5 magical places to spend Christmas in Quebec

Do you dream of a white Christmas? Then let us charm you with typically Quebecois celebrations during your Canada road trip! 

Here is my top 5 magical places to spend Christmas in Quebec.
 

#1. Old Quebec

Celebrating Christmas in Old Quebec is a unique experience in a fairy-tale atmosphere. This historic neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and stone buildings, transforms into a real life-sized Christmas village. Twinkling lights adorn the facades, decorated Christmas trees line the streets, and the air is filled with the enchanting smell of gingerbread and hot chocolate. The picturesque architecture of Old Quebec, with its European touches, creates an ideal setting for a traditional celebration, reminiscent of European Christmas markets but with a distinctive Quebecois touch. Definitely, the magical place not to miss to celebrate Christmas in Quebec. 

Though the neighborhood has a European flair, there are many rich and warm local traditions. The German Christmas market, for instance, offers a variety of crafts, traditional foods, and drinks that allow you to discover and savor the local culture. The carriage rides through the snowy streets, the festive music concerts in historic churches and the street performances add to this magical atmosphere. Old Quebec also offers the opportunity to experience typically Quebecois activities nearby, such as a meal at a sugar shack or a visit to the Ice Hotel in Val Cartier, a must-see in the region.

To celebrate Christmas in Old Quebec, I advise you to plan in advance. Booking accommodation in the heart of the neighborhood allows you to fully experience it without having to worry about transportation. 

#2. A log cabin

If your idea of a Quebecois Christmas is the one you see in movies, far from the urban hustle, then a stay in a log cabin is for you! These cabins, often located in the heart of breathtaking natural landscapes, allow you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of snowy forests, creating an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and reconnection with nature. The log cabin, with its rustic and warm charm, enhances this feeling of comfort and serenity. Spending Christmas in such a setting allows you to enjoy simple pleasures: a crackling fire in the fireplace, evenings with family or loved ones, and the soothing silence of vast snowy expanses.

This celebration in the heart of nature also allows you to reconnect with Quebecois winter traditions. Outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or even a dog sled ride offer opportunities for family fun while enjoying the stunning scenery. Prepare a traditional Quebec meal in the cabin's kitchen, with dishes like tourtière or cranberry turkey, to fully live the ultimate experience. Some cabins even offer in-house chefs. The log cabin thus becomes the stage for precious moments where the simplicity of life in nature and the sharing are at the heart of the festivities.

To celebrate Christmas in a magical place like a log cabin, it is important to carefully plan your stay. Choosing a cabin equipped with all the necessary comforts is essential to fully enjoy this unique experience, especially during the Quebec winter. Once again, booking in advance is often necessary, especially during the holiday season.

#3. Sacacomie

If you want to treat yourself a bit, opt for a mix of a log cabin and all-inclusive luxury! Located on the edge of the majestic Sacacomie Lake and surrounded by vast snowy forests, Sacacomie offers an idyllic setting for the holiday season. The hotel, with its log cabin architecture, blends perfectly into the natural landscape, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere, ideal for relaxing with family or friends. The stunning view of the frozen lake and the surrounding mountains enhances the feeling of escape while providing a perfect backdrop for a memorable celebration.

Here you will experience a typical Christmas, with the meal, a festive evening, holiday stories, and even the arrival of Santa Claus in a sleigh! Spending Christmas at Sacacomie also allows you to enjoy numerous winter activities. Whether you are a fan of snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating on the lake, or ice fishing, there are a multitude of ways to enjoy the Quebec winter. The hotel also offers a Nordic spa, with outdoor hot tubs and a sauna with a view of nature, perfect for warming up after a day of outdoor adventures. 

Christmas in Sacacomie promises a moment of tranquility, outdoor fun, and rejuvenation in the heart of Quebec's nature. However, to celebrate Christmas in Sacacomie, it's important to plan ahead to fully enjoy everything this place has to offer. 

#4. Mont Tremblant 

Another magical place to spend Christmas is found in one of the most beautiful ski villages in North America. Nestled in the heart of the Laurentians, Mont-Tremblant is renowned for its charming pedestrian village, illuminated and decorated for the holidays, which immerses its visitors in a true Christmas atmosphere. With its small streets lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, the village invites discovery and relaxation, while offering a picturesque backdrop with snow-covered mountains in the background. Spending Christmas here means experiencing the magic of the holidays in a fairytale setting while having access to breathtaking outdoor activities.

Mont-Tremblant is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. It's a must-see during a road trip in Quebec. Celebrating Christmas here allows you to fully enjoy some of the best ski slopes in Quebec, suitable for all levels. In addition to skiing, other activities are also offered, such as snowshoeing, ice skating on the lake, and zip-lining for the more adventurous. For families, the village organizes special events for Christmas, including shows, fireworks, and visits from Santa Claus. This diversity of activities helps create unforgettable memories while celebrating the holidays in a lively setting. If traveling without children, there are plenty of festive evenings in the village bars.

As you may have guessed, to celebrate Christmas in Mont-Tremblant, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, as the resort is very popular during the holiday season. Accommodation types include chalets, condos, and hotels offering spectacular views of the mountains and ideal for spending convivial moments after a busy day. 

#5. Montreal 

Finally, if you prefer city celebrations, Montreal is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas vibrantly without losing the magic! During the holiday season, the streets of Montreal light up with thousands of lights, creating a magical setting that warms up the winter atmosphere. The Old Montreal, with its historic buildings and cobblestone squares, is particularly spectacular at this time of year, offering Christmas markets, street performances, and outdoor skating rinks. Montreal perfectly combines the spirit of large metropolises with the warmth and intimacy of local traditions, making the city ideal for a memorable Christmas celebration.

Montreal offers a multitude of activities for the whole family during the holidays. You can start with a visit to the various Christmas markets. The most popular are located at Place Jacques-Cartier, Place des Festivals, and Atwater Market. The refrigerated rink at the Old Port is an unmissable activity, with a breathtaking view of the city and the frozen river. Culture enthusiasts will also appreciate the Christmas concerts held in the city's historic churches, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica, which offers impressive choirs and light shows. Montreal is also known for its restaurants and festive evenings. Treat yourself to a good meal at a local restaurant; many offer Christmas meals, and celebrate on the large public squares with locals and other tourists. Participating in a guided Christmas lights tour or taking a cruise on the St. Lawrence River are excellent ways to discover the city from another angle. 

I recommend opting for accommodation in lively neighbourhoods, such as the Plateau-Mont-Royal or Old Montreal, for easy access to the main activities and events. 

So, where will you experience the magic of a Quebec Christmas? Let us know in the comment section below!