This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
Visiting Christmas markets, a tradition that comes to us from Europe, is certainly one of the most popular activities to immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season. A short guide to the most beautiful outdoor Christmas markets.
Grand Montreal Christmas Market
Once again this year, the Quartier des spectacles is transformed into a Christmas village. On the Place des Festivals, 40 small colorful chalets and houses, reproductions of traditional houses in Alsace, await visitors. Inside, more than 50 local and regional artisans will offer a host of products, both food and decorative, that will make great gifts for the holiday season. The Grand Christmas Market also offers play areas for children, a musical and theatrical program and even, to add to the magic of Christmas, a Magical Journey, which includes an experience in the Kingdom of the Elves which is sure to amaze young and old alike! From November 25 to December 30.
Laval Christmas Market
The first two weekends of December will take place, for a twelfth edition this year, the great festive Christmas gathering of artisans at the Laval Nature Center. More than fifty merchants from the North Shore, installed in containers and cabins decorated for the occasion, will try to conquer the hearts of visitors with a wide range of very diverse artisanal products. Santa Claus will be waiting for the children on site, comfortably ensconced in the village chapel, to receive their wish lists. Among other activities not to be missed: distribution of hot chocolate and Christmas tree decorating workshop, which you can take home.
Longueuil Christmas and Traditions Market
One of the oldest Christmas markets in the province takes place from November 24 to December 17 at Saint-Mark Park in Vieux-Longueuil. The particularity of this market, which is in its 17the edition is that it emphasizes the traditions of yesteryear and allows you to discover a diversity of popular trades from recent centuries. Among other things, manufacturers of rocking horses and artisanal spinning tops will reveal their know-how with an authentic wood lathe. Conferences given by a historian who is interested in the origins of the Christmas tree are also part of the program. In addition, we will celebrate the holidays “in the time of the Filles du Roy” and we will come there to cut down our own section of tree to make a table centerpiece for Christmas!
Joliette Christmas Market
The motto of this Christmas market is “we believe in Santa Claus”, which shows how much the organizers believe in the magic of the Holidays! Whether to discover the creations of local artisans, to eat delicacies from Lanaudière producers, to meet Santa Claus (the real one!) or to skate on the new facilities set up in the heart of the village, there are many reasons to come and take a look at this festive event. Not only did the city adorn itself in its finest attire for the occasion, but it also focused on its cultural and historical heritage during these festivities. From November 30 to December 23, discover places steeped in history, such as the city’s old cathedral, thanks to the Cultural Walk route. The Christmas nativity scene is also one of the unmissable attractions to see there.
Quebec German Christmas Market
For his 16the edition, the Old Quebec district will once again host this market which will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of traditional German markets. The historic character of the neighborhood lends itself wonderfully to the decor of this Christmas village, where folklore and cultural heritage mix. Among the German specialties to taste: unique wines, some served hot, pretzels, biscuits, pastries and traditional Christmas cakes. The market will also be a great opportunity to discover the giant Krampus and Saint-Nicolas puppets. All this against a backdrop of Bavarian music and choirs, which will bring atmosphere to the village. From November 23 to December 23.
Visit the oldest European markets
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.