wander through a few stalls, grab a treat and then keep exploring.
For market dates, locations and what you’ll find at each one, here’s more info on the Quebec City German Christmas Market.
2. See the Christmas Lights and Decorations
Another of the best parts of visiting Québec City at Christmas is simply walking around and seeing the lights and decorations. Old Québec really goes all out for Christmas, with decorated storefronts, lights strung across the streets and Christmas trees throughout the historic centre.
Petit-Champlain and Place Royale are two of my favourite areas, but you’ll see decorations throughout both Upper and Lower Town. Château Frontenac is decorated for the season, Place d’Youville is lit up around the skating rink and the Christmas market areas add even more lights once it gets dark.
I’d plan at least some of your exploring for after dark. Québec City is pretty during the day in December, especially if there’s snow, but once all the Christmas lights come on, it’s a completely different experience.
3. See Château Frontenac at Christmas
You really can’t visit Québec City without seeing Château Frontenac, but it’s especially worth a stop at Christmas. The Château is decorated for the holidays, with Christmas trees and decorations inside, so don’t just take a photo from outside — head into the lobby for a look around too.
Then head out onto Dufferin Terrace, which runs right in front of the Château and has some of the best views over the St. Lawrence River. It’s a great place for a walk even in December, although you’ll definitely want to bundle up if the wind is coming off the river.
If the Dufferin Terrace toboggan slide is open, you’ll find it at the far end of the boardwalk. We’re giving that its own spot below because it’s easily one of the most fun things to do in Québec City in winter.
4. Ride the Dufferin Terrace Toboggan
If the Dufferin Terrace toboggan slide is open during your visit, don’t skip it. The wooden slide sits right beside Château Frontenac and has been sending toboggans racing down the hill for more than a century.
I don’t think you realize just how fast these toboggans go until you’re actually racing down the track. I’ve heard they can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, and after doing it, I can tell you it certainly feels close to that! It’s over quickly, but it’s incredibly fun, and my kids would happily head straight back up and do it again.
The only thing to keep in mind is that the toboggan is weather-dependent. It needs temperatures to be cold enough to maintain the icy tracks, so it may not be open yet if you’re visiting in late November or early December. Check before your visit, especially if this is something your kids are looking forward to.
From here, you can walk back along Dufferin Terrace and take the funicular or the Breakneck Stairs down into Petit-Champlain.
5. Wander Petit-Champlain and Place Royale
Petit-Champlain is one area I’d make sure you have time to wander rather than just walking through on your way somewhere else. It’s one of the prettiest parts of Old Québec at any time of year, but at Christmas, the lights and decorations make it even more worth spending some time here.
The narrow streets and old buildings are covered in Christmas lights and decorations, and there are plenty of small shops to pop into along the way. You’ll also find La Boutique de Noël de Québec here, a year-round Christmas store that’s especially fun to browse at this time of year.
Nearby Place Royale is worth spending some time in too, with more Christmas decorations and one of my favourite Christmas trees in the city.
It’s a small area, so you don’t need hours here, but Petit-Champlain and Place Royale together are easily one of my favourite places to walk around when we’re in Québec City at Christmas.
6. Go Skating at Place d’Youville
There’s something very Canadian about adding an outdoor skate to a Christmas weekend. The rink at Place d’Youville is just outside the walls of Old Québec, surrounded by historic buildings and some market stalls, making it a pretty great place to do it.
The riWe usually bring our skates when we’re visiting in winter, but if you’re flying into Québec City, you’re probably not packing skates in your suitcase! The good news is you can rent them right at the rink.
I’d try to time this one for late afternoon or early evening. Once it gets dark and the lights come on around the rink, it feels much more like part of the Christmas experience than simply going for a skate.
7. Warm Up With a Chocolat Chaud
After a few hours outside in December, you’re going to want somewhere to warm up. And really, is there a better excuse to stop for a chocolat chaud?
You’ll find cafés throughout Old Québec where you can duck inside, warm up and take a break before heading back out. My kids never need much convincing when hot chocolate is involved, and it’s an easy way to break up a day of markets, skating and walking around in the cold.
8. Plan an Indoor Activity
As much as I love Québec City in winter, I wouldn’t plan an entire day outside in December. Adding an indoor attraction gives everyone a chance to warm up and makes the day much more enjoyable, especially if it’s particularly cold or windy.
The Musée de la civilisation is one of the easiest options to add while you’re exploring Old Québec. It’s in Lower Town, not far from Place Royale, and has a mix of permanent and changing exhibits, including plenty that work well with kids. We’ve visited a few times and it’s an easy place to spend a couple of hours.
The Morrin Centre is another interesting option right in Old Québec. The building was once a prison, and you can still see the old jail cells as part of a guided tour, along with its Victorian library. It’s a smaller attraction than the Musée de la civilisation, but a good choice if you’re looking for something a little different without leaving Old Québec.
The Aquarium du Québec is another one we’ve enjoyed, especially with younger kids. It’s outside Old Québec, though, so I wouldn’t treat it as a quick warm-up stop. Give yourself a few hours and plan it as one of the main activities for that part of your day.
You definitely don’t need to fit several indoor attractions into a Christmas weekend. I’d choose one, warm up for a bit and then head back out to enjoy Québec City in December.
9. Spend Some Time Outdoors
It might be tempting to stay close to the Christmas markets, but Québec City is a great place to get outside in winter. If you have time during your weekend, I’d pick one outdoor activity beyond simply walking around Old Québec.
The Plains of Abraham are the easiest option if you want to stay close to the city centre. In winter, you can walk the trails or, once there’s enough snow, go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Equipment rentals are available, so you don’t necessarily need to bring winter gear with you.
Montmorency Falls is another one of my favourite places to visit in winter. The falls look completely different once the ice starts building up, and it’s much quieter than visiting during the busy summer months. You can walk the trails and check out the different viewpoints without the crowds you often find here at other times of year.
It’s outside the city centre, so give yourself a few hours rather than trying to squeeze it between other Old Quebec stops.
You don’t need to do both on a short Christmas trip. I’d choose the Plains of Abraham if you want something easy to fit into your weekend, or Montmorency Falls if you have more time and want to get beyond Old Quebec.
How to Spend a Weekend in Québec City at Christmas
You could easily spend longer in Quebec City, but a weekend is enough time to experience the Christmas markets and see quite a bit of the city. If I were planning a Christmas weekend, I’d arrive Friday evening and leave later on Sunday so you have two nights and most of two days to explore.
I wouldn’t try to fit everything from the list above into one weekend. Instead, I’d spend Saturday exploring Old Quebec and save Sunday for one bigger activity, with another wander through the markets before heading home.
Friday Evening: Get Your First Look at Quebec City at Christmas
Once you’ve checked in, head into Old Québec and spend your first evening walking around and taking in the Christmas lights.
This is a great time to visit a few of the German Christmas Market areas too. Don’t worry about trying to see all of them, just wander through whichever ones you come across, grab something to eat or drink and enjoy seeing the markets after dark.
I’d keep Friday fairly relaxed, especially if you’ve spent part of the day travelling. Have dinner somewhere in Old Québec and save the bigger sightseeing for Saturday.
Saturday: Spend the Day Exploring Old Quebec
Start Saturday around Château Frontenac and take some time to go inside to see the Christmas decorations. From there, walk along Dufferin Terrace and ride the toboggan slide if it’s open.
Next, take the funicular or walk down the Breakneck Stairs into Petit-Champlain. Spend some time wandering the streets and shops before continuing into Place Royale.
You’ll pass several Christmas Market areas as you explore, so stop at them as you go rather than trying to visit them all at once. This is also a good time to browse the stalls during daylight and pick up any Christmas gifts or decorations you’ve had your eye on.
Build in an indoor break during the afternoon. Musée de la civilisation fits really well with this itinerary because it’s in Lower Town, close to Place Royale, but a long lunch and a chocolat chaud work too if you don’t want to spend a couple of hours at a museum.
Later in the afternoon, head up to Place d’Youville for an outdoor skate. As it gets dark, wander back through Old Québec and revisit some of the Christmas Market areas once the lights are on.
Sunday: See More of Quebec City
After spending most of Saturday outside exploring Old Québec, start Sunday with an indoor attraction. Musée de la civilisation is my first choice for a weekend itinerary because it’s close to Old Québec and you can easily spend a couple of hours there without taking up your whole day.
If you’d rather do something a little different, take a tour of the Morrin Centre and see the old prison cells and Victorian library. The Aquarium du Québec is another good option, but because it’s outside Old Québec, I’d allow more time for it.
Around lunchtime, head back to the Christmas markets. This is a good chance to see them during the day, browse any stalls you missed the night before and pick up any gifts or Christmas decorations you wanted to go back for. Grab lunch or a chocolat chaud while you’re there before heading out for the afternoon.
Finish your weekend with some time outdoors. The Plains of Abraham are the easiest option if you want to stay close to Old Québec, or head out to Montmorency Falls if you have a car and a few hours before leaving the city.
Then it’s time to head home, although if you’re anything like us, you’ll probably already be thinking about coming back to Québec City in winter.
Where to Stay in Quebec City at Christmas
For a Christmas weekend, I’d stay in or as close to Old Québec as possible. Most of this itinerary is walkable once you’re in the historic centre, and being able to head back to your hotel for a break or to warm up is a big bonus in December.
Hôtel Palace Royal
We’ve stayed at Hôtel Palace Royal and it’s a great choice for a Christmas weekend. It’s only about a block from Place d’Youville, where you’ll find the skating rink and one of the Christmas market areas, plus it has an indoor pool and underground parking — something I really appreciate when visiting Québec City in winter.
Hilton Québec
The Hilton is just outside the walls of Old Québec, so you’re still within easy walking distance of the markets and main sights. The big bonus with kids is the heated outdoor rooftop pool, which stays open in winter. Swimming outside in Québec in December is definitely a fun way to end a day of sightseeing.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
If there’s ever a time to splurge on Château Frontenac, Christmas might be it. You’ll be right in the middle of Old Québec, with Dufferin Terrace outside the door and several of the Christmas market areas just a short walk away.
For more options, including hotels we’ve stayed at with our kids, here’s some of the best family hotels in Québec City.
What to Wear in Quebec City in December
Québec City is cold in December, but you’ll want to spend plenty of time outdoors to enjoy the city at Christmas. Whether you’re wandering the markets or skating and exploring Old Québec, you’ll enjoy it much more if you’re dressed for the weather.
I wear a warm winter coat with layers underneath, plus a hat, mittens and warm, waterproof boots. My Sorel Out N About boots have been great for our winter trips to Québec City, especially when the sidewalks are snowy or slushy.
For my kids, they wear a warm base layer, like this one, under their regular clothes, then add a winter coat, hat, mittens and warm boots. My kids like Bogs winter boots because they’re warm, waterproof and really lightweight, which is great when we’re doing a lot of walking.
I don’t usually put them in snow pants just to wander the Christmas markets or explore Old Québec. But if we’re planning something more snow-related, like sledding, snowshoeing or spending a longer stretch outside, then I’ll add snow pants too.
Layers are important for adults as well. You’ll be going in and out of shops, restaurants, museums and market stalls throughout the day, so it’s helpful to be able to take off a sweater or fleece rather than overheating every time you head indoors.
And bring extra mittens for the kids. Somehow, at least one pair always ends up wet.
Tips for Visiting Quebec City at Christmas
Plan your trip around the Christmas Market dates.
The German Christmas Market runs on weekends through most of the Christmas season, plus the last few days leading up to Christmas. If the markets are a big reason for your trip, make sure they’re open on the dates you’re planning to visit. You can find the current dates and opening hours in my Québec City Christmas Market guide.
Book your hotel early.
December weekends can be busy, especially once the Christmas markets are running. Staying close to Old Québec makes a short weekend much easier, so I’d book early if you want a good choice of hotels within walking distance.
Don’t count on snow.
Québec City often looks beautifully snowy in December, but there’s no guarantee you’ll arrive to fresh snow, especially earlier in the month. Some winter activities, including the Dufferin Terrace toboggan, are weather-dependent too.
You don’t need a car in Old Québec.
Once you’re in the historic centre, most of the Christmas markets and main sights are within walking distance. If you’re staying nearby, you can park the car and leave it there for much of the weekend.
For attractions farther out, like Montmorency Falls or the Aquarium of Quebec, you can take an Uber if you don’t have your own car.
Wear shoes with good grip.
Even when sidewalks are cleared, you can run into packed snow, slush and icy patches. Warm, waterproof boots with decent traction make walking around much easier.
Give yourself time to wander.
This isn’t a trip where I’d schedule something for every hour. Some of my favourite parts of Québec City at Christmas are simply walking through Old Québec, stopping at market stalls and seeing where we end up.
FAQ: Quebec City at Christmas
Two full days is enough for a Christmas weekend in Québec City. Arriving Friday evening and leaving Sunday evening gives you time to explore Old Québec, visit the Christmas markets and fit in a few other indoor and outdoor activities without rushing.
If you have three days, even better. You’ll have more time for attractions outside Old Québec, like Montmorency Falls or the Aquarium, while still having plenty of time to enjoy the Christmas markets.
Yes, it can definitely snow in Québec City in December, and there’s a good chance you’ll see some snow during a December visit. That said, don’t plan your trip expecting everything to be covered in fresh snow, especially if you’re visiting earlier in the month.
Snow conditions also affect some winter activities. The Dufferin Terrace toboggan and activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing may not be available yet if there hasn’t been enough cold weather or snow.
Québec City is cold in December. Daytime temperatures are often below freezing, and it can feel much colder when the wind picks up, especially near the St. Lawrence River.
You’ll still want to spend plenty of time outside, so dress in warm layers and bring a proper winter coat, hat, mittens and warm, waterproof boots.
Québec City is cold in December, with temperatures ranging from -1°C (25°F) to -11°C (11°F). And when the wind picks up, especially near the St. Lawrence River, it can feel quite a bit colder.
You’ll still want to spend plenty of time outside, so dress in warm layers and bring a proper winter coat, hat, mittens and warm, waterproof boots.
The Québec City German Christmas Market usually begins in late November and runs on weekends through most of the Christmas season, with additional days just before Christmas.
The exact dates and hours change each year, so check the Québec City Christmas Market guide for the current schedule before planning your trip.
Absolutely. In fact, Christmas is one of my favourite times to visit Québec City. Between the German Christmas Market, lights and decorations throughout Old Québec, outdoor skating and other winter activities, there’s plenty to fill a weekend.
And while the Christmas events are a big part of the experience, you still get everything that makes Québec City worth visiting at other times of year — the historic streets, Château Frontenac, Petit-Champlain, great food and plenty of things to do beyond the markets.
Our Take: Québec City at Christmas
I know I started this post by saying Québec City at Christmas is magical, and after several Christmas visits, I still think that’s the best way to describe it.
The Christmas markets are a big part of why we keep coming back, but it’s the whole experience that I love — walking through Old Québec after dark, seeing the lights, skating outdoors and warming up with a chocolat chaud before heading back out again.
If you can manage a weekend in December, I’d absolutely recommend it. Two days is enough to experience the Christmas side of Québec City without feeling like you’ve spent the entire weekend rushing around, and there’s always plenty left to come back for another time.
Planning a Christmas Trip to Quebec City?
If you haven’t booked accommodations yet, check out our guide to the best family hotels in Quebec City for places to stay, including hotels we’ve stayed at ourselves. And here’s everything you need to know about the Quebec City Christmas Market.
If you’re looking for more ideas beyond the holiday season, our Quebec City with kids guide has even more things to do around the city, as well as how to spend 3 days in Quebec City in the winter.
