The magic of Christmas in Quebec is now visible all around the city. Christmas trees, decorations and of course, Christmas lights herald the approach of the holiday festivities. Despite the cancellation of the German Christmas Market this year, the event organizers are offering you magical entertainment in the gardens of the Quebec City Hall. The sets will be illuminated day and night, every day of the week, from November 21 to January 3. For the programming of the kiosks on site, visit the German Christmas Market website.

Quebec City offers a host of heartwarming activities to take advantage of the winter season. Among other things, several circuits are offered to discover public works of art, or historic districts. These tours can be downloaded online or picked up at the borough offices. (This section of the website seems to be only available in French)

If you opt for the borough of La-Cité-Limoilou, don’t forget to include the ‘’Stations Chaleureuses’’ in the program! These outdoor fireplaces will help you withstand the winter temperature during your walk. You could also make a detour to admire, or even participate in the creation of the ‘’Murs Legaux’’ These evolving artworks invite graffiti artists of all stripes to color certain specifically chosen walls to their liking.

Also note that the Trait-Carré invites you to discover Lutinescence, a thematic holiday event. From December 12 to January 3, alone or with your family, try to flush out the dozens of elves hidden among the lights and decorations of this historic cradle of Charlesbourg.

Faithful to their habits, most of the shopping streets of Quebec will be adorned with a festive atmosphere as the holidays approach. With their varied and original boutiques and artisans, St-Joseph, St-Jean and Cartier streets will help you find something to make your loved ones smile. Quartier Petit Champlain will be no exception and this year promises an exceptional atmosphere at Place Royale. Santa Claus will also be on site outside, at Parc Félix-Leclerc, near the theater, from November 28 to December 24. Musical entertainment is also scheduled from Thursday to Sunday for the same period. Consult the schedule here to plan your family outing.

With most shows and events canceled this summer, your favorite artisans have certainly had a very difficult year. Come to the Grand Marché de Quebec for your Christmas shopping, in order to support their work and the local economy. From December 3 to 31, Le Grand Marché will host a significant number of passing merchants, in addition to its 30 permanent businesses. An outdoor market has also been set up and will be accessible from Thursday to Sunday. For the schedule and the complete list of artisans, it’s here!

Finally, what would the holiday season be without Santa Claus? With the sanitary measures imposed this year, the latter seems to have a lot of difficulty putting down his sled in a safe manner. Fortunately, his elves and a few local contacts helped him get up to date. He will therefore be present on site in a few shopping centers and in Quartier Petit Champlain, while respecting the distancing measures. You will usually need to make an appointment, which will allow you to avoid long lines. The shopping centers that will not welcome Santa Claus this year will mostly set up a magical space reminiscent of his usual Kingdom, and some will organize virtual meetings with the man with the white beard.