Must-sees at this year's Christmas markets in Quebec

Dance and music are quintessential parts of many Christmas markets. For example, at the charming Marché de Noël et des traditions de Longueuil. This market next to an Anglican church is known for showcasing crafts, and the music coming from it is sure to get your toes tapping! Traditional Quebec music and dancers wearing arrowhead sashes create a joyful atmosphere. And at the Great Montreal Christmas Market, the party takes on a New Year’s feel.

Here are some acts you won’t want to miss if you want to get into a merry mood:

·        The Mutins de Longueuil: a heart-warming dance troupe with beautiful red suits! (December 11 at noon at the Marché de Noël et des traditions de Longueuil)

·        En 2 Temps: a duo of jig dancers presenting their own style with a funky modern twist! (December 17 at noon, also at the Marché de Noël et des traditions de Longueuil)

·        The folk duo Astheur: for Quebecois and Celtic music (December 27 at 7 p.m., at the Great Montreal Christmas Market).

Food-wise, Christmas Markets always deliver surprising flavours! Let yourself be tempted by a rich pastry or treat yourself to a decadent specialty you’re discovering for the first time.

Do you have a sweet tooth (and are you secretly fed up with fruit cake)? Here are some delicious desserts, both local and from abroad, and the market where you can find them, to take your taste buds on a trip:

·        Stollen, a dried fruit and marzipan dessert bread at the Stollen and Baumkuchen kiosk or apfelbrot, an apple cake at the Borderon et fils kiosk. These desserts can both be found at the German Christmas Market in Québec City.

·        A slice of a giant gingerbread cake from the Guilde du Pain d’Épices at the Marché de Noël de Joliette.

·        A homestyle pie at the La vraie bonne tarte québécoise kiosk at the Marché de Noël de Terrebonne.

Craving something savoury instead? You might instinctively think of pretzels first, but you’ll also be amazed to discover the creative takes on traditional comfort food that some Christmas market exhibitors have to offer. Here are two faves:

·        A vegan meatball stew at Merci Tâta at the Great Montreal Christmas Market

·        The Hot Suisse: a baguette stuffed with cheese fondue at S.O.S Fondue at the L’Assomption Christmas Market

Good to know! The Grand Marché de Noël de Québec and the Great Montreal Christmas Market will continue to be open after Christmas, until December 31, 2022!

A visit to a Christmas shop is a must around the holidays! Here are four great ones to check out to find the finishing touches for this year’s tree or simply to go admire the ornaments and Christmas scenes:

·        Noël au Château, in Rivière-du-Loup, a "real" castle, where Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus like to stop by.

·        La Boutique de Noël de Québec, which sells many customizable ornaments.

·        La magie de Noël, for painted ornaments with winter scenes of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli.

·        Noël Éternel, in Old Montreal, where it’s always Christmas and where (so we’ve heard!) even Santa does his shopping!

Another idea for a magical time? Put on your boots and bundle up for an enchanting walk in these tourist attractions presenting trails of luminous artworks:

·        Illumi Laval, until January 8, 2023

·        Village québécois d’antan, until December 31, 2022

·        Parc Safari, until March 12, 2023

·        Route des Gerbes d’Angelica, until January 7, 2023

Would you prefer a night out in the city? Then you won’t want to miss Miracle, a pop-up event that started out in New York. During the event, participating bars undergo a makeover of their decor and embrace Christmas-themed food and cocktails – and they promise not to skimp on all things kitschy! Time to break out the ugly Christmas sweaters and order some eggnog! These are the two bars in Quebec that will be hosting Miracle events:

·        132 Bar Vintage in Montreal

·        Maelstrøm Saint-Roch in Québec City

After all, don’t you deserve to let loose a bit after a walk outside at the Christmas markets?

Happy holidays!

Written by Patricia Delisle