5 Ways to Feel Like You’re in a Christmas Movie

Every good Christmas movie has a few key ingredients: gently falling snowflakes, sparkling lights, gorgeous scenery, and that feeling of magic in the air. No surprise, then, that the heaps of snow, beautiful old buildings, decorations, and warm and friendly people here tend to make you feel like you’re in one! Roaming around Old Québec always feels special, but it’s especially enchanting in December. Here are a few things you can do in Québec City to experience the magic of Christmas.

1- Get Into the Spirit in Old Québec

The German Christmas Market has quaint wooden stalls, delicious sweets, sparkling Christmas trees, twinkling lights, mulled wine, and Christmas carols to warm your heart. It’s the perfect place to shop for all kinds of artisanal gifts. And for the second time, a festive artistic project called Kaléidoscopes will make the German Christmas Market sites even more spectacular from December 27 to 31. 

Nearby, Boutique de Noël has Christmas collector’s items and souvenirs that are always a hit with the young and young at heart. Keep popping in and out of shops along rue Saint-Jean as you walk up to Place D’Youville.

2- Skate in an Enchanting Setting

Set just outside the walls and gates of the Old City, the skating rink at Place D’Youville is a Christmas classic. Kiosks of the German Chrismas Market and the  Glockenspiel multimedia projections on Le Diamant theatre complement the scenery.

If you start to feel a bit chilly, grab a hot chocolate and cozy up by the fire at one of the many nearby warming stations.

3- Go Speeding Down a Hill

For a real rush, head to Au 1884 and try whizzing down an icy slide at up to 70 km/h. The slides are specially designed for toboggans that can take up to 4 passengers each. It’s insanely fun! Hold onto your tuques (or beanies) and get ready to make lasting memories. (Check to make sure the slides are open, since the start date depends on the weather.)

To recover from all that excitement, grab a hot bevvy from the Au 1884 stand and enjoy it on Dufferin Terrace as you admire the view.

4- Go Christmas Shopping in Petit-Champlain 

The Petit-Champlain District is especially enchanting at Christmas time. With all the sparkling trees and decorations and European charm, shopping for gifts is a pure delight. 

You’ll find tons of gems and unique shops in the area, including Atelier La Pomme and Métiers d’art du Québec, both of which exclusively carry items by Québec artisans. For made-in-Québec gifts for moms and toddlers, stop by Ptits Mosüs. Just a little further on in the Old Port, there’s also the museum gift shop at Musée de la civilisation, which carries unique gifts by a number of artisans. If you’re out with the kids, be sure to stop for a delicious beaver tail along the way.

5- See the Light Art at Place Jean-Béliveau

With the sky getting dark earlier, it’s the perfect time of year for Plein les yeux et les oreilles, a light installation along a path at Place Jean-Béliveau. Don’t worry about the cold: there’s a warming station on site and even a skating path to round out the experience, weather permitting.

While you’re there, be sure to experience the Christmas edition of Québec City’s Grand Marché, where you’ll find food and gifts from dozens of local artisans. It’s a taste of the city in an authentic and festive venue.