Embrace the festive atmosphere of the winter holidays at one of the dozens of Christmas markets, or Marchés de Noël, throughout Quebec. These community festivals bring together vendors of unique gifts, artisan products, and fine art along with live entertainment, festive food and drink, and family-friendly events to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Some of the larger celebrations in Montreal and Quebec City run from late November until the end of the year. Le Grande Marché de Noël de Montreal, located in the Quartier des Spectacles, features more than 50 Quebec artisans and 150-plus free programs suitable for all ages. Near Atwater Market, the vendors at the Village de Noël de Montréal offer numerous products and gifts, and kids will be delighted by the free programs, where they might even catch a glimpse of Père Noël and his elves!
Immerse yourself in a true European experience at the Marché de Noël allemande de Québec. From the end of November until just before Christmas, Old Quebec is transformed into a fairytale village of lights, music, and magic. Free shows include Les Cors des Alpes—a trio playing the elongated wooden horns from Europe’s tallest peaks—marionette shows featuring Santa’s evil counterpart, Krampus, and musical performances of all genres. Little ones will enjoy the Kinderchalet, and Père Noël will be on hand to visit with kids and even pets! Throughout the market, you’ll find numerous food and drink vendors specializing in traditional German holiday fare, such as stollen and gingerbread, as well as piping hot cups of glühwein (mulled wine) or hot cocoa to warm you up.
Several Christmas markets just over the border make for an exciting afternoon or evening getaway. The ever-popular Marché de Noël de Sutton, the picturesque village in the heart of the Eastern Townships, runs for two weekends, usually late November and early December. Gather around the outdoor firepits and enjoy the wintry ambiance.
For a more urban setting, the Marché de Noël in Brossard, just outside Montreal, offers more than 75 vendors, an outdoor food court, festive characters and le petit train des Fêtes to delight children and their families. This market, which celebrates its 30th season mid-November 2024, is also known for its spectacular free concerts and attracts well-known bands from across the province, including one of the powerhouse groups of Quebec trad music, La Bottine Souriante.
To find out more about these Marchés de Noël or others in Quebec, check out the Bonjour Quebec website.
All photos by Pam Hunt.
—Pam Hunt