Sneak Peek: Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City

In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas…

With the bustle of Christmas markets, historic city quarters sparkling with festive lights, and a chill in the air, the Canadian cities of Montreal and Quebec City each take on magical qualities that can only be found at Christmastime. Does a week-long journey through French Canada to celebrate the holidays sound like a dream adventure? Then we have a present for you!

Peek into what’s in store on our Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City tour. We can’t wait to visit these cities for the holidays, beginning in the 2025 Christmas season!

Holiday Magic in Montreal’s Christmas Markets

This holiday tour begins in Montreal with the holiday season in full swing. Set out to see the city’s sights amid the festive buzz and take in views from the top of Mount Royal. Then do as the locals do and head underground to warm up, exploring Montreal’s famed Underground City, a pedestrian network linking metro stations and shopping plazas. “It’s like an underground mall,” says Abby S. of Collette, who got a sneak peek into many of the upcoming tour’s highlights during a late November trip.

Best of all? Montreal’s Christmas markets! Stroll through the Great Montreal Christmas Market located in the Quartier des Spectacles, featuring over 40 chalets brimming with local artisans’ creations. And find the holiday spirit in Montreal’s Christmas Village, where you might even catch a choir performance as you browse the market’s booths or try some seasonal treats.

After two days in Montreal, it’s on to Quebec City, the Christmas-card-perfect capital of the Canadian province of Quebec.

Enjoy Quebec City’s Christmas Cheer

Kick off your time in Quebec City in Petit-Champlain, the heart of Old Quebec in the lower town, and stroll along cobblestone streets strewn with holiday lights. “It’s really charming and beautiful to see it decorated for the holidays,” says Abby, noting the European feel of this area.

Your hotel in a historic building in the centre of town makes an ideal hub for setting out on your own to explore. “You cannot beat the location,” says Abby, who enjoyed being able to walk around the city. Of course, your tour’s motorcoach will also be available to take you to and from the Christmas markets at a designated time, if you’d rather take a break from walking.

The Quebec City German Christmas Markets are among Canada’s best, drawing inspiration from holiday markets in Germany, complete with German food, drink, and crafts. You’ll find several markets throughout the city all within walking distance of one another, where you can make the most of the festive atmosphere as you stroll, shop, or enjoy some seasonal delicacies.

Christmas in Canada: The Sugar on Top

Another way you’ll connect with the local holiday traditions: learning to make a Bûche de Noël during a culinary workshop. This traditional cake, decorated to look like a (delicious) Yule log, has a special place on the holiday table in this region rich with French heritage. With your new skill of making buttercream frosting look like tree bark, it just might become a tradition on your table back home.

Outside of the cities, there’s another taste of a local tradition during breakfast at a countryside sugar shack. Inside the cabin, enjoy Québécois cuisine with plenty of pure maple syrup, and outside, try some maple taffy on the snow!

What to Expect at Christmastime in Montreal and Quebec City

Canada’s Christmas markets are a big draw, so expect to be part of the holiday bustle! You’ll also want to be sure to bundle up. Whilst late November into December will be cold, the region’s deep freeze typically doesn’t set in until the end of the holiday season. It’s usually nothing a warm hat, scarf, and coat can’t handle – plus maybe a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.

Make Your Plans for Next Christmas in Canada

Can you picture yourself in this holiday scene? It’s never too soon to start planning for next year, and it’s as easy as booking your spot on Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City. Set out on a festive journey to two French Canadian cities in the heart of the holiday season.