With its title of “Best Winter Destination in America” awarded by the readers of the prestigious American newspaper “USA today”, the Old Capital remains a privileged destination to enjoy the pleasures of this season which deserves to regain its nobility. To do this, I suggest some activities to do during the Christmas holidays in Quebec City that will convince you to try the winter experience in the most beautiful place in the world.

The different Christmas Markets.

Now present in several places on the planet, the German Christmas Markets represent a unique opportunity to discover the peculiarities of a European Christmas with numerous kiosks, tastings stations and workshops which will make you discover the specialties of the Sauerkraut country. The Quebec Christmas Market is held this year from November 23 to December 23 in the gardens of Quebec City Hall. Not wanting to be outdone, the Old Port of Quebec also sets up its Christmas market and offers you more than 70 kiosks of local growers and merchants. Come complete your Christmas table in this decor specially designed for the event every day from 24 November to 31 December, with the exception of 25 December. For those who are still not satisfied, the old-fashioned Christmas market of Cap Santé in the Portneuf region remains a must with its typical 18th century decoration and local craftsmen.

New Year’s Day on Grande-Allée.

During 4 days, the Grande-Allée turns into a pedestrian street and offers several exclusive activities such as a zip-line, a Ferris wheel and outdoor bars. It culminates with the great show of December 31 which highlights the arrival of the new year with the traditional fireworks show on the stroke of midnight. Last year, the show was entrusted to the French DJ Madeon and I bet you that the organizing committee of New Year’s Day in Quebec City will be able to propose once again an artist of international caliber to mark the passage of Quebec in 2018.

Village Vacances Valcartier’s winter fun park

The holiday season in Quebec City would certainly not be complete without a visit to the largest winter fun park park in North America, the Valcartier Vacation Village and its 40 slides, including its high-speed area, the Himalayas. You need a little heat? Let yourself be tempted by the indoor water park Bora Parc and its décor inspired by these islands of French Polynesia and above all its temperature, which is maintained at 35 degrees all year long.

Quartier Petit-Champlain.

The Petit-Champlain district, the oldest part of the city, becomes the most magical place in America during the holiday season and you cannot miss this opportunity to stroll through the cobblestone streets all illuminated for the occasion. As much as the children will be dazzled by the beauty of this magical place, couples will be able to benefit from it to live the romantic atmosphere that the mixture of the French architecture of the 18th century and snowflakes provides.

Snow sports, snowshoeing and hiking.

What would be the Capital of Winter without winter sports? The National Capital Region offers its residents and visitors an array of exclusive sporting activities this season with several ski centers located just minutes from downtown. If you do not own cars, shuttles are available from most major hotels to the 3 most popular centers: Le Relais, Stoneham and Mont Saint-Anne. In addition, the administration of the Plains of Abraham Battlefields Park organizes an enormous skating rink on the ring on the Plains of Abraham near the Quebec’s Museum of Fine arts. On site, you can learn the basics of ice skating with the hourly rental of full equipment. Snowshoes are also available as well as Cross-country skis for those who prefer to try their luck on a softer surface than ice.

Do not look any further; The perfect destination for spending the Christmas holidays is Québec City, the North American capital of winter!