Quebec City Christmas Market 2024: German Canadian Style

Quebec City turns into a lively winter scene, with its cobblestone streets and French-Canadian traditions coming alive. The city’s German-style market mixes local food, crafts and live entertainment.

Read on for key details, including confirmed dates and what to find at the stalls.

Quebec’s Christmas Market is Spread Throughout the City and the Great Market

Dates and Locations – Confirmed

Quebec City dates: 21st November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed). Verify the schedule here.
Locations:
Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
Sainte-Anne Street
Place d’Armes
Place d’Youville.
Opening times:
Thursday to Saturday: 11am to 9pm.
Sunday: 11am to 6pm.
22nd December: Sunday: 11am to 9pm.
23rd December: Monday: 11am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.

The Grand Market: 25th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (confirmed). Verify the schedule here.
Location: Le Grand Marché de Québec.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 5pm.
Admission: Free.

Lights: No switch-on date announced.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at Place D’Youville.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods such as weekends.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: European style in Old Québec; unique puppet theatre; local and German specialties.
Recommended tour: Old Quebec City walking tour.
Specialities: Bratwurst, mulled wine, gingerbread; traditional German cakes; Quebec terroir products; pretzels.
Where to stay: Hotel Clarendon is a popular central hotel.

Convenient Hotels

Staying in Old Quebec places you near multiple event locations, including Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville and Place d’Youville.

It has been a while since I was in Quebec City, but I would stay at Hotel Clarendon for its excellent location close to the festivities.

Read my guide to hotels in Quebec City, each with different amenities and price points.

Recommended Tours

Take this city tour to discover key highlights with a local guide – great for both first-time visitors and locals.

Alternatively, join this food tour to explore the local culture through its cuisine, a popular and recommended experience.

For further travel this guide to the best Canadian Christmas Markets lists key details.

Location Map

What to Expect

In Old Québec, the German Market has over 90 wooden kiosks with local crafts and German and European specialties like bratwurst, langos and mulled wine. For families, there is a puppet theatre at Theaterplatz.

The Grand Market has over 200 entirely local food producers, artisans and artists. Find tableware, decorations, locally made gifts, host gifts and entertainment.

Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable containers and cups to support sustainability.

At the Food Stalls

• Tourtière: A classic Quebecois meat pie, tourtière is made from a blend of minced pork, onions, and spices, all enveloped in a flaky pastry crust.
• Bouche de Noël: A traditional cake rolled into a log shape, bouche de Noël is a must-try. Made from sponge cake and filled with cream, the cake is then covered in chocolate ganache to resemble a log.
• Tire sur la neige: Also known as maple taffy, this treat involves boiling maple sap, pouring it on clean snow, and then rolling it onto a stick. The result is a chewy, sweet lollipop.
• Cider: Apple cider, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
• Raclette: This Swiss-origin dish is very popular.
• Bratwurst: Though it’s German in origin, bratwurst has made its way into the international scene.
• Mulled Wine: Known as vin chaud in French.
• Gingerbread: The classic winter cookie.
• Roasted Chestnuts: Available from street vendors.
• Hot Chocolate: Made from real cocoa and regular or plant-based milk.
• Pretzels: Twisted treats we all know.
• Pierogi: Eastern European dumplings.
• Local Craft Beer: Many stalls offer locally brewed craft beer.
• Sugar Pie: A sweet, rich pie.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

• Hand-knit Woollen Goods: Hand-knit woollen goods are one of the distinctive items you can pick up.
• Maple Syrup Products: Quebec is renowned for its high-quality maple syrup, and you’ll find a variety of products featuring this sweet staple. From maple sugar candies to beautifully packaged bottles of syrup, these make an authentic Quebecois gift.
• Wooden Toys: Classic in their appeal and craftsmanship, wooden toys are a popular pick from the market. These range from small figurines to more complex items like wooden puzzles or cars.
• Ornaments: Hand-blown glass ornaments are a festive staple, and the ones in Quebec City often feature iconic Canadian elements like moose or maple leaves.
• Handmade Jewellery: Be it fashioned from local stones or inspired by the Quebecois landscape, the handmade jewellery you’ll find is both unique and beautiful.
• Specialty Foods: Beyond maple syrup, there are other local specialty foods like preserves, pâtés, and local cheeses. These are often packaged in gift-ready formats.
• Liquors: The market stalls sometimes include locally distilled spirits, from gin infused with Quebecois botanicals to local varieties of whisky.
• Vintage Items: A few stalls usually offer curated selections of vintage goods, ranging from old books to retro homeware.
• Pet Accessories: Yes, even our pets can get a little something from the market. Handmade pet accessories like knitted pet sweaters or artisanal pet treats are available for your furry friends.

Sustainability Tips

• Opt for Public Transportation or Walking: Quebec City’s public transport system is comprehensive and efficient, making it easy to navigate without a car. Additionally, the city is quite walkable, especially the historic districts where the winter events are located. Cutting down on private car usage can greatly reduce your carbon footprint.
• Support Local and Ethical Businesses: When shopping, try to support local artisans and producers. Buying locally-made items supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods.
• Reduce Food Waste: Many restaurants participate in initiatives to reduce food waste. Be mindful of portion sizes when ordering.
• Choose Sustainable Dining Options: There is a thriving food scene with many restaurants sourcing ingredients locally and focusing on sustainable practices. Look for menus highlighting seasonal and local ingredients, and consider plant-based options to reduce your environmental impact further.
• Stay in Eco-Friendly Hotels: Several places prioritise green practices, from recycling programs to using renewable energy. Doing a bit of research before booking can help you find a place that aligns with your commitment to sustainability.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.