We can’t imagine a more perfect way to spend the Christmas season. Quebec City exudes European charm with its cobblestone streets and snow-dusted architecture, creating a magical Christmas atmosphere. The city comes alive with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and traditional Christmas markets, offering unique gifts and treats. We embraced the winter wonderland with activities like ice skating, sledding, and skiing nearby.
PLAY
Just Walk the Magical Streets
Québec City during the holidays is pure magic, and our recent trip with my husband and 13-year-old son proved it. Walking those cobblestone streets felt like stepping into a Christmas card; everything was dusted with snow, twinkling lights draped the historic buildings, and the air smelled of roasted chestnuts. We even took the funicular down to the lower town one day, which was a fun little ride with great views. We turned every corner to discover something new: festive wreaths on brightly colored doors, shop windows packed with ornaments, and the occasional burst of carols. The Château Frontenac glowed majestically above us, a warm and welcoming sight. Whether we were exploring the charming shops of Quartier Petit Champlain, browsing the Christmas markets for unique gifts, or just soaking up the atmosphere in Place Royale, every walk was an adventure. It was a truly unforgettable experience, a winter wonderland that we’ll be talking about for years to come.
My day at Strom Spa in Quebec was like entering another world. . While my son and husband hit the slopes, I treated myself to a day of pure relaxation. Stepping into the spa felt like entering a tranquil winter wonderland; the snow-covered grounds and steaming pools created such a peaceful atmosphere. It was so nice to have some time all to myself. I started with the thermal pools, letting the warm water ease my muscles. What made it even more special was that I could watch the Saint Lawrence River flowing by as I relaxed – it added another layer of serenity to the experience. Then, I braved the cold plunge – definitely invigorating! I spent a good amount of time just floating in the various pools, completely losing track of time. I let the warm waterfalls cascade over my head, which was surprisingly soothing. I even found a quiet spot with hammocks and spent some time swinging gently, just enjoying the quiet and the beautiful scenery and watching the river drift by. It was the perfect escape, a chance to truly unwind and recharge. I left feeling completely refreshed and relaxed, ready to rejoin my family.
Images by Strom Spa as I wasn’t walking around with a camera that day:)
Stepping into the German Christmas Market in Quebec City with my husband and 13-year-old son was like being transported to a charming European village. The air was crisp and cold, but the market itself was bursting with warmth and festive cheer. The scent of roasted nuts, gingerbread, and mulled wine hung heavy in the air, a delicious mix that instantly put us all in the holiday spirit. Little wooden chalets, decorated with twinkling lights and garlands, lined the streets, each one offering unique handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and traditional German treats. We wandered from stall to stall, admiring the intricate wooden toys (my son was particularly fascinated by these!), the hand-blown glass ornaments, and the colorful knitwear. The vendors, many dressed in traditional German clothing, were so friendly and welcoming, eager to share the stories behind their crafts. We stopped at one stall for steaming mugs of Glühwein for my husband and me (hot chocolate for our son!), the warm spiced wine warming us from the inside out as we sipped it. The sounds of German Christmas carols filled the air, adding to the magical atmosphere. There were families with children bundled in their winter gear, couples strolling hand-in-hand, and groups of friends laughing and enjoying the festive ambiance. It felt like everyone was there to embrace the holiday spirit. It was such a delightful experience, a perfect way for our family to soak up the magic of Christmas in Quebec City.
EAT
We had done our research before our trip to Quebec City and booked a table at La Buche weeks in advance, and boy, are we glad we did! Every time we walked by, there was a huge line snaking out the door. We initially thought, “Wow, those poor people, just chasing the latest hype,” but after eating there, we completely understood. La Buche was, hands down, our favorite restaurant in the whole city. It’s designed to feel like a traditional sugar shack, which added so much to the atmosphere. It felt like stepping back in time; it was so authentically traditional. Quebecois music filled the air, the place was bustling and loud, and on a chilly winter night, it felt like the place to be. It had this incredible, warm, and inviting atmosphere. My husband ordered the filet mignon, which he raved about, but my son and I went for some of the more traditional fare. We shared the French onion soup, and even my usually skeptical son had to admit it was the best he’d ever had—I completely agreed. I chose the tourtière, a traditional Christmas meat pie with venison, pork, and beef. The spices were incredible – so warm and rich. Our waitress, who was our absolute favorite during our whole trip, told us it was made with nearly a hundred different spices! And for dessert? We knew we had to try the Pouding Chômeur, or “Poor Man’s Pudding,” a classic Québécois dessert with a fascinating history. It originated during the Great Depression, and it’s essentially a light, fluffy cake soaked in a decadent maple syrup sauce. It was an absolute must – the perfect, sweet ending to a perfect meal. We walked out understanding exactly why there was always a line – La Buche isn’t just hype; it’s an experience.
The Érico Choco-Boutique et Musée du Chocolat offers a delightful experience for chocolate lovers. It’s more of a combined chocolate shop and small museum, but it packs a sweet punch! The chocolate espresso was to die for and this is one of the best hot chocolates you’ll find on the continent!
Take a Journey Through Chocolate History: The museum area showcases the history of chocolate, from its origins with the Mayans to modern-day techniques. You’ll find over 200 artifacts and objects related to chocolate production and consumption.
See Chocolate Being Made: You can often watch chocolatiers at work in the kitchen, giving you a firsthand look at the creation of these delectable treats.
Tempting Treats: Of course, a visit wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of their creations! Érico offers a wide array of chocolates, delicious cookies (try the pistachio), hot chocolate, and pastries. In the summer, they also have homemade ice cream dipped in chocolate.
It’s a charming spot to learn a bit about chocolate’s history and indulge in some high-quality treats. You can find it on Rue Saint-Jean in Quebec City.
Wandering through Old Quebec, we stumbled upon the most charming little crêperie, Au Petit Coin Breton, and it quickly became a favorite. Stepping inside felt like being transported to a cozy cottage in Brittany; the rustic décor and warm lighting created such a welcoming atmosphere. The smell of freshly made crêpes filled the air, instantly making our mouths water. We were all craving something different, and Au Petit Coin Breton delivered perfectly. They specialize in buckwheat crêpes, which gives them a wonderful nutty flavor and a slightly different texture than traditional wheat crêpes. My son, ever the purist, went for the classic sugar crêpe – simple, but perfectly executed, and the buckwheat added a lovely depth to the simple sweetness. I opted for a savory galette (also buckwheat, of course!) topped with perfectly poached eggs, which was absolutely divine. My husband, Jesse, in his usual fashion, decided on a salad (go figure!), but even he couldn’t resist sneaking a bite of our crêpes. They were thin, delicate, and cooked to perfection. It was more than just the food, though; it was the whole experience – the cozy atmosphere, the friendly service, and the delicious aroma of crêpes cooking. It felt like a little slice of France in the heart of Quebec City, and it was the perfect spot for a delightful and satisfying meal. We’d absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic Breton treat.
Oh, Le Continental… that was an experience unlike any other. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a performance. From what I understand, it’s a real Quebec City institution, known for its classic, old-world charm and its tableside cooking. It’s the kind of place where you dress up a bit, where the service is impeccable, and where the food is prepared with such artistry. Even the simple act of arriving felt special; they took our coats at the door, which is such a rare touch these days. We went in knowing we wanted the full “show,” so we ordered anything that involved a bit of tableside flair. We started with the Caesar salad, which, let me tell you, was made correctly – none of that pre-made dressing nonsense. It was all prepared right there in front of us, with fresh ingredients and a real attention to detail. Then came the main courses: Milo had the filet mignon, cooked to absolute perfection, and my husband and I shared the Chateaubriand for two. Watching the chef prepare it tableside was mesmerizing; the carving, the sauces, the whole presentation was just exquisite. But the real spectacle came with dessert. We, of course, had to get the Cherries Jubilee and the Baked Alaska. The flames leaping up as they flambéed the cherries and then the dramatic presentation of the Baked Alaska, with its meringue peaks browned to perfection – it was truly a sight to behold. It was more than just a meal; it was dinner theater, a culinary performance that we’d never experienced before. The food itself was incredible, every dish was perfectly executed, but the combination of the exquisite food and the theatrical tableside service, starting from the moment they took our coats, made it an unforgettable experience. It’s the kind of dining experience you almost never come across anymore, and it was a first for us – one we won’t soon forget.
We chose Va Bene in Old Quebec for our Christmas Eve dinner this year, and it was the perfect choice for a cozy, festive meal. Since I usually spend Christmas Eve with my big Sicilian family, and we opted for a quieter holiday this time, I was looking for a place that would evoke that warm, Italian feeling, and Va Bene, while not exactly “family-style” in the traditional sense, definitely provided a special atmosphere. It’s more like a jewel box of a restaurant – intimate, with warm lighting, exposed brick, and a generally sophisticated yet inviting ambiance. It felt very special and intimate, perfect for a Christmas Eve celebration. We started by sharing the three-tiered appetizer platter, which was a fantastic way to sample a little bit of everything. It was beautifully presented, with a selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and other antipasti. For our main courses, I had the Raschiatelli al Pesto Genovese. Raschiatelli is a unique pasta shape, almost like little hand-rolled cavatelli, and it paired perfectly with the bright, fresh pesto Genovese. You could tell the pesto was made with high-quality ingredients, likely fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and olive oil, just like a traditional Genovese pesto should be. It was light, flavorful, and a really satisfying dish. My son, Milo, opted for the mortadella ravioli, which he absolutely devoured. My husband, Jesse, chose the braised lamb shank, which was a hit. The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender, just like you’d hope for. But the real star of the show was Nonna’s Tiramisu. It was, without a doubt, the best tiramisu any of us had ever tasted. It was creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced – a truly heavenly ending to our Christmas Eve meal. Va Bene felt like a warm hug on a cold winter night, a taste of Italy in the heart of Old Quebec, and it was exactly the kind of comforting and delicious meal we were hoping for. It was a wonderful way to celebrate a slightly different, but still very special, Christmas Eve.
LOCAL CULTURE & CRAFTS
Our visit to the Musée de la Civilisation was a captivating exploration of humanity’s diverse tapestry. I was immediately drawn to ‘Strange Objects, Amazing Science!’, a fascinating collection of scientific instruments from the Séminaire de Québec that offered a glimpse into the history of scientific discovery. The ‘Crowds: Humans in Interaction’ exhibit provided a thought-provoking look at crowd behavior and its impact on individuals and society. I also delved into the rich history and culture of Quebec through the ‘In Other Words, Québec’ permanent exhibition. The ‘Wrestling: Québec in the Ring’ exhibit offered a surprising and entertaining look at the history of wrestling in Quebec. Finally, I experienced the vibrant world of Quebec rap music in the ‘Word is Bond: The Sound of Rap Queb’ exhibit. Overall, the visit to the Musée de la civilisation was an enriching and perfect addition to our trip.
STAY
Our stay at the Hilton Quebec was absolutely fantastic and I can’t recommend it enough! From the moment we walked in, we were impressed. The location is perfect – right in the heart of Quebec City, making it super easy to explore Old Town and the waterfront. But the real highlight? The views! We snagged a room with a river view and it was simply breathtaking. Waking up to a panorama of the city and the St. Lawrence was magical. Honestly, just sitting by the window with a coffee was a highlight of each morning.
Beyond the views, the Hilton offered so much more. The café was a real gem – we grabbed cappucinos there most days and loved the croissants. But the absolute best part, especially since we visited in winter, was the heated outdoor pool! Swimming outside in the crisp winter air, surrounded by snow, with the city lights twinkling around us, was an unforgettable experience. It was such a unique and luxurious touch. Combine that with the comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and easy access to everything Quebec City has to offer, and it’s clear why we loved it. If you’re planning a trip, definitely consider the Hilton Quebec – especially if you can get that river view!
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Spending Christmas in Quebec City is like stepping into a fairytale, leaving us with memories to cherish for years to come. We truly recommend it!