9 Reasons to Visit the Quebec City Christmas Market

The Quebec City Christmas Market is a must-see event for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit!

With festive food, drinks, and shopping, as well as charming decorations and holiday cheer, the market is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening during the winter season.

As one of the oldest cities in North America, Quebec City is an enchanting place to visit any time of the year. In the Old Town, centuries-old buildings lining narrow cobblestone streets make you feel like you are in a European town.

But it’s even more enchanting in December when the Old Town becomes a Christmas wonderland. While you may not be in Europe, you can still experience a traditional German Christmas Market here.

And chances are good that there will be snow, even in early December, which just adds to the magical Christmas feeling!  

About the Quebec City Christmas Market

Held each year from the end of November until Christmas, the Quebec City Christmas Market is one of the most well-know German Christmas markets in North America and one of the best Christmas Markets in Canada. Also known as Le Marché de Noël allemand de Québec, it’s a great way to experience a traditional German Christmas Market without having to travel to Europe!

While visiting the Quebec Christmas market has been on my wish list for years, it was only recently that we were able to visit. And now that we’ve experienced it, you can bet that we’ll be back and we want to share with you why you should visit too!

Why Visit the Quebec City Christmas Market

1. You’ll Feel Like You’re in Europe

While you may not be able to travel to Europe, you can still experience some European charm right here in Canada.

Old Québec is one of the oldest settlements in North America and much of the original architecture has been well preserved.

Wander the narrow cobblestone streets in Quebec’s Old Town, visit the charming shops and cafés and you feel like you are actually in Europe.

2. Experience a Traditional German Christmas Market

While Quebec isn’t in Germany, or even in Europe (although it feels like it), organizers have worked hard to recreate the festive atmosphere of the major European Christmas markets.

Ninety wooden kiosks spread over 4 different venues, traditional handicrafts, food and drinks offered by vendors, plus plenty of festive decorations, all help to make for a traditional German Christmas Market experience.

Read more | 10 Christmas Markets in 2 Weeks

3. Festive Decorations

There are plenty of festive decorations to get you in the holiday spirit!

A traditional Christmas pyramid stands tall over one market, while a large wooden advent calendar greets you at another venue.

Large Christmas cards can be found throughout the market, and of course, there are plenty of lights!

Be sure to get some photos of Château Frontenac lit up as well.  

4. Taste the Food

Throughout the market you’ll find vendors offering typical food and drinks that you would find in Germany, including pretzels, gingerbread and bratwurst.

Come hungry because you will want to try everything!

5. Warm Up with a Hot Drink

Delicious warm drinks can be found throughout the market or at the large outdoor bar.

Try some glüwhein (mulled wine), hot cider or hot chocolate for the kids and sip it while you wander through the market. There are alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available.

6. Shop for Unique Gifts

You’ll find plenty of traditional gifts and Christmas decorations, including carved wooden ornaments.

Some made locally while others are imported from Germany for the Christmas Market.

Local artisans also have their handicrafts and products for sale, including local cheeses and maple syrup.   

7. There’s Plenty for Kids to Do

While the adults may enjoy the shopping and food, there is plenty for kids to do too! 

Outdoor puppet shows and storytelling are held at specific times on the weekends, while arts & crafts and games are offered indoors at the Kinderchalet.

And of course, there’s a chance to meet Santa, or Papa Nöel!

8. Go Skating

There’s a large outdoor rink at Place D’Youville.

Skating is free, although you need to reserve a spot online.

Skates are available on site if you don’t have your own with you – it’s a perfect way to spend the afternoon or even the evening!

9. It’s Free!

Best of all, visiting the Quebec Christmas Market is free!!  (other than spending money of course…!)

So bundle up, and add the Quebec City Christmas Market to your bucket list for next holiday season!

Plan Your Visit to the Quebec City Christmas Market

The Quebec Christmas Market has 90 stalls, set over 4 different venues between the Hotel de Ville de Quebec and Chateau Frontenac. There is plenty of signage in and around the market or you can view the map here.

Where: Place et Jardins de L’hôtel de Ville de Québec, 2, rue des Jardins, Québec
When: Nov 21 – Dec 23, 2024
Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm on Sundays
**Closes at 6 pm on December 23

Parking: Parking is limited in the Old Town, although some street parking is available. Public parking is available underground at the Hotel Palace Royal, even for non-hotel guests. There are other public parking lots around the Old Town as well, including a large lot at Place D’Youville.

Tourist Information Centers: Located in Old Quebec across from Château Frontenac at 12 Rue Sainte-Anne, the Centre Infotouriste de Québec has plenty of information on attractions and things to do through Quebec.

Where to Stay in Quebec City

There are plenty of accommodation options in and around Quebec City. In the Old Town, there are plenty of small boutique hotels to choose from.

Here’s a whole post on the best hotels near the Quebec City Christmas Market.

Staying just outside the Old Town is a good choice as well, as many hotels are still within walking distance.

There are also plenty of less expensive options a short drive away, and public parking is available near the Old Town.

In the Old Town, the Hotel Palace Royal is a great hotel. A short walk to the Christmas Market, it also has a pool and underground parking available.

While not in the Old Town, Hotel Quebec Best Western Plus is also a good choice, and it’s only a short walk 15-minute walk to the Old Town. There is a pool, although we were too busy visiting the market to make use of the pool! Parking is an extra $20/day.

Final Thoughts: Why Visit the Quebec City Christmas Market

The Quebec City Christmas Market is a must for those seeking a festive Christmas market right in the heart of Canada.

Shop for local handicrafts or imported German gifts, savour delicious treats and sip on mulled wine, while you wander amidst the twinkling lights.

The market’s European feel is unmistakable, creating a magical atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in the heart of a German market.

With its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Old Quebec, the Quebec City Market is a unique experience that will provide unforgettable memories.