Planning a trip to Quebec City this Christmas? This guide to the best things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time is for you!
There’s no denying that Quebec City is hands down the most magical place in Canada to visit this time of year.
The city of Quebec is so instagrammable, and even more so at Christmas time.
I had the opportunity to see Quebec City at Christmas time for the first time this year and it was everything I had dreamed of and more.
There is something so special about seeing the stunning Old Quebec dressed up for the holiday season that truly can’t be beat.
I hope this post inspires you to add Quebec City to your Christmas travel bucket list and shows you just how beautiful it is this time of year.
By the way, if you’re looking for more Christmas or Quebec City travel inspiration here are some posts you won’t want to miss:
- 13 Magical Christmas Towns in Ontario
- 29 Incredibly Fun Things to do in Toronto at Christmas Time
- 19 Most Instagrammable Places in Quebec City
And be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. I share a lot of travel content on those that never make it to the blog!
Is Christmas time a good time to visit Quebec City?
Although Quebec City is absolutely beautiful no matter what time of year you visit, there is something truly magical about visiting Quebec City at Christmas time.
There are just so many fun and festive things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time that truly makes it the ultimate destination to visit in Canada this time of year.
People come from all over Canada (and beyond!) to see the beautiful streets of Old Quebec decorated for the holiday season.
With so much to see and do from the German Christmas Market, to the ice castles, Au 1884 slide, outdoor skating rinks, and so much more more, Quebec City is absolutely wonderful this time of year.
How cold does it get in Quebec City in December?
Quebec City in December can be quite cold and there’s a very good chance you will experience some snow while you’re here.
You can expect temperatures to be anywhere from highs of 5 degrees celsius to lows of -10 degrees celsius.
However, if you come prepared it is completely bearable and totally enjoyable to be out and about exploring Quebec City during the month of December.
How to pack for Quebec City in December
Now that you know Quebec City is fairly cold during December and that it’s important to come prepared, here are some of my top recommendations for things you will want to bring with you!
- A warm winter coat
- Fleece lined nude tights – these are my best hack for staying warm while wearing skirts in winter!
- thermals for layering
- A toque, hat, or earmuffs to keep your ears warm
- A scarf to keep your neck warm
- Mittens or gloves
- Hand & foot warmers
- Wool socks – I find smartwool or merino wool socks like these to be the best for warmth!
- Winter boots
Just a side note that throughout this guide you will see photos of me in clothing that aren’t the most appropriate for Quebec City weather in December.
I always keep warm clothes nearby when shooting outside and I do this solely for the aesthetics of my photos.
After all, people would get pretty bored of my content if I wore the same winter coat in all my photos!
So please bear in mind that I always have warm gear nearby, and if I am not wearing a coat in my photo you can bet it’s on standby just out of the frame!
I am in no way promoting to dress the way I am in my photos when visiting Quebec City in December.
Getting to Quebec City
Since I am from Montreal, this section of this guide will focus on traveling to Quebec City from Montreal.
However, all of these methods of travel will also apply if you’re coming from other nearby destinations like Ottawa or Toronto!
Getting to Quebec City by train
My absolute favourite way of getting to Quebec City in winter is by train!
You can take ViaRail from Montreal to Quebec City and it makes for the most stress free travel experience.
Personally I prefer avoiding road trips in winter just in case you get caught in a snowstorm, and since ViaRail is a very affordable alternative it is hands down my favourite way to travel to Quebec City at Christmas.
You also really don’t need a car once you get to Quebec City as almost everything is within walking distance.
Book yourself in for a ViaRail business class ticket and you’ll get to enjoy a meal and drinks during the journey.
They also have wifi so it’s easy to get work done during the trip!
I like not being held responsible and being able to relax or get work done rather than focusing on driving!
Getting to Quebec City by plane
If you’d prefer traveling by air there are direct flights from Montreal to Quebec City that make for a very quick and stress free trip.
Although tickets will likely be pricier than taking the train, the quick 55 minute flight time is a breeze!
Getting to Quebec City by car
Finally if you have a vehicle, the short drive to Quebec City from Montreal takes under 3 hours and is a nice easy drive.
How to get around Quebec City
As I mentioned above, once you get into Quebec City, Old Quebec is very walkable.
You won’t need a vehicle to get to most attractions, restaurants and activities in the area.
If this is your first time visiting Quebec City, I highly recommend booking yourself in for a Quebec City walking tour to get your bearings of the area!
One of the best and highest rated tours is the Old Quebec City 2 Hour Grand Walking Tour.
This tour is rated 4.8 stars and has almost 1000 reviews on Get Your Guide!
During the Old Quebec City 2 Hour Grand Walking Tour you’ll get to explore the charm, history and culture of old Quebec City as you stroll around with an informative guide who will give you all sorts of insider information about the city.
This amazing walking tour of Quebec City will cover some of Quebec City’s best highlights and destinations including the stunning City Hall, Dufferin Terrace, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church, Place Royale, and the historic Fortifications of Quebec.
After your Old Quebec City Walking Tour you will not only have your bearings of Old Quebec, but know all about its history and what makes Old Quebec the grand and historic city it is.
You will now be ready to explore on your own by foot!
How many days do you need in Quebec City?
Because there are so many things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time I definitely recommend planning to spend 3 days here.
I only spent 2 days during my recent visit and it just wasn’t quite enough!
You also want to give yourself some extra time in case you’re dealing with bad weather.
3 days in Quebec City will give you ample time to explore all that Quebec has to offer at Christmas time without feeling too rushed or stressed to fit everything in.
Where to stay in Quebec City
It’s no surprise that Quebec City has a lot of great accommodations, but here are some of my favourites!
Hilton Quebec
Located on Parliament hill and overlooking Old Quebec you’ll find the beautiful Hilton Quebec.
I stayed here during my last visit to Quebec City and absolutely loved it!
This 4 star hotel is located just a 3-4 minute walk from the gates to Old Quebec and features a wonderful restaurant, breakfast buffet, pool, and all the amenities you could possibly need.
The staff at the Hilton Quebec are absolutely lovely and truly made our stay special.
Fairmont Chateau Frontenac
I’m sure you’re not surprised to see the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac in my list of hotel recommendations for Quebec City!
I absolutely love staying with the Fairmont and there truly could not be a more iconic place to stay at during your time in Quebec City.
The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac is located right in the middle of Old Quebec and so it’s very easy to get to all the Christmas activities and attractions that Quebec City has to offer.
If you’re looking for an incredibly memorable stay during your time in Quebec City, you absolutely have to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac.
Now, onto the guide to the best things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time!
Best things to do in Quebec City at Christmas Time
1. Visit Quebec City’s German Christmas Market
Address: 5 magical locations – in the Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, on the Dufferin Terrace (near the Samuel de Champlain monument), on Sainte-Anne Street, at place d’Armes and at place d’Youville.
One thing I’ve always wanted to do at some point in my life is to visit the German Christmas Markets in Germany, and I feel like I got a little taste of just how magical that will be here in Quebec City!
Quebec City’s German Christmas Market is a market designed to recreate as closely as possible the atmosphere of the big European Christmas markets.
Spanning across 5 different locations throughout the heart of Old Quebec, here you’ll find everything from beautiful decorations, a great selection of succulent German treats, artisanal products, exquisite Christmas gifts and pop-up performances.
Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and indulge in festive treats while walking through a magical wonderland that will truly make you feel like you’re in Europe.
This is definitely one of the things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time that you can’t miss out on!
2. Christmas Magic Tour of Old Quebec
Address: Cicerone Tour Desk – Tourist Information Center 12, Sainte-Anne St
I already mentioned earlier in this post that a walking tour of Old Quebec is a great way to get your bearings of the area and learn all about Quebec City’s rich history.
But did you know there is a Christmas themed walking tour you can also do in Old Quebec during the Christmas season?!
The Christmas Magic Tour of Old Quebec is a 2 hour tour that will take you through Old Quebec’s most magical Christmas neighborhoods.
On this tour you will get to relive the Christmas traditions of the past with an authentic New France guide, and even stop for a small sugary treat and hot chocolate!
Enjoy exploring Old Quebec and the Petit Champlain neighborhood while learning all about the magical Christmas traditions of Quebec City’s past.
The Christmas Magic Tour of Old Quebec is rated 4.7 and is definitely one of the activities you don’t want to miss when visiting Quebec City at Christmas time.
3. Go skating at the Place D’Youville outdoor skating rink
Address: Place D’Youville, Rue Saint-Jean
A visit to Quebec City at Christmas time is not complete without going for a skate at Place D’Youville!
I may not be the greatest skater (trust me) but I still love doing laps on an outdoor rink with friends, surrounded by twinkling lights while listening to holiday tunes.
Bonus points if you end your skating session with a cup of hot cocoa.
Admission to skate at Place D’Youville is completely free and they have skate rentals on site, so grab a few of your friends and head out for an unforgettable festive skate in the heart of old Quebec.
4. Visit the iconic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac
Address: 1 Rue des Carrières
A visit to Quebec City at Christmas time is definitely not complete without a visit to the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac!
If you want to make your stay in Quebec City extra magical, I highly recommend booking yourself to stay at the Fairmont during your visit.
But even if you can’t do that, a visit to explore the inside of the stunning Chateau is an absolute must!
The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac is always decorated so beautifully at Christmas time.
Explore the shops of the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac and get in some last minute Christmas shopping or just stroll around to get a peek at all the beautiful festive Christmas trees.
The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac at Christmas time is definitely not to be missed!
5. Get a photo at Parc Montmorency
Address: Parc Montmorency, Côte de la Montagne
If you’re looking for a great spot to take a photo in Quebec City I have a full guide to the most instagrammable places in Quebec City.
But my all time favourite photo spot in all of Quebec City is the view of the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac from Parc Montmorency.
No matter what time of year you visit, this is such a beautiful photo spot that gives you the best view of the Chateau Frontenac.
6. Have festive drinks & dinner at Bistro Le Sam
Address: 1 Rue des Carrières
During my recent visit to Quebec City at Christmas time I had two incredible dining experiences, and the first was at Bistro Le Sam.
We had such an amazing dinner at Bistro Le Sam in the Fairmont, and I really can’t recommend it enough!
Bistro Le Sam is a beautiful restaurant that offers creative dishes that showcase some of Quebec’s hottest culinary trends and ingredients, as well as trendy happy hours and innovative mixology.
During the Christmas season they have a holiday feature cocktail list that’s an absolute must try!
For dinner we started with the Chef’s Appetizer Tasting board which featured their Beef Tartare, Crab & Lobster Cake, and Jumbo Shrimp.
It was the perfect appetizer to share and gave us a nice selection of different appetizers to try.
For mains I had the Confit Guinea Fowl Thing which was incredible, and my friend Lily had the Braised Beef Cheek a la Bourgignonne which was also very good.
We finished our dinner with a cheese board for dessert followed by a a glass of Rémy Martin XO which was the perfect way to end an absolutely splendid dinner out.
This truly made for a memorable first evening in Quebec City and I cannot recommend Bistro Le Sam enough!
7. Ride the funicular between Dufferin Terrace and Quartier Petit Champlain
Address: 16 Rue du Petit Champlain
The Old Quebec Funicular is a funicular railway that links the Upper Town (Haute-Ville) right outside of the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac at Dufferin Terrace with the Lower Town (Basse-Ville) at Rue du Petit Champlain.
Climbing (and descending) at a 45 degree angle, the funicular travels a distance of 64 meters between the Upper and Lower Towns.
The ride on the funicular costs $3 per person each way, and is a must-do activity when visiting Quebec City at Christmas time!
Because the walk down from the Upper Town area to Lower Town is not that bad, I actually recommend walking down yourself and then taking the funicular back up to save you the walk up the stairs!
8. Explore Old Quebec and take in the stunning Christmas decorations
There’s no surprise that Old Quebec at Christmas time is absolutely stunning.
There is a reason why people venture from far and wide to see how beautiful this city is during the holiday season.
The stores, restaurants and buildings go all out with their decorations each year and it truly is something magical to see!
You will find beautiful Christmas decorations both in the Upper and Lower Town areas of Old Quebec.
Grab yourself a hot chocolate and go for a stroll to take in the Christmas decorations and displays throughout the heart of Old Quebec.
9. Visit Dufferin Terrace
Address: Rue des Carrières
Dufferin Terrace is a boardwalk in front of the Chateau Frontenac that offers stunning views of the Chateau and surrounding Saint Lawrence river.
Grab a coffee (or hot chocolate) and head for a walk along the boardwalk to take in some of the most iconic and famous views of the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac.
After you’re done strolling around and taking the incredible views, it’s time to go down the famous Au 1884 slide!
10. And go tobogganing down the Au 1884 slide
Address: Dufferin Terrace next to the Chateau Frontenac kiosk
After strolling along Dufferin Terrace and taking in the sweeping views of the Saint Lawrence river, it’s time to do one of the most exciting things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time!
The Au 1884 slide is a thrilling slide that will have you racing down a slope in a toboggan at high speeds.
This exciting slide opens every winter, and is actually one of the oldest attractions in Quebec City!
The famous wooden Au 1884 slide on Dufferin Terrace will have you going speeds of up to 70km an hour as you race down in a toboggan alongside the river.
This is truly a thrilling experience that you can’t miss when visiting Quebec City at Christmas time.
And the best news?
The Au 1884 slide costs only $4 per person!
11. Check out the Christmas tree at Place Royale
Address: 2-4 Rue des Pains Bénits
Quebec City at Christmas time is absolutely beautiful and you will find incredible festive decorations everywhere you look.
One of the beautiful spots you won’t want to miss visiting is Place Royale to see the beautiful Christmas tree there.
Place Royale is where Samuel de Champlain founded the City of Québec in 1608, so it has a lot of historical significance to the city!
It also happens to be a very beautiful square with a stunning church (the oldest stone church in North America!) and beautiful historical buildings that combine French & British influences.
Go for a stroll through Place Royale and take in the history while enjoying the beautiful festive decorations.
12. Grab a hot chocolate or other festive drink at Maison Smith Cafe
Address: 23 Rue Notre-Dame
When you’re done strolling through Place Royale you have to drop by Maison Smith Cafe!
Maison Smith Cafe is a popular cafe in Quebec City that has multiple locations, with my favourite being the one in Place Royale.
Located in a heritage building dating back to 1653, Maison Smith in Place Royale is the very first location they ever launched in Quebec City.
Here you can get all sorts of delicious caffeinated (and non) beverages, plus baked goods and sandwiches all made in house.
Highly recommend you try their freshly baked croissants which are huge!
Oh – and their salted caramel latte is really delicious too.
13. Go snow tubing at Village Vacances Valcartier
Address: 2280 Bd Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier
I remember absolutely loving snow tubing when I was a kid, and honestly, as an adult I still love it too!
There is nothing quite like sliding down a snow covered hill at gripping speeds to get your adrenaline pumping.
Snow tubing at Village Vacances Valcartier will guarantee you hours of family friendly fun with 7 different tubing runs of varying steepnesses that can be enjoyed day and night.
Located a 45 minute drive outside of Quebec City, Village Vacances Valcartier’s snow tubing is 100% worth the drive.
This is definitely a one of the most thrilling and family friendly things to do when visiting Quebec City at Christmas time that can’t be missed!
You can grab your tickets for snow tubing at Village Vacances Valcartier here.
14. Have a Hallmark worthy dinner at Chez Muffy
Address: 10 Rue Saint-Antoine
One of my favourite dining experiences I’ve ever had in Quebec City was dinner at Chez Muffy.
Set in a beautiful historic maritime warehouse in the Auberge St. Antoine hotel, Chez Muffy is a stunning restaurant that will have you feeling like you’re dining in a Hallmark Christmas movie.
The menu at Chez Muffy focuses on local innovative cuisine and uses savoury flavours and ingredients from the hotel’s farm on lIe d’Orléans.
We had the exquisite 3 course menu which was served with an amuse-bouche and some extra appetizers for us to try.
Everything was so beautifully prepared and amazingly delicious.
For our first round of starters we were served squash quacamole with chips, vegetable tempura with smoked cream, and Jerusalem artichoke with aromatic herbs.
Then we had the smoked duck tartare with endive and radishes from their garden.
The oysters with potatoes & leek butter hollandaise were absolute divine.
For mains we both had duck with beets & Montmorency sauce. It was incredible!
And for dessert we had the roasted pear with brioche & pine nuts.
This was truly an incredible dinner and I would go back to Chez Muffy in a heart beat!
15. Go for some festive cocktails at Miracle, the Christmas themed pop up bar
Address: Maelstrom Saint-Roch, 181 Rue Saint-Vallier E
Christmas themed pop up bars are all the rage right now (if you’re going to be in Toronto this Christmas check out my guide to all the Christmas bars in Toronto!).
Quebec City has their very own Christmas themed pop up bar that you absolutely can’t miss!
Open from November 23rd till December 25th Miracle at Maelstrom is bringing all the festive vibes and Christmas themed cocktails to Quebec City.
This is one adults only Quebec City Christmas activity that you’ll definitely want to do!
16. Try some authentic Quebecois Tourtière
If you’ve never tried Tourtière before, you’re in for a real treat!
Tourtière is a French-Canadian flaky meat pie made from ground pork, onions, savoury seasonings, and baked in a traditional pie crust.
I grew up having my grandma’s Tourtière every Christmas and now no holiday season is complete without it!
There are so many great restaurants and bakeries to try this famous meat pie in.
Here are some of the top recommendations:
- Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens
- La Bûche
- Le Lapin Sauté
- Le Buffet de l’Antiquaire
- Le Petit Coin Latin
17. Do an epic helicopter tour of Quebec City
Address: Meeting point varies depending on which tour is booked
There’s not a more epic way to experience the views of Quebec City than from the air!
GoHelico offers 15, 30 and 45 minute scenic helicopter tours of Quebec City that will offer you incredible views of Quebec City’s most iconic landmarks.
Discover famous sights including Old Quebec, the Chateau Frontenac, the Plains of Abraham, the Saint Lawrence River, and even Montmorency Falls from above on this unforgettable helicopter tour.
This is definitely one of the most unforgettable things you can experience in Quebec City at Christmas time!
18. Relax the afternoon away at Strom Spa
Address: 515 Bd Champlain
Every time I visit Quebec City I visit Strom Spa Nordique, a stunning nordic spa located just a short 10 minute drive from Old Quebec.
You can check out my TikTok video on the beautiful Strom Spa here!
Situated on the banks of the Saint Lawrence river on a site of remarkable natural beauty, this unique spa combines well being and tranquility in the most beautiful environment.
Here you can spend the day in ultimate relaxation as you navigate the hot and cold baths, salt flotation room, saunas, infinity pool, meditation rooms, and so much more.
This really is the perfect way to spend the day and get in a little relaxation & rejuvenation.
While you’re here be sure to have lunch and a glass of wine at Nord restaurant!
19. Go skiing or snowboarding at Mont-Saint-Anne
Address: 2000 Bd du Beau Pré, Beaupré
As if I could write a guide on things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time without including skiing!
Mont-Sainte-Anne is a ski resort in the town of Beaupré, about an hour northeast of Old Quebec.
Escape Quebec City to spend the day hitting the slopes in this beautiful part of the Laurentian mountains.
20. Spend a night at the Ice Hotel
Address: 2280 Bd Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier
Did you know that Quebec has the only ice hotel in all of North America?
The Hôtel de Glace is an incredible and unique nordic experience that can’t be beat!
Although the Hôtel de Glace only opens in the beginning of January, I just couldn’t not include it on this list!
This one of a kind experience will surely create a winter memory that you will never forget.
You can book your visit to the ice hotel here.
Final Thoughts
Quebec City at Christmas time is absolutely magical and there is just so much festive fun to be had here!
I hope this guide to the best things to do in Quebec City at Christmas time has inspired you to add Quebec City to your winter travel bucket list.
By the way, if you’re planning a trip to Quebec City soon, or looking for some more Christmas travel inspiration, be sure to check out these posts:
- 19 Most Instagrammable Places in Quebec City
- 13 Magical Christmas Towns in Ontario
- 29 Incredibly Fun Things to do in Toronto at Christmas Time
I hope you enjoy your time in Quebec City and be sure to let me know which Quebec City Christmas activity is your favourite!
Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook if you aren’t already!
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