8 activities in December to enjoy the magic of the holidays

Discover the wonderful activities offered by members of the QRSTA*! From enchanting Christmas markets to concerts and regional delicacies, there’s so much to enjoy about this festive season! Here are 8 ideas for your holiday outings!

Head out to a Christmas market with lots of activities

What better way to dive into the holiday spirit than by visiting a Christmas market? Held at the stunning Our Lady of the Cape Shrine in Trois-Rivières, this Christmas market invites you to browse local products, meet talented artisans, and enjoy festive activities, such as carriage rides, enchanting concerts, live performances, and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus!

Where: Our Lady of the Cape Shrine, Trois-Rivières
When: December 7 and 8; December 14 and 15; December 21 and 22 at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. The closing concert takes place on Sunday December 22, at 7:30 p.m.
Good to know: Don’t miss An English Christmas: a concert featuring Les Petits Chanteurs de Trois-Rivières on Saturday, December 21, at 2 p.m.!

Feel the magic of the holidays in Old Québec City

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Old Québec City during the holiday season, when tradition, spirituality and festivities intertwine. Start with a visit to the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral and its Holy Door, a place steeped in history and meditation, perfect for reflecting on the spiritual meaning of Christmas. Then, marvel at the twinkling lights and spicy aromas of the Québec City German Christmas Market, where crafts, festive delights and fun activities transport you into the same traditional atmosphere that can be found at Christmas markets in Europe! Between heritage and enchantment, Old Québec City promises an unforgettable experience.

Where: Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral and various sites around Old Québec City
When: The Basilica-Cathedral is open every day of the week, and the Québec City German Christmas Market is held from November 21 to December 23 from Thursdays to Sundays .
Good to know: Christmas masses and some of the activities for the 2025 Jubilee will be held in December.

Listen to heartwarming melodies

The Choralies are back for a 23rd edition! Every weekend in December, enjoy a festive program of holiday melodies from around the world in the stunning Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel in Old Montréal. Before each performance, a trombone duo will be playing on the chapel’s forecourt, and complimentary wassail — a hot mulled cider drink — will be served to kick off the evening in a festive mood.

Where: Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel/Marguerite-Bourgeoys Historic Site, Montreal
When: November 30 and December 1st at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.; December 7, at 2 p.m.; December 8, 14 and 15, at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. The closing concert takes place on Sunday December 22, at 7:30 p.m.
Good to know: Voluntary contribution, except for the closing concert, for which you need tickets.

Experience the wonder of angelic voices

This year, Saint Joseph's Oratory once again invites you to its Christmas concert, themed around the Nativity. Be captivated by traditional carols, old French hymns, and Christmas melodies from around the world. Featuring soprano Catherine St-Arnaud, the girls’ choir Les Voix d’Elles, and the Clavecin en Concert ensemble, this unforgettable performance promises grace and deep emotion.

Where:Crypt of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, Montréal
When: Friday December 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Good to know: The Basilica of Saint Joseph’s Oratory will also host the traditional Christmas concert by the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal on December 15 at 3:30 p.m.

Attend a magnificent Christmas concert

Immerse yourself in the holiday magic with Dernier Noël, a heartwarming performance presented by Maison Mère Baie-Saint-Paul in partnership with TVCO. The show features the vocal ensemble Quartom, a male a cappella quartet, alongside the duo Les Dames de Cœur, composed of soprano France Ménard and pianist-organist Renée Gagnon. A musical evening not to be missed! (Website available in French only.)

Where: Baie-Saint-Paul Church, Charlevoix
When: Sunday December 8 at 3 p.m.
Good to know: Regular tickets are available for $25 at Maison Mère’s front desk, Boucherie Ferme La Marre, Familiprix Baie-Saint-Paul, or online. Tickets at the door cost $35.

Shop for gourmet gifts at Abbaye Val-Notre-Dame

Who doesn’t love receiving a sweet or savoury treat as a gift? To spoil your loved ones and tempt their taste buds, offer them something from the Val-Notre-Dame Abbey store. Choose from caramel, chocolates, syrups, maple, spices and more gourmet products. A special mention for the delicious onion confit duo, an excellent pairing with cheese, bread or a sandwich!

Where: Val-Notre-Dame Abbey, Saint-Jean-de-Matha
When: The store is open every day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Good to know: Make the most of your visit and explore the site designed by renowned architect Pierre Thibault, home to a community of 24 Cistercian monks.

Have fun with some crazy elves

Every year, some mischievous elves make a trip to the Ursulines Museum, promising fun and laughter for the whole family. This year, they’ve decided to set you a fun challenge: find them all before they have to leave for the North Pole! With their innate talent for hiding, this mission promises to be perilous, and you’ll need to be able to outwit them and find them in time! After this adventure, kids will get to create their own Christmas stocking, as a way to add a creative touch to this festive experience.

Where: The Ursulines Museum, Trois-Rivières
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8, every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Good to know: The price for this activity is $5 (plus tax) per person (adults and kids)

Celebrate the holidays in great company!

Discover the holiday program at Ermitage Saint-Antoine du Lac-Bouchette, located in the beautiful Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. Between December 23 and 25, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from that suit families, couples and groups of friends alike. Snowshoeing by torchlight, concerts, Christmas Eve celebrations and traditional dinners are just a few of the things to do there over the holidays!

Where: Ermitage Saint-Antoine du Lac-Bouchette
When: From December 23 to 25
Good to know: Call 1 800 868-6344 for the full program of activities.