Quebec City gets into the holiday spirit

Adapted from a press release by QCT staff

Lively festive programming for all will light up the city between mid-November and New Year’s Day, city officials announced on Nov. 10. 

“Quebec is particularly magical as the holidays approach. It’s time to travel through our beautiful city and shop in the Christmas markets and in the commercial streets to encourage our local artisans and traders, said Coun. Catherine Vallières-Roland, member of the executive committee responsible for culture and major events. “It’s also the time to let yourself be charmed as a family by our magnificent libraries and revisit our history at heritage homes.”

“Our freely accessible parks and outdoor centres will be our best allies for staying active this winter,” said Coun. Jean-François Gosselin, member of the executive committee responsible for sports and leisure. “The neighbourhoods will also be festive!”

Festive and enchanting events

From Nov. 23 to Dec. 23, the German Christmas Market will light up Old Quebec. On Dec. 23, go to Place D’Youville to experience a unique moment at the Chemin de Noël. 

From Dec. 27-31, the Kaléïdoscopes multidisciplinary arts festival will bring music, theater, poetry, visual arts and much more to the Christmas Market sites. From Dec. 28-31, the Toboggan electronic music festival and the traditional Grande Allée New Year’s Eve celebration will spice up the transition to the new year.

Several commercial streets will be lit up for the holidays starting in late November. On Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., neighbourhood parties will take place on Ave. Royale (Beauport), on Chemin Sainte-Foy in Saint-Sacrement (La Cité–Limoilou) and on Rue du Campanile (Sainte-Foy– Sillery–Cap-Rouge). 

On Dec. 9 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy outdoor holiday activities on Rue Racine (La Haute-Saint-Charles). 

From Dec. 9 to Jan. 7, Le Noël de P’tit Biscuit will light up the Trait-Carré.

On Dec. 16, from noon to 5 p.m., Parc Victorin-Beaucage in Vanier (Les Rivières) will host inflatable games, fireworks and other activities, as will Trait-Carré (Charlesbourg). In the afternoon, Santa Claus will welcome children and in the evening there will be a torchlight walk. Fireworks and performances by the Petits Chanteurs de Charlesbourg and DJ Millimetrik will warm up the atmosphere.

Holiday magic at city libraries

Starting in mid-November, city libraries will host craft activities, Christmas shows, readings and more. These activities are free, but places must be reserved in advance. Starting Dec. 1, children and their families will be invited to fill out greeting cards, available in the library, which will then be distributed to seniors in Quebec.

Festive cultural activities across the city

From traditional music and dance to creative activities for young and old, including Christmas shows, activities at heritage houses will make this festive season enchanting. Several organizations are also preparing cultural events aimed at families in different districts of the city.

From Dec. 18-30, the popular Contes pour passer le temps holiday storytelling event will return to the Maison Chevalier. Nearly 20 performances are planned.

Christmas markets

Starting Nov.  24, the Grand Marché de Noël returns to the Grand Marché de Québec. From Dec. 1-10, artisans will exhibit their wares at the Centre des foires at ExpoCité. Christmas markets with handmade gifts will also be held in community centres. 

Go skating!

For those who can’t wait to get moving, the ice rink at Place D’Youville is already open, and the Plains of Abraham Ice Ring will open Dec. 14. Other outdoor rinks and sliding hills will open as soon as the weather permits. 

 Learn more at ville.quebec.qc.ca/animee.