Christmas in Quebec: The Next Best Thing to Europe
Have you ever dreamt of spending Christmas in Europe? It’s something I’ve always thought would be fun to do. The historic architecture, different customs, new holiday foods – all of it would create a magical holiday experience. If you can’t make it to Europe, perhaps Canada is a closer option to consider – specifically, enjoying Christmas in Quebec.
Enter the walled city of Old Quebec through one of its iconic gates. The Saint-Jean gate is part of the city’s defensive structure that makes it famous for being a fortified colonial city.
Once you enter the city, the one place you’ll want to shop is Rue du Petit with its many boutiques located in the Petit Champlain commercial district. It’s considered to be the oldest shopping district in North America and has plenty of charm and magic during the holiday season.
Choose from numerous cozy restaurants on Rue du Petit.
Stroll the brick street and enjoy the serenade of a local harpist while you shop.
Christmas decorations grace the public areas and add to the cozy European Christmas vibe you’ll feel when visiting Quebec during the holiday.
Even if you’re not interested in shopping, a walk down Rue du Petit is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit due to the happily decorated stores.
Place Royale is where Samuel de Champlain founded the city in 1608. You’ll find a variety of French and British architecture, along with the oldest stone church in North America, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church.
Another popular point of interest to visit during Christmas in Quebec (or any other time, for that matter) is Chateau Frontenac. It’s more than just a hotel, it’s a century-old hotel with artifacts dating back 400 years. Tours of the castle are available to take in its history and splendor.
Even though the city is French, it enjoys a German market during the holidays.
So if you’d like a taste of festive Europe but need a location closer to home, consider spending Christmas in Quebec.
Looks absolutely beautiful! I swear if I had a passport, I would go lol. I need to get one.
My sentiments exactly Jennifer! The next best thing to Europe! My husband and I spent a few days there in the fall, it was so beautiful we definitely plan to go back and Christmas looks like a beautiful time to do that.
Thank you for the idea and these great photos.
Happy Holidays!
Cathie
Vancouver, Canada
My family lives in Old Town Quebec. After two long years from Covid-we were finally allowed back last holiday. Although-freezing ( I live in CA) it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. There is so much to see, to do and to eat in Quebec City, and surrounding areas. They I’ve walking stance to it all, and -with a good coat, gloves and boots, it is a wonderful place to visit. I fill my suitcase with food to bring back.
This year-they are coming to the warmth of CA, but I hope to be back there soon. Lovely photos-thank you for taking me back.
Such a lovely place to visit anytime, I have been but not at Christmas. These were wonderful pictures.
My husband and I went on a cruise that made a days stop in Quebec City. It was in October and the fall decorations in the shopping area were incredible. Can’t imagine how beautiful it is for Christmas. Would love to go next year. Thankyou for the virtual tour.
You are the only other person besides myself that considered Quebec in a European style. My family used to go to Quebec every week end. I would consider it very European. I never told anybody about my thoughts but just now realize that I was right. So, thank you. It brought back long ago memories.
Pauline