A few cities in particular come to mind when I picture a perfect holiday getaway. Places known for displays of twinkling lights, softly falling snow, and a host of Christmas-themed activities that truly get you in the spirit of the season. Quebec City, with its magical, old-world Christmas feel, is one of these places. If you love Christmas markets, sleigh rides, mulled wine, and nighttime strolls through narrow city streets absolutely dripping with lights and greenery, then Quebec City at Christmastime is the place for you.

As I am located in Atlantic Canada, I can recommend this as a super easy getaway for most of my local readership. And for those from further away, it is well worth the effort of traveling. This city knows how to create a magical, holiday feeling like no other and is worthy of your visit.

I’m nothing if not a woman of my word, and as promised in my summer blog on Montreal and Quebec City, we returned to spend more time in the beautiful capital city of Quebec, strategically planning it for the ‘most wonderful time of the year’.

Otherwise, let’s talk festive fun, shall we? This is the perfect romantic getaway for couples, but also an amazing family holiday or solo trip. The bulk of my holiday suggestions will take place within Old Quebec City.

If you are not familiar with the layout of Quebec City, the Old City is fortified and you will pass through stone walls as you enter. It is divided into Upper Town and Lower Town, each with their own attractions.

Quick Tips for Visiting Quebec City during the Holidays

Visit the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Drink mulled wine at the German Christmas Market

Wander Rue du Petit Champlain in Lower Town

Go Skating at Place D’Youville

Toboggan at Dufferin Terrace

Indulge in a charcuterie board at 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar

Upper Town

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Built in 1892, the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is a considered a landmark in Quebec City. It is located at the heart of Old Quebec, prominently overlooking the Saint Lawrence River and situated with access to all of the city’s most popular activities. I am in no way obligated to recommend this hotel over others in the area, however, staying in this hotel is an experience in itself. It is by far the most centrally located hotel in town and its interior architecture is a fascinating mix of meticulously maintained history and modern additions.

If you do not stay at the Fairmont, you must at least drop by for a tour. The 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar is phenomenal, with so much Old World charm and large windows facing the river. The hotel holds the current Guinness world record for ‘the most photographed hotel in the world’.

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac at Christmastime in the snow. Taken in December after a blizzard left everything snow covered.

If you choose to stay here you are in for a treat. I felt as though I had arrived in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” from the moment we pulled into the courtyard (yes, this place has a courtyard).

Surrounded by beautiful brick and stone architecture, a clocktower shines on one side while the hotel entrance is on the other, all sparkling with white lights. Horse-drawn carriages line up just outside of a stone archway, waiting to take you on a sleigh ride. Our room overlooked the courtyard, perfect for people watching.

If you are not staying in this hotel, I highly recommend you head this way anyway. In front of the hotel is a large boardwalk with a great view of the Saint Lawrence River, access to some of the best decorated streets located in Lower Town, and a giant three-lane toboggan run, ending just outside the hotel.

At the boardwalk outside Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. The base of a toboggan run, a fun winter activity, can be seen in the background.

A horse and driver wait to give sleigh rides outside of Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City.

A toboggan run on the boardwalk outside of Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. A fun winter activity.

Christmas Markets

Next in Upper Town, from the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, I recommend taking a stroll toward Rue Sainte-Anne to Rue Saint-Jean, along which you will pass the German Christmas Market, an outdoor market only open Thursday-Sunday at Christmastime. This where you can find some of the best mulled wine in the city.

An ice covered sign outside of Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, a wintery scene. A common route to take for shopping on Rue Saint-Jean in Quebec City.

There is much more shopping up Rue Saint-Jean, but to find another market, cut through the back streets to the Old Port Market just off Quai Saint-André. At this time of the year, it is completely transformed into a Christmas Farmer’s Market, with vendors selling ornaments, cheeses, wines (they are very generous with their samples), heavy socks, wool hats and handmade chocolates.

Head back to Rue Saint-Jean for shopping at boutiques and name brand stores, many of which are Canadian companies carrying Canadian brands.

Other suggestions in Upper Town

Skating in Place D’Youville - Located on Rue Saint-Jean, just outside of the ramparts. You’ll pass this as you shop.

Snowshoeing or Cross-Country skiing on The Plains of Abraham - Lots of history here, within the Battlefields Park.

Lower Town

Rue du Petit Champlain

From the boardwalk at Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, you can take the Funiculaire (currently priced at 3.50 per person each way) down to the streets below, the most popular of which is Rue du Petit Champlain. If you are short on cash, you can take the steps to the left called Escalier Casse-Cou, which literally translates to ‘Break-Neck Steps’, so consider that a warning that they are challenging.

Rue du Petit Champlain is a must see at Christmastime. It is beautifully decorated, narrow, with a cobblestone road. There are many family-owned shops on this street, and those surrounding, where you can purchase souvenirs that you won't find anywhere else. I recommend visiting this area in the evening, to get the full effect of the lights.

A scene as pretty as a postcard. Rue du Petit Champlain is decorated each year with thousands of Christmas lights, trees and greenery. The street is free of people after a December snow storm has closed businesses early for the night.

Just off Rue du Petit Champlain, Lower Town in Quebec City is decorated for the holidays.

Streets decorated with lights and snowflakes in Lower Town, Quebec City.

Notre-Dame-des-Victoires

Continue wandering past Rue du Petit Champlain and you will eventually come across Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, a small Roman Catholic church dating back to the 17th Century overlooking a small square called Place Royale, which is home to a giant Christmas tree at this time of the year.

A Christmas tree in the square in front of Notre Dame des Victories, Lower Town, Quebec City.

While we visited in the evening, I noticed an elaborate spot set up for Santa photos down here as well. What better place to take your little ones for pictures with Santa?

Pro tip: We visited Lower Town in the evening following a snow storm. It was very quiet and peaceful, with only the restaurants open. If you want to get photos clear of people or just want a private walk with someone you love, this is the way to do it. Locals commented how lucky we were as we played with our camera.

Outside of the City

Siberia Station Spa

Add a touch of romance to your Christmas vacation by booking a service at Siberia Station Spa, a retreat secluded in the woods just 20 minutes from downtown Quebec City, complete with an outdoor water circuit with Nordic-inspired hot tubs, saunas, and a eucalyptus steam room.

Siberia spa, an outdoor spa with a water circuit just outside of Quebec City, Canada.

Relax while having a massage, then hangout on the grounds afterward. It is easy to make a full day of this place. They even have a cafe on site where you can pop in midday in your robe and slippers. We had such a fun and relaxing day here as it snowed big, fluffy flakes while we did the outdoor circuit.

Siberia spa cafe. A local hangout and place to eat while enjoying this spa in Quebec City.

There are many other unique spas in Quebec City as well. They are all worth checking out!

Other suggestions outside of the city

Hôtel de Glace - The beautiful ice hotel constructed year after year at Valcartier Vacation Village.

Dogsledding - You can book this with your hotel. (Next time, hunny, I promise.)

Chutes Montmorency - Waterfall park just outside the city.

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré - Gorgeous Roman Catholic church just a 30 minute drive from city centre.

It goes without saying there is no lack of entertainment in Quebec City at Christmastime. I urge you to check it out! As always if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below!

Joyeux Noël!

Hill XO

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The Perfect Holiday Weekend: Quebec City at Christmastime