Québec's Christmas markets at their finest
Let us begin with what is considered Québec's oldest Christmas market, the Marché de Noël d'Antan de
Cap-Santé. Held just west of the province's capital, in the heart of a historic village nestled on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, this market will be showcasing the craftsmanship of some 70 artisans at Place de l’église square, November 23, 24 and 25.
This holiday season, steer clear of last-minute mall madness and do your gift shopping at the much more enjoyable
Canadian Museum of Civilization Christmas Marketplace in Gatineau. The weekends of December 7 and 14, come savour a glass of mulled wine before stocking up on unique presents or picking out tasty treats to serve on Christmas Eve, all to the sound of classic Christmas tunes!
During the December 8 and 15 weekends, the Marché de Noël éclaté will light up the town of
Sutton. Tepees, prospector tents and log cabins are mounted specially for the event to showcase a variety of handcrafted gifts and edible goodies. Visitors can also go on a sleigh ride and discover the picturesque village and its many hidden gems!
From December 14 to January 5, the site of Old
Montréal's Extravaganza will transform into none other than the International Village of Christmas Traditions. For the occasion, an authentic European Christmas market will be set up where visitors can discover a number of artisans and get their hands on traditional Austrian, German and Russian decorations.
This December 14 to 16, and December 21 to 31, the Marché de Noël du village illuminé will have Drummondville and the Centre-du-Québec region alive with excitement. Held in the heart of the
Village Québécois d'Antan—the city's famous historic village, all decked out in lights—this Christmas market provides an authentic 1800s experience as the site's century-old homes are converted into gift shops where guests can discover local and handcrafted goods.
Activities
If you are looking for beautiful, hand-painted figurines to add to your nativity scene, pay a visit to the studio of Bernard Boivin, the artist behind the Santons de Charlevoix collection. Available year-round, these original pieces are a perfect addition beneath any Christmas tree!
From November 24 to January 4,
Exporail: The Canadian Railway Museum in Saint Constant will host A Railway Christmas, inviting people of all ages to journey backward in time and experience Christmas as our ancestors did. Exclusively for the holidays, adults and kids 13 and up can also enjoy a traditional British high tea in the luxurious Canada Car!
Christmastime in Sherbrooke means the
Orford Express is once again open for business! Departing from the Marché de la gare public market, the tourist train will be in service from December 1 to 30 on weekends, and on December 27. Several menu options are available, but the trip alone is worth the visit! Climb aboard to discover the Eastern Townships in a different light!
A yearly tradition in Montréal, the
Salon des métiers d’art du Québec and its approximately 450 exhibitors attract visitors from far and wide in search of unique handcrafted goods, or looking to try some local specialties, such as apple icewine or exotic spice blends, at the Pavillon des saveurs. This year's craft fair will run from December 7 to 22.
Spend Christmas with the polar bears at the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien! From December 26 to 30 and January 2 to 6, you can even help the zookeepers feed them. On January 5 and 6, roll up your sleeves and make a frosty birthday cake for the polar bears who celebrate their special day on the 12th!
