Wooden chalets, local artisans, hot chocolate and a wandering Santa: Christmas markets are one of the easiest holiday outings to do with children, and most of them are free. This guide brings together the Christmas markets in Quebec, from Montreal and Quebec City to the villages of the Laurentians and the Eastern Townships, each with the venue’s listing, dates and address.
The season generally runs from mid-November to December 23, but many markets open only on weekends or for a single weekend: check the dates on the listing before heading out. Our family tips: arrive early on Saturday to beat the crowds, bring cash for the small stalls, and look for the free activities (choirs, storytelling, kids’ workshops) in the day’s program.
Our favourites
German Christmas Market of Québec City, Old Québec. A Christmas village of 125 exhibitors spread over 5 sites with free admission, with shows, activities and treats.
Marché de Noël et des traditions de Longueuil, Montérégie. Illuminated trails, local artisans and Santa Claus to hear your wishes; at the chalet-bar, pretzels fresh from the bread oven with a hot chocolate.
Le Noël des Métiers d’art, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. Creations by the craft artisans of the Laurentians, with street performers, sleigh rides, a Christmas choir and local products.
Marché de Noël européen de Saguenay, Saguenay. A village of little wooden houses at the foot of a big fir tree, with artisans, local products, music and mulled wine every weekend of the market.
Salon des métiers d’art du Québec, Old Port of Montreal. Hundreds of artisans from across the province at the Grand Quai, free admission and demonstrations at the booths, from the potter’s wheel to glassblowing.
Christmas markets by region
MontrealQuebecLavalCentre-du-QuébecCharlevoixChaudière-AppalachesEastern TownshipsEeyou Istchee Baie-JamesLanaudièreLaurentidesMontérégieOutaouaisSaguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Montreal
19 placesQuebec
5 placesLaval
1 placeCentre-du-Québec
1 placeCharlevoix
1 placeChaudière-Appalaches
1 placeEastern Townships
20 placesEeyou Istchee Baie-James
1 placeLanaudière
7 placesLaurentides
5 placesMontérégie
6 placesOutaouais
4 placesSaguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
2 placesRead next
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