The Christmas season in Quebec is a special time of year for residents and tourists alike. Quebecers are known to celebrate emphatically and stick to their traditions, which have been handed down through generations. You don’t have to be native to get in the spirit around here. Even first-time visitors can experience Christmas traditions in Quebec and have the time of their lives!
The weeks leading up to the big day involve get-togethers, office parties, lots of delicious food, and, of course, a drink or two (or even maybe more!). If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing it yourself, here is a brief guide on what traditions you can expect during Christmas in Quebec.
A Brief History of Christmas in Quebec
Christmas in Quebec has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. The first French settlers who arrived in the region brought their Catholic traditions, including the celebration of Christmas.
However, it was in the early 19th century that Christmas began to take on its modern form in Quebec. Influenced by the English and American traditions, the festivities became more secular, with the focus shifting from religious ceremonies to gift-giving and lavish feasting.
Today, the strongest and most popular Christmas traditions in Quebec include putting up a Christmas tree, decorating the house with lights, and exchanging gifts. Many families also attend midnight mass on December 24th, followed by a traditional meal the next day.
However, even if the festivities are important to us, you must note that it doesn’t mean that everyone’s religiously inclined. Most of us celebrate Christmas without any religious aspect but for the historical side of things.
Traditional Quebec Christmas Activities
- Christmas Market – One of the most popular activities during Christmas in Quebec is visiting the Christmas markets. These markets are set up in various cities throughout the province and offer a variety of local and handmade goods, festive foods, and entertainment. They’re a great way to get into the holiday spirit and support local businesses.
- Nativity Scenes – Nativity scenes, or “crèches” in French, are an important part of Christmas in Quebec. These life-size representations of the birth of Jesus are found in churches, public squares, and even in homes. Some villages in Quebec also host a “living” nativity scene, with locals dressed as characters from the nativity story, although this is getting rarer.
- Santa Claus Parade – Throughout December, many cities and towns in Quebec host Christmas parades featuring floats, marching bands, and, of course, Santa Claus. One of the most famous parades is the Santa Claus Parade in Montreal, which has been a tradition since 1954.
- Midnight Mass – As mentioned, attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is a long-standing Christmas tradition in Quebec. Many churches hold special services, with carol singing, readings, and a nativity play. The most famous Midnight Mass in Quebec is held at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal.
- Ice Skating/Sleigh Rides – Quebec’s cold winters make ice skating a popular activity during the holiday season. Many cities have outdoor skating rinks decorated with lights and Christmas decorations, making for a festive and fun experience.
- Gougoune et Doudoune – Quebec City’s Winter Carnival is held annually in February, but its Christmas counterpart, the Gougoune et Doudoune event, takes place in December. This event features winter activities, such as a winter beach, a climbing bear, a pool filled with balls, and some sliding leading up to the festival.
- Christmas Carolling – Heading out to sing Christmas carols is a beloved tradition in certain regions of Quebec. Groups of friends and families go door-to-door in their neighborhoods, singing traditional French-Canadian carols. I have unfortunately never witnessed this where I live, but it’s something I’d love to see!
- Advent Calendar – Every day of December, you open up one door of your Advent calendar and find a chocolate you can eat. I had this when I was a kid and it’s still going strong. There are even funky Advent calendars now, like Gin ones or even jam, tea, spirits, beer ones, to only name a few.
- More of a recent tradition, the Elf on the Shelf is a trend with families. Every day, kind of like an Advent calendar, kids wake up to see what mischief the elf has caused around the house. Complicated for parents, but children love it!
Quebecois Food & Beverage Around Christmas Time
- La Bûche de Noël – Also known as the Yule log, la “bûche de Noël” is a traditional Christmas dessert in Quebec. It is a cylindrical-shaped cake made with moist sponge cake, rolled with a cream filling, and then covered in chocolate frosting. Apart from being a delicious treat, this dessert holds a symbolic importance in Quebecois culture, as it represents the log that was traditionally burnt slowly in a fireplace during the holiday season to ensure a good crop for the following year. This is, however, centuries old and it’s now just a great sweet treat.
- Festive Drinks Like Caribou – Caribou, or hot spirited mulled wine, is made by heating red wine with spices like nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes orange peel. It is then mixed with a spirit like rye whiskey and maple syrup. Caribou is a comforting and nostalgic drink that is often enjoyed with family and friends around the Christmas tree or even during Quebec’s carnival. Other festive drinks include egg nog, hot cider, and spruce beer. Don’t forget to try some of our great maple spirits as well! My favourite is Sortilège.
- Christmas Eve Feast – In Quebec, Christmas Eve is called “Le Réveillon.” It typically includes an evening filled with laughter and dance, music and games, but mainly eating dishes such as tourtière (meat pie) and maple-glazed ham. The feast is often followed by attending midnight mass or exchanging gifts.
- Sugar Shack Visits – Quebec is known for its maple syrup, and during the holiday season, many sugar shacks, or “cabanes à sucre,” open their doors for visitors. This is a chance to indulge in traditional Quebecois dishes such as pea soup and maple syrup taffy, all while enjoying live music and festive decorations. Be aware, however, that most sugar shacks open only in the spring, so the ones opening during the holidays are more commercial.
Christmas Traditions in Quebec Differ From the Rest of Canada
Quebecers are very traditional, and no time of year is that more apparent than the holiday season. It’s a time when everyone comes together to be thankful for their friends, family, and homeland. Christmas traditions in Quebec are steadfast and plentiful and way more important than, for example, Thanksgiving in the US.
The good times keep rolling throughout the cold months with plenty of winter activities. If you’re lucky enough to visit at Christmas, don’t be in a rush to leave and enjoy these other great winter pastimes.
- Best Dog Sledding in Quebec: Places to Try This Winter
- Top Quebec Christmas Market Tours
- A 3-Day Quebec City Winter Itinerary
- Packing List for Quebec in Winter: What to Bring
Do you want to learn more about visiting Quebec and other traditions? Take a look at our other pins!
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