Wandering around a Quebec Christmas market after a snowfall is like walking through a living Hallmark movie. Snow clings to the 18th and 19th-century buildings, monuments, and trees. The German Christmas Market in Quebec City is the highlight of the holiday season.
Colourful holiday light displays twinkle in the background, and cafés sell copious amounts of rich velvety chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). Beginning around November 21-23rd, the market features Quebec artisans and producers, traditional German treats, and live music. Here’s a complete Holidays guide to help you plan your next visit to Quebec City!
Spread throughout the old city, among 19th-century buildings sparkling with festive lights, the magic of Christmas Time in Quebec City gives one chills – and not just from the frosty weather.
Parades and plays, outdoor bars and kiosks filled with trinkets, souvenirs, and artisan foods adorn the streets of Old Quebec City. In the daytime, the Quebec City German Christmas Market is perfect for families, and swoon-worthy photos for Instagram. The air is less chilly too, which is an added bonus.
Must-See Quebec City Christmas Market Events
The Christmas market is open every Thursday to Sunday from November 23rd to December 23rd 2023, with activities for all ages. Shopping and eating your way through the wooden kiosks (there are 90) is a lot of fun, but there are some fabulous activities and events, too!
Opening Ceremony
Head over to Place D’Youville for the official opening ceremony on November 23rd. There will be musicians playing, Krampus Fantastischer Wunderfunk, and the new toy cable car will be presented. It’s 3 hours of fun and food.
Concerts at Holy Trinity Cathedral
This is the first Anglican church established outside of Britain, and a beautiful part of Old Quebec’s history and culture. The cathedral features an 8-bell tower and stunning stained-glass windows. It’s free to visit, but paying for a guided tour introduces details hidden in plain sight.
During the holiday season, the cathedral radiates warmth and cheer as angelic sounds wrap around those sitting in its pews. Holiday concerts, often free to attend, are a must-see. This year, the Quebec Christmas Market concerts take place every Saturday and feature 50 violinists and cellists ages 5 to 17.
Meet Santa in Quebec City!
A Quebec City Christmas market is not complete until Santa has arrived. Every Saturday and Sunday of Marché de Noël Allemand de Québec, Santa will be lounging in his chair in Place D’Armes, awaiting children and adults alike.
Listen to Traditional Bavarian Music
If you’re going to a German Christmas market, listening to traditional Bavarian music is a must. Grab a beer or some mulled wine and get lost in the music, folklore, and camaraderie. Bavarian music performances will take place at Place D’Youville and Jardins de l’Hôtel de Ville.
Where Is the Old Quebec Christmas Market?
Marché de Noël Allemand de Québec began in a church basement in 2008 as a crowded afternoon event filled with holiday goodies. Fifteen years later, this Quebec City Christmas Market is spread across 5 locations and attracts people from all over the world!
The Bergdorf – Le Village Alpin Desjardins
Is huddled around the outdoor skating rink at Place D’Youville in front of Palais de Montcalm, just outside the fortification walls at Saint-Jean Gate. There’s an Alpen Bar and 16 kiosks, a mix of German and Québécois snacks – all of them delicious. It’s a great place to kick off an evening of Quebec City German Christmas Market fun. It’s a magical location, with huts huddled the rink, and a giant sparkling wreath hanging from Le Capitole across the street.
The Marktplatz
Located in Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, between Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica and City Hall, in the first outdoor location for the Quebec City German Christmas Market. Recently renovated, this public square will host 24 wood kiosks, many of which are perfect for foodies. There are also local artisans like DelycaStef, Givre & Passions, and Artisanats Allemand.
Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
This public space beside is a gathering place and a hub of activity throughout the year. Across the street, behind City Hall, this German market location features a large outdoor bar with live music in the evenings and 26 kiosks. It’s also home to the Thâatre de marionnettes, Kinderchalet Ravensburger, Chalet Alpin BNW, and the giant Advent calendar (Calendreir de l’Advent géant). It is the heart of the Christmas market in Quebec City. Kiosks are a mix of Quebec terroir and local artisans.
Rue Sainte-Anne
This pedestrian street running alongside Holy Trinity Cathedral (section of rue Saint-Anne from rue des Jardins to rue du Trésor) is lined with restaurants and boutiques on one side, and Christmas market huts on the other. It can be a little crowded, but that’s part of the fun! Most of the 23 wood kiosks here are local artisans selling everything from candles and perfume to clothing for humans, dogs and cats. There are a couple of terroir kiosks too, like Birra & Basta, and Boulangerie la Molette.
Christmas Castle
Located in Place d’Armes, a small square in front of Fairmont Château Frontenac, this is where you’ll find Santa’s little château, a magical place in winter. There are big trees, and the Monument of Faith fountain in the centre, and white sparkling lights. It’s THE place to meet Santa! Line up to sit on his lap to chat about your Christmas wishes and snap a photo or two. Dress warmly, lots of people want to see Santa while he’s in town.
The Best Foods at the German Christmas Market
Almost half of the kiosks at the Quebec City German Christmas Market are food and beverages. There are German treats like stollen, and Quebec terroir so good you’ll want to take some home as a souvenir. Let’s talk about some of the best food and beverages to try at the German Christmas Market in Quebec City.
1001 Fondues • Marktplatz – In winter, especially during the holiday season, fondue is a favourite among Quebecers. Visit the 1001 Fondue kiosk for a baguette filled with hot gooey cheese fondue and a beef or pork sausage. On a cold day, it’ll warm you down to your toes. So good.
GlühweinBar • Marktplatz – Visit the Glühwein Bar kiosk for delicious fresh retzels (it’s the German word for pretzels). They are big and soft, and a good way to soak up the alcohol you may sample at other kiosks or the outdoor bar.
Confiturerie Tigidou • Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville – A favourite stop on I’Île d’Orléans and at Le Grand Marché, Confiturerie Tigidou is known for producing spectacular artisanal jams – all made with fresh local ingredients and no preservatives. The strawberry jam is particularly good.
Cassis Monna & Filles • Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville – Another favourite from Île d’Orléans, Cassis Monna & Filles is known for their blackcurrant (cassis) liquors, vodka and gin. Try some blackcurrant wine or buy some syrup to make Kir Royal at home. It’s a wonderful women-owned business in Quebec.
Gâteaux Allemands • Marktplatz – This kiosk is a must at the Quebec City German Christmas Market. A whole authentic German Stollen can be expensive to buy, but this kiosk sells affordable delicious slices. Stollen is a Christmas bread made with almonds, nuts, raisins, orange peel, rose and rum essence, and usually dusted with powdered sugar.
Ya Chocolate • Marktplatz – This dark chocolate artisan crafts some truly impressive chocolate treats. They make chocolate bow ties, tools, playing cards, and more. It is a unique gift idea; the trick is not eating it before you go home.
Visit the Quebec City German Christmas Market
The Christmas Market is November 21st to December 23rd in 2024. It’s open every Thursday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm (6:00 pm on Sundays). On Monday, December 23rd the market is open 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The market’s entertainment program will be released closer to opening, so check the website for updates or follow on Instagram. There will definitely be parades, live musical performances, and shows for the kiddos to enjoy. Wandering around the market is FREE for everyone.
Tip: Some hotels, like Hôtel Nomad and Marriott offer German Christmas Market packages which include discounts for some of the food and beverage kiosks.
Getting Around the Quebec City Christmas Market
Once you’re in Old Quebec’s Uppertown (Haute Ville), it’s fairly easy to get around on foot. If you’re in Lowertown (Basse Ville), a walk up Côte de la Montagne will take you to a couple Christmas market locations. It’s a pretty steep hill though and can be slippery in winter so wear good boots.
Riding the Funiculaire Up to the Event
Riding the Funiculaire is a fun alternative, with a cost of 5 CAD per person. Alternatively, Bus 11 will take you all the way up to Jardins de l’Hôtel de Ville for only 3.75 CAD (correct change only).
Taking the Bus
Buses 800, 801, and 807 go to Place D’Youville. Perfect for going to The Bergdorf, then walking through the streets of Old Quebec to the other Christmas market locations.
Parking During the Quebec Christmas Market
Parking is sparse in Old Quebec, and can be tricky depending on the current snow situation. Street parking is available on rue D’Auteuil, and there are a few spots on rue Saint-Jean and Côte de la Fabrique.
It’s trick to park in the old town in the summer so, in winter, parking garages are even more recommended. There is a large garage just off rue Dauphine, as well as a small one near Hôtel de Ville.
There are parking lots and a garage in Old Port as well. Park and walk to Uppertown or hop on Bus 11.
Free Parking Lots during the Quebec City German Christmas Market
- Parc-O-Bus D’Estimauville is a short walk from Beauport bus terminal. Park and take bus 800 to Place D’Youville.
- Parc-O-Bus 41e rue/1ère avenue – park and walk over to stop 5852 (across the street from McDonalds) and take bus 801 to Place D’Youville.
You’ve now got everything you need for your adventure at the Quebec Christmas Market, one of the most amazing in the province. Get ready for some old town charm and finger-licking good treats in a magical snowy atmosphere!
Here are some other articles about Quebec City to help plan:
- Where to Enjoy a Christmas Dinner in Quebec City
- Top Quebec Christmas Market Tours
- Christmas Traditions in Quebec: What It’s All About
- The Perfect Romantic Getaway in Quebec City: Original Ideas for an Unforgettable Weekend
- Ice Hotel in Quebec City: My Frosty Experience
- Well-Kept Secrets: 5 Best Photo Spots in Quebec City
- Best Nordic Spas in Quebec City: Which to Visit?
- 2 Days in Quebec City Itinerary: a Perfect Weekend Getaway
- 7 Best Sushi in Quebec City
- How to Get from Montreal to Quebec City
How to Catch Some Cool Views of Quebec City?
Looking for an original activity during your trip to Quebec City?
– Scope out some amazing views thanks for a helicopter ride over the old town that’s bound to have you squealing with excitement!
– Hop aboard for a view of Old Quebec City from the water, a great way to catch the breeze in summer and change your perspective.
– Looking for a more sporty approach to visiting the old capital? Rent a fat bike and explore on your own the charms of the cobblestone streets.
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2 Comments
Dianne
June 19, 2024 at 2:07 PMhOW IS WALKING WITH A CANE IN THE SNOW, iS IT ICY?
Jennifer
June 20, 2024 at 1:26 AMHi! The sidewalks are cleaned, so it would not be the snow causing problems, but yes, there sometimes can be ice. I recommend putting on crampons for extra safety as well as this little crampon device for a cane.