Old Quebec's German Christmas Market
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
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Experience the magic of Christmas with a trip to the German Christmas Market in Old Quebec City, Canada. Modeled after the European Christmas markets, this delightful family-oriented event comes to life each year on the weekends leading up to Christmas. Admission is free.
WINTER QUEBEC CITY TOURS
THE OLD QUEBEC GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET
During the German Christmas Market, Upper Town in Old Quebec City is transformed into a charming village with 90 wooden stands nestled between the stunning 17th and 18th century architecture of the city. Vendors who rent the stalls offer a wide variety of artisanal products. Many are handmade and locally produced. You will find a wide assortment of textiles, housewares, crafts, and artwork to choose from.
WHERE IS THE OLD QUEBEC CHRISTMAS MARKET
The market is held in Old Quebec City's "Old Town." Stalls and activities are set up along Rue Sainte-All, Place d'Youville, Place and Jardins de l'Hotel-de Ville.
While in town, consider these Old Quebec City hotels for your stay:
La Germain Hotel Quebec: Located in the heart of historic Old Port
Hotel du Vieux-Quebec: Independent hotel in the heart of Old Quebec. Rooftop garden.
Fairmont La Chateau Frontenac: Historic castle hotel. Expensive (but we love it!).
WHEN IS THE MARKET & COST
The Old Quebec German Christmas Market is generally held from Thursday through Sundays in November and December.
Admission to the market is free. In addition, many of the scheduled indoor and outdoor activities are free (there may be a cost for some).
OLD QUEBEC GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET THINGS TO DO
There is a full program of free indoor and outdoor programs including musicians, choirs, plays, street performers, and visits from Santa. The Kindermarkt (Kid’s Zone) features crafts, games, storytelling, and puppet shows. The quality of the entertainment, the low cost, and the family-friendly atmosphere make the German Christmas Market one of the best events in Old Quebec City in winter.
Twinkling lights illuminate the village’s winding paths adding to the festive atmosphere. Everywhere you look there are unique decorations and scenes of winter wonder to enjoy. To keep revelers toasty, there are warming booths set up intermittently. These little huts feature gas fires and furred lined benches to keep shoppers toasty.
WINTER IN QUEBEC EXCURSIONS
To round out your winter visit, be sure to take the Breakneck Stairs or Funicular rail car from Upper Town to Lower Town where the warm atmosphere and beautiful decorations are equally stunning. The adventurous might also try the tobogganing run at the Dufferin Terrace or ice skating at Place d’Youville.
At the German Christmas Market expect:
Stunning light display and holdiay scenes
Around 90-100 wooden stalls with artisan vendors
Indoor and outdoor theatrical performances
Kids Zone activities
FOOD AT THE OLD QUEBEC CHRISTMAS MARKET
Interspersed between the weavers, glassware, and jewelry, there is a lot of food to sample. In the Alpine Chalet and Winterbar you can sample mulled wine, ginger cakes, pretzels, and other German delicacies. In addition, many of the wonderful Old Town restaurants are open.
WHAT TO PACK FOR OLD QUEBEC CITY IN WINTER
Temperatures in Old Quebec City in late-November and December can be freezing and icy/snowy (expect day time highs of around 25' F). The city is on the St. Laurence River. Frequent cold fronts and wind chills can make the air feel much colder.
For a winter visit to Old Quebec City, make sure to pack boots with good insulation and tread (the cobblestones get slick). You will also need a long winter coat, hat, and mittens. Be prepared for wind, rain, and snow. Bring a packpack for purchases.
We always enjoy this winter wonderland and hope you do too. Cheers! Laura and Randy
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