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, Old Québec. 125 exhibitors spread over five sites with free access, with shows, activities, treats and plenty of gift ideas.
Marché de Noël et des traditions de Longueuil, Montérégie. Illuminated trails, the know-how of local artisans, then the chalet-bar for pretzels fresh from the bread oven with house-made mulled wine.
Le Noël des Métiers d’art, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. The work of Laurentian craft artisans in a festive atmosphere, with sleigh rides, a Christmas choir, street performers and local products.
Marché de Noël européen de Saguenay, Saguenay. Little wooden huts at the foot of a big fir tree, artisans, local products and mulled wine every weekend the market runs.
Salon des métiers d’art du Québec, Old Port of Montreal. Hundreds of artisans from all over Quebec gathered at the Grand Quai, free admission, with pottery-wheel or glassblowing demonstrations at some booths.
Christmas markets by region
MontrealQuebecLavalCentre-du-QuébecCharlevoixChaudière-AppalachesEastern TownshipsEeyou Istchee Baie-JamesLanaudièreLaurentidesMontérégieOutaouaisSaguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Montreal
6 placesQuebec
5 placesLaval
1 placeCentre-du-Québec
1 placeCharlevoix
1 placeChaudière-Appalaches
1 placeEastern Townships
18 placesEeyou Istchee Baie-James
1 placeLanaudière
7 placesLaurentides
5 placesMontérégie
6 placesOutaouais
4 placesSaguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
2 placesRead next
To round out the holidays: Outdoor skating rinks in Quebec.