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Christmas in Québec City
The Québec City area is the ideal place to spend the Christmas holidays. After all, it's got everything: abundant snow, carollers, sleigh rides, Christmas trees, Nativity scenes and Midnight mass.  Just like in our childhood storybooks, when our parents read to us in front of a warm fire.
Throughout the city, trees, homes, storefronts and office buildings are decorated and lit for the Christmas season. Smiles are bigger, arms open wider, and the snow gives everyone the luxury of a beautiful white carpet on Christmas Eve.
Take a walk along Petit Champlain street on a beautiful December evening when the snow is gently falling. Or take a
carriage ride, snuggled in a fur blanket through the streets of Old Québec. You'll fall under the spell, we guarantee it.
But there’s more to enjoy in Québec City at this time of the year. With its enchanting boutiques (and in particular its 1,000 boutiques in five large shopping centres), its special events and the different Christmas exhibitions set up by many museums, kids as well as adults will be delighted. Here are some suggestions:
Musée de la civilisation
Enjoy a number of activities all month, including “The Christmas Farm”
Enter into a colorful wonderland where you bring the many stuffed toys to life.
Two comical elves direct from the North Pole will be on hand to welcome you and
help you discover the hundreds of stuffed toys, accessories, and costumes
displayed in a holiday atmosphere. A wonderful gift for all children! Free
admission.
Grand Théâtre de Québec The Nutcracker, Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal
December 6, 7, and 8 at 8 p.m., the spotlight will be on The Nutcracker ballet
by Fernand Nault, choreographed to the music of Tchaikovsky, beautifully
interpreted by Orchestre symphonique de Québec. Among the most loved of all
holiday traditions, the classic Nutcracker ballet has enchanted young and old
for 44 years.
Boutique de Noël de Québec
All year long, tourists and Québec City residents alike flock to this jewel in
Old Québec.
Noël Hamel
Some 25 years ago, Centre Jardin Hamel pioneered the launch of an area
exclusively devoted to Christmas decorations—Noël Hamel—with the largest
collection of Christmas decorations in Canada, and it has been the leader ever
since! Come discover the thousands of decorations from around the world in an
enchanting décor created by Centre Jardin Hamel designers. Early October to
early January. Free admission.
Quartier Petit Champlain
Starting December 1, 2007, hundreds of fir trees lit up for the holidays create
a matchless ethereal atmosphere. From December 21 to January 1, listen as a
strolling choir sings your favorite holiday tunes and share your wishes with
magical elves on site. Every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., meet the Elves of the
Enchanted Forest: mischievous elves hiding out in the Enchanted Forest and
perched atop their giant chair gather wishes and resolutions from visitors.
Christmas in the St-Roch Area
December 1, 2007, to January 6, 2008: Rue St-Joseph in lights! New in North
America, a splendid Christmas Sun will illuminate Rue St-Joseph. Eighteen feet
in diameter with 30,000 lights, it will shine down on St-Joseph near Église
St-Roch. Then in front of Église St-Roch, the tallest Christmas tree (50 feet
tall) in Québec City will be erected and trimmed with 25,000 lights and
blue-tinged icicles. What’s more, storefronts will exhibit nativity displays,
each one as magical as the next.
Christmas Sleigh Bells in Days of Yore (The Story of Christmas in Québec City
During Queen Victoria’s Reign)
Relive the charm of winter in the mid-19th century. Go back in time to a
Victorian Christmas with traditional gift exchanges and the first Christmas
trees. Steep yourself in the stories and music that sparked the magic of the
holidays. Then, listen to the romantic sleigh ride or snowshoe adventures of our
ancestors.
Starting December 1, 2007, by reservation only with Six-Associates Historic
Guided Tours.
Visit Outdoor Nativity Displays by Lantern Light!
Under the soft light of a lantern, stroll through the historic Trait-Carré
district in Charlesbourg and visit the various lit nativity scenes, proudly
displayed by area residents. Tours leave from Moulin des Jésuites every Friday
and Saturday, December 6 to 21, 2007, as well as December 26, 27, 28, and 29,
2007, at 7 p.m., and last 90 minutes. Fee: $3 per person and free for children 4
and under. Reservation required. Call 418-624-7720 to reserve.
Crèches d’ici et d’ailleurs (Nativity Scenes from Near and Far)
Come discover some one hundred nativity displays from numerous countries—works
of art from around the world. Guided tours are available free of charge. The
exhibit is held at Bibliothèque Gabrielle-Roy and is produced by Institut
canadien de Québec. December 1, 2007, to January 6, 2008.
Centre d’art La Chapelle
- A Native Christmas - Dances and chants by Andicha n'de Wendat (in French
only)
Experience this wonderful holiday through First Nations’ stories, legends,
ceremonies, chants, and dances that will warm your body, heart, and spirit—a
holiday that resounds in the hearts of peoples around the world. Sample bannock,
traditional Native bread. Friday, December 7, at 8 p.m. Admission fee: $18 or
$16 (for members).
- Elvery 101 (in French only)
After plunging the North Pole into total darkness and causing chaos at Santa’s
workshop, apprentice elf Cervel must go back to school. Frisson, on the verge of
a breakdown, must call in a renowned specialist to help Cervel regain his senses.
Hold on to your dunce cap! Thursday, December 13, and Friday, December 14, 10 a.m. Admission fee: $7.
- Gospel Sans Frontière
Since 1999, Québec City has moved to the rhythm of Gospel sans frontière. An
inspiring concert where the magic of Christmas and richness of Negro spirituals
will be etched into your memory. Friday, December 14, at 8 p.m. Admission fee:
$20.
- Pas de vacances pour le Père Noël (No Time Off for Santa) (in French
only)
Santa Claus has just won a trip to the Bahamas and decides to put his head elf
in charge of making all the gifts. Equipped with his toothbrush, bathing suit,
and suntan lotion, Santa heads off for a little R&R before taking off on his
annual Christmas Eve tour. In the meantime at the North Pole, the elves have a
big surprise in store for old Santa. Saturday, December 22, at 2 p.m. Free
admission.
Salle Dina-Bélanger
Le Grand Bal de Noël musical extravaganza (in French only). Waddling from side to side, three
musical penguins arrive from their ice pack for the festivities at the North
Pole. Then, tragedy strikes! The doors leading to the Grand Christmas Ball close
tight before they can enter. In order to take part in the celebration, they must
create a unique Christmas song. For Amatin, Ademin, and Atemplin, composing a
Christmas song in just a few minutes is a daunting challenge! Will our three
musicians finally get inspired? Will they be in time to experience this
unforgettable night? Put on your creative thinking cap and take part in the
celebration! Because Christmas is all about song! Friday, December 14, at 7 p.m.
Christmas Cruises
Two mini-cruises with unique themes: “Christmas at Sea” and “Tropical
Christmas.” Climb aboard the M/S Louis Jolliet, all decked out in its holiday
finery, and celebrate with family, friends, or colleagues. Traditional holiday
fare to please the most discerning palates! Cruise down the St. Lawrence River
and enjoy the magic of the season.
Old Port Marketplace Christmas Market
Some 100 Québec producers, processors, and artisans feature products and
specialty items from across Québec, with over 1,000 original products to enjoy.
November 30 to December 31, 2007.
Noël des Artisans at Maison Vézina
Association culturelle et artistique de la Maison Vézina invites you to its
“Noël des Artisans” specialty show, December 1, 2007, to January 6, 2008, at
Maison Vézina. As the holiday season approaches, numerous artists will feature
their one-of-a-kind, charming creations. To find the perfect gift for all your
loved ones, visit us Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 1 p.m.
to 5 p.m.
Domaine Maizerets
Drop by for a host of activities between one and three o’clock on Sunday,
December 16! There are Christmas decoration workshops where parents and children
can proudly craft their own one-of-a-kind ornament, carve a Santa Claus out of
wood, make their own greeting cards, or create decorations featuring chickadees.
And don’t miss performances by Le Choeur du Domaine choir and the Marie-Stella
theatre company, which will present the play Petit Noël deviendra grand. Free
admission.
Espace Félix Leclerc
- Johanne Blouin sings in the Holidays
Saturday, December 15 at 8 p.m., Choeur de l'Île d'Orléans joins Johanne Blouin
to sing in the Holidays. Accompanied by a pianist and pre-recorded tracks,
Johanne performs holiday favourites from her most recent album. $35 (including
taxes).
- Les jours vers Noël – Christmas Market
Espace Félix-Leclerc turns its boîte à chansons into a fabulous Christmas market.
Thirteen artisans from Île d’Orléans will present and sell their work, including
tapestries, pottery, jewellery , textile art, folk art, cabinetry, and more.
Schedule: Friday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, September 8,
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.
Taping of La Fureur, final episode!
Taping of the very last episode of La Fureur will take place in Québec City on
December 31 at 7:30 pm., just before the kickoff of the 400th anniversary
festivities. Véronique Cloutier and Sébastien Benoit will host this special
evening before 4,000 spectators at Pavillon de la jeunesse at the ExpoCité site.
A host of French-language artists will be taking part, including Véronic DiCaire,
Marie-Mai, Richard Petit, Marie-Chantal Toupin, and Gregory Charles with choral
accompaniment. Passes are available free at the Colisée PEPSI – ExpoCité ticket
office starting December 3.
400th anniversary celebrations - Opening Spectacular
On December 31, you’re invited to take part in this dazzling event as Place D'Youville
hosts a celebration to end all celebrations. Fireworks, visual effects,
soundscapes, and much more will light up this New Year’s Eve 2008. It all starts
at 11:15 p.m.
Aventure Proludik
A huge event taking place between Christmas and New Year’s—the perfect time for
family fun. An original family playground in Québec City where children can
actively take part in the celebration. Tons of games and 90,000 square feet of
pure entertainment. December 27 to 31, 2007, at Expocité Exhibition Center.
Parade of Toys
The Parade of Toys is a weekend chock full of activities (November 10 and 11,
2007) when Santa Claus makes his spectacular arrival in downtown Québec City in
the Enchanted Village of Geoffroy. Activities, games, and shows delight the
young at heart. The weekend events culminate in a majestic parade featuring 55
tableaus. The next edition will be held November 8 and 9, 2008.
An Old Fashioned Christmas at Cap-Santé
Come experience a culinary, artistic, historic, and festive adventure. An Old
Fashioned Christmas at Cap-Santé is an outdoor and indoor market of yesteryear—just
like in the good old days!
November 23 and 24, 2007, at Place de l’Église in Cap-Santé.
"Noël entre artistes" Exhibit
Admirers of watercolor and oil paintings can delight in the works of ten reputed
artists from Côte-de-Beaupré and Québec City at Galerie d’art du Vieux Couvent
in Château-Richer. Painting themes include winter and the holidays. November 30
to December 21, 2007.
Ice Skating at Place D’Youville
Skate to music in the heart of Old Québec, just inside Saint-Jean Gate in Place
d’Youville. Skate rental and locker room are available Monday to Thursday, 12
noon to 10 p.m., and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Skating is
free of charge for everyone.
A Victorian Christmas on Rue Saint-Jean in Old Québec
Association des gens d’affaires de la rue Saint-Jean in Old Québec invites you
to its Victorian Christmas at Place d’Youville and Rue Saint-Jean. Enjoy
treasure hunts, costumed Quebecers from yesteryear, storytellers, choirs, and
figure skating shows. St. Nicolas and Mother Christmas will also be on hand to
parade down the street where colorful 19th century garlands, mistletoe, wreaths,
and Christmas trees will adorn their path. December 1 and 2, 2007, 11 a.m. to 5
p.m. on Rue St-Jean at Place D’Youville.
Many halls and clubs present traditional music shows or
special programs for the holiday season. Consult the calendar of events for
more outing ideas.
 When Québec City celebrates, everyone partakes. The restaurants offer festive menus, the hotels alluring holiday packages, the shops and boutiques overflow with gifts for that special someone and Mother Nature participates with bountiful snow for endless hours of winter activities for young and old.
A visit to the Québec City Area during the holiday season shows you what a White Christmas really is.
The magic cannot be explained... only experienced.
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About two and half hours away from Montreal and easy to travel to by plane, train and the road network, the Québec region and city is a must for travellers who wish to discover a challenging destination. You are welcome to have a look at the different winter package holidays provided by the members of Québec City Tourism.
For more information -and a chance to win the vacation package of your choice- visit
www.quebecregion.com/concours.
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