Visiting Québec City in December is arguably the most picturesque time to be in the province’s capital. Smaller and cozier than its counterpart Montreal, Quebec City is one of the most magical winter-wonderland destinations in North America.
Enjoy everything from warm, historic pubs and snowy cobbled streets to toboggan sledding and ice-skating around Christmas markets.
After spending a week exploring the beauty of Christmas in Quebec City, I’m so excited to bring you this deep dive! Plan a spectacular getaway with this guide to the best of December in Québec City, Canada.
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What makes Quebec City in December so special?
As someone who loves chasing winter wonderland destinations in Europe (Tallinn, Estonia, completely stole my heart), I was ready to venture to a new continent to get my Christmas spirit fix.
Quebec City immediately caught my attention with its European charm—thanks to its British and French-influenced architecture, cobbled streets, French language, and rich culture. It already had some major points in its favor.
Then I learned about its German-style Christmas markets, the abundance of winter activities, and the fact that it was just a short flight from home. That pretty much sealed the deal for me!
December in Quebec City feels truly magical. The snow piles up on cobbled streets, holiday lights glow against the early sunsets, and evergreen storefront displays add to the festive atmosphere.
The city comes alive with Christmas charm in a way that’s simply unforgettable. And, since you found this post, I imagine you’re curious to discover it as well.
Where to Stay in Quebec City in December
The best area to stay in during your first time in Quebec City is definitely Old Quebec. However, hotels can be pricier in this area (especially during Christmas), so the second best area is Saint-Roch, which is the downtown area.
Old Québec
This is where you’ll find more of the European influence with French architecture and cobbled streets. If you plan on staying in the most central area for the itinerary, here are the best hotels to stay in.
- Fairmont Le Château Frontenac: Castle-like landmark hotel that overlooks Quebec with indoor pool, wine bar, and more.
- Hôtel Palace Royal: 4-star hotel with indoor pool with gardens, sauna, and hot tub. Many rooms have city views. (I stayed here)
- Auberge Saint-Antoine Relais & Châteaux: 4-star hotel located close to the river with inviting rooms and proximity to Petit-Champlain
- Auberge La Chouette: Budget-friendly hotel set in Victorian-era guesthouse
- Le Capitole Hôtel: Beautiful hotel with city views and in-room soaking tubs
Saint-Roch (Downtown Quebec City)
Saint-Roch is about a 15-minute walk to Old Quebec, so it’s actually quite convenient and affordable. Plus, you’ll get to see more of Quebec this way!
Much of Old Quebec is located at a higher elevation than downtown (Saint-Roch). But! It took me a couple of days of walking to realize that there is a FREE elevator that takes you from upper to lower town in a matter of seconds.
You’ll find it along the way from Saint-Roch to the attractions in this itinerary. It’s just behind the Jean-Paul-L’Allier Garden. It will say Ascenseur du Faubourg outside of the tall building.
Here’s where to stay in Saint-Roch.
- Hôtel du Jardin: Budget-friendly, close to Old Quebec with big beds and cool wall murals (where I stayed)
- Hotel PUR: Cool, modern hotel with great fitness center and indoor pool
What to Wear for Winter in Quebec City
For December in Quebec City, you can expect below freezing temperatures on a near daily basis. During my week in Quebec City during mid-December, most days ranged between 32°F to 19°F (4°C to -7°C). Nighttime dropped a bit to around 10°F to 5°F (-12°C to -15°C) with the windchill.
To dress well for Quebec City, you need non-cotton, thermal layers like this merino wool leggings and top set.
Beyond that, I recommend warm, waterproof boots designed for snowy weather.
You will want a water-resistant winter coat, the longer the better. If you want to bring a second coat, bring a long wool coat because naturally wool wicks away moisture. I wore either a long puffer coat and a wool coat during my trip.
Those are the most important details, but I’ll list all my recommendations for winter outfits for Quebec City.
- Thermal leggings and long sleeve
- Long winter coat
- Waterproof winter boots
- Touchscreen-friendly gloves
- Thick wool socks
- Earmuffs
- Warm beanie or balaclava
- Merino wool sweaters, lightweight to be packable
- Optional packable winter vest to wear under jacket
- Pants to wear over thermal leggings
- Snow pants
- Scarf to protect neck, chin, etc
For more in-depth details on how to dress for a winter destination, see my winter packing list here. It’s written for European winters, but it’s the same advice for Canada.
Winter Activities for Quebec City in December
Québec city tourism in winter is all about outdoor adventure. Besides, these activities help add a lot of Christmas spirit or wintery fun to your Quebec City itinerary.
Ice Canoeing on St. Lawrence River
December is the beginning of the season for ice canoeing on the St. Lawrence River. However, they kick-off their first trips in the middle of the month. So, if your trip is planned accordingly, you’ll have an unforgettable opportunity to canoe over to giant ice chunks, traverse them with your canoe, and sip hot chocolate on top of the ice.
I can’t recommend enough the Canot à glace expérience. It was such a fun addition to my trip!
We did the intro to ice canoeing tour with hot chocolate and a sauna session. Our tour started at 1 p.m. and lasted just under 3 hours, including the sauna.
The guides are very knowledgeable about the river, its landmarks, and how to navigate the canoe safely on and off the ice.
I was a total beginner and was definitely not doing too hot at the beginning, but after getting a rhythm down, we rowed our way to a collection of ice sheets on the river.
From there, we had to “scooter”. Basically, we turned our bodies around in the canoe and allowed one leg to be outside of the canoe. We then used our outside leg to push on the ice and move the canoe through and onto the ice.
It was an AMAZING workout! The coffee and snack on the ice definitely hit the spot after rowing and scootering halfway through the tour.
Afterward, we returned back to the base, changed out of the many layers they provided for us and slipped into the sauna.
They asked if I wanted to do a cold plunge and OF COURSE I DID. So, I dipped into the river and then went back into the sauna to warm up again.
Definitely an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend you give it a go during your 3 days in Quebec City.
And if you don’t want to do the full three hours, you can opt for the sunset ice canoe tour.
Ice Skating at Place d’Youville
One of the prettiest parts of Old Quebec come December, Place d’Youville has a great view of the historic city walls and St. Jean Gate. Plus, you’ll find one of the five Christmas markets of Quebec City there as well as the main ice-skating spot.
Skating is free if you bring your own skates. Otherwise, there is a place to get rentals just next to the rink. There you’ll pay CAD $10 for a pair of rental skates in your selected size. There is no time limit on how long you can use them for the day.
Toboggan Sledding at Dufferin Terrace
One of the most quintessential things to do in Quebec City in December is ride the toboggan slide in the middle of the city. The slide opened in winter of 1884 and has been in business ever since.
It’s a super affordable winter activity, costing just CAD $7 per ticket or CAD $15 for 4 tickets. My boyfriend and I bought a 4-pack of tickets and used them on different days during our Quebec City December itinerary.
Christmas Markets of Quebec City
If you’re visiting Quebec City in December, you’ll most likely get to experience the various German-style Christmas markets set up around Old Quebec.
The Christmas markets in Quebec City are German style, meaning festive vendors set up in wooden stalls, Glühwein (vin chaud in French), hot cider, warm pretzels, pastries, and lots of Christmas light displays.
There are five markets in total – Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, Place d’Armes, Rue Sainte-Anne, and Place D’Youville.
Most days the markets are open until 9 p.m. and last (except on Sundays when they close at 6 p.m.) from late November to December 23rd. However, they are also only open Thursday to Sunday, so keep this in mind if you plan to visit during the week instead of the weekend.
I recommend a cup of vin chaud and a leisure walk through one of the Christmas markets, a must-have experience when visiting Quebec in December.
Note that you can’t take your drink onto the streets, only within the Christmas market you’re currently visiting.
If you get a cup of mulled wine, you will have to pay a CAD $2 charge for the cup. You can either keep the cup afterward, or return it and get your $2 back.
Practice responsible travel by either bringing your own cup or returning the one they gave you so it can be used again throughout the Christmas season.
Siberia Station Spa
One of the best things I did during my Quebec City December trip was visit the Siberia Station Spa. It’s tucked away out of the main hub of the city, and that’s in your favor. It’s a cozy, wintry wonderland for spa lovers.
The Siberia Station Spa is an incredible outdoor spa experience! And with its perfect location, you’ll be in a woodsy part of the city and has four different saunas, a eucalyptus steam room, two cold plunge pools, multiple jacuzzis, Siberian yurts to relax in, a place to drip directly into the river, a cafe… the list goes on but those are the overall highlights.
To visit, pack a tote bag with a swimsuit, flip flops, and robe. If you don’t have flip flops or a robe, it’s fine. You can buy flip flops for cheap at the spa and rent a robe to use during the duration of your visit. Towels are included free of charge.
I managed to spend six hours here. During my Quebec trip, I spent the first couple of days alone and then my partner joined me for the last 3 nights. Visiting the spa was part of my solo trip to Quebec, and it was perfect that way.
While I was there, I did a little bit of everything, and had lunch. I ordered a fresh sandwich, soup, and coffee at the onsite cafe. Later I came back and had a mint coffee cocktail. Yes, they have amazing mixed drinks here, too!
I do recommend bringing a book if you plan on relaxing in the yurt or spending a bit of time in the cafe. Perfect solo day out, I’m telling you! I got so much reading done. However, it would have also been a special experience to have with my partner.
Nonetheless, you don’t have to stay six hours like I did… I was on a 5-day trip to Quebec (to research this itinerary for you!), so I had extra time. Around three hours would be ideal if you’re on a weekend trip.
You can book your Siberia Station Spa experience online or at the front desk upon arrival. My booking cost CAD $63. You can also add a massage to your reservation if you’d like some extra pampering.
There are other sauna spas, like Strøm Spa and SKYSPA, but this one is more affordable than Strøm and way more unique in my opinion. SKYSPA seems small with less things to do.
Snowshoeing at Jacques-Cartier National Park
Just outside of the city, Jacques-Cartier National Park offers loads of pretty scenery and winter sports starting in December. One of the most enjoyable things to do is snowshoeing.
With this Quebec City snowshoeing tour you’ll take a ride from the city to the park, which offers scenic winter landscapes along the way. From there, you’ll gear up, hop on a trail, and begin to express one of the best forests in Quebec.
Lunch, entry to the park, and all necessary equipment is included in the tour. Just dress warm and enjoy a day out in Quebec’s wintry nature.
You could also do country skiing in this area, in addition to snowshoeing.
Sugar Shack (cabane à sucre)
A quintessential experience to have in the province of Quebec! Sugar shacks are places where you can make your own 100% maple syrup taffy.
You, or the person working, will pour maple syrup over ice. Then, after about 10-15 seconds, you take a popsicle stick or similar, press it against one end of the syrup, and begin to roll it up into a tasty maple treat!
There are multiple sugar shacks in the city. However, I went to a cabane à sucre place at Dufferin Terrace. It cost CAD $3 to make the maple syrup taffy.
If you love maple syrup, don’t miss out on experiencing one of the sugar shacks during your Quebec City trip!
Evening Walk in Old Quebec
To really appreciate the festive energy of Quebec City in December, you have to see the city at night. The city becomes even more magical after sunset!
Enjoy a leisure post-dinner walk through the streets of Petit-Champlain, Place d’Armes, and Place d’Youville, and around Rue St. Jean for some of the best Christmas lights and holiday displays.
Best Places to See During Christmas in Quebec City
The Christmas season is the most magical time to be in Quebec City. The city will be full of festive lights, storefront holiday displays, sparkling Christmas trees, and so much more.
Take full advantage of it all by taking a walk through Old Quebec after sunset. Plus, you’ll be able to see all five different Christmas markets this way, too.
Nonetheless, here are the best places to see during your Quebec City in December trip.
Place Royale
The most picturesque square in Old Quebec, Place Royale’s cobbled space has a huge central Christmas tree in December and is surrounded by historic stone buildings. It’s the perfect spot for a Christmas photo op!
It was founded in 1608 and has French and British influence. Back then, it was a little bit of everything – a fort, residences, and marketplace all rolled into one charming little square.
But now it’s a quiet square with different cafes, shops, and residences. Stopping here first will set you up to see some of the other best places to see.
Petit-Champlain
Place Royale is part of Petit-Champlain, a charming, historic district with cobbled streets, shopping, galleries, and warm cafes and eateries. It’s one of the best places to take photos of Quebec City’s snowy streets in winter.
From Place Royale, turn onto Rue Sous-le-Fort, my favorite of the prettiest streets in the city. This street leads right up to the funicular of Quebec City. (One of the best views, I think).
Rue Sous-le-Fort is lined with shops and coffee shops on either side, and the top of the street ends with the entrance to the funicular. Then, one side of the street leads to more shops and cobbled streets (Rue du Petit Champlain). The other is a set of staircases that can be used as an alternative to taking the funicular.
The opposite end has a beautiful view of the Royal Battery complete with cannons and the chilly St. Lawrence River.
These streets will be dressed up in festive decor from buttery lights to pine-covered shop displays and giant nutcrackers in December.
Royal Battery
At the end of Rue Sous-le-For is the Royal Battery, a historic piece of Old Quebec with cannons and stone barriers. The Battery is named to honor Louis XIV, the French king who financed its construction. Its position allowed soldiers to spot ships sailing on the river.
It’s cool to see the cannons with the view of the St. Lawrence River. It’s also going to be covered in snow, so it’s a good place to play if you’re visiting with children.
Rue du Marche-Champlain
For the best view of Old Quebec and Château Frontenac, you’ll need to either turn out of the Royal Battery or go down Rue Notre-Dame.
From there, you’ll spill out onto Rue du Marche-Champlain where you’ll be greeted by a spectacular perspective of Old Quebec.
It’s a really neat spot because it clearly shows how the Old city is split into Upper and Lower Town, and why the funicular can be so handy.
Dufferin Terrace + Château Frontenac
To get to the terrace that overlooks Petit-Champlain, you will either want to take the funicular, which costs CAD $5 per person, or take the stairs that are just next to the funicular building. You’ll take those and then go up to the street for just a second and then take the next set of stairs to your right.
The stairs are a bit of a workout, but if you don’t want to spend $5, it’s definitely worth taking them (and you get more unique perspectives of the Château Frontenac as you go up).
However, if yourself or someone you’re traveling with has mobility issues then the funicular is a godsend.
Anywho, the terrace! This is one of the best places for views of Quebec City and the St. Lawrence River. It’s a free-to-visit terrace that’s right next to the castle-like hotel (which you may be staying in!) Château Frontenac.
Take a walk along here and enjoy new perspectives of lower Quebec, the snowy streets, and the hotel.
There are also a few different monuments and places here like the Monument Samuel-De Champlain and Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site. It’s also very close to some of the Christmas market locations (the Place d’Armes one).
However, the main thing to do is enjoy a winter experience at the best place on the Dufferin Terrace — the toboggan slide I mentioned above.
Place d’Youville
This is where you can enjoy ice skating and another one of the Quebec City Christmas markets.
I found Place d’Youville to be especially pretty because of the historic city walls and St. Jean Gate. Plus, the architecture that surrounds the square is all very nice.
Like most of Old Quebec, the square will have holiday lights and Christmas displays to create the jolly atmosphere Quebec City does so well.
Museum of Civilization
A place to dive into Québécois and Native history and an opportunity to escape the cold, I highly recommend a visit to the Museum of Civilization (Musée de la Civilisation).
They have constantly changing exhibitions, but there are a few permanent exhibitions. For example, there is a permanent exhibit called This is Our Story. It beautifully showcases First Nations and Inuit in the 21st Century as well as historic artifacts and details.
Another one is called In Other Words, Québec and goes into the details of Quebec’s history, how the past shaped the city and province, and more. Great chance to get to know more about the history of Quebec!
I really enjoyed the exhibit on Quebec identity, discussing the province’s somewhat divide on identifying as Canadian, Québécois, or Québécois Canadian.
It gives an insightful humorous quote from Pierre Faladreau’s 1985 fi;m Elvis Gratton, “I am Québécois Canadian, a French Canadian French guy, a French North American, a Québécois Francophone Canadian, a Québécois who speaks French Canadian French…”
That exhibit was particularly interesting as someone who spent five years living in Barcelona, seeing the divide between the Catalan who feel both Spanish and Catalan and the Catalans who only feel Catalan.
Anyway! Ticket prices vary depending on your age bracket. You can buy tickets online in advance to save a few dollars or purchase them at the front desk on arrival. There is a complimentary coat check as well.
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cozy Pubs for Quebec City in December
It’s nice to warm up at a little pub after hours of sightseeing in the cold. Here are some of the best places in Quebec City to do just that.
- Pub L’Oncle Antoine: Very cozy pub set in an old cellar, also famous for its French onion soup
- Pub Saint-Alexandre: British-style pub with huge international beer menu
- D’Orsay: Upscale pub flair with cocktails, wine, beer, and good food
- Archibald Microbrasserie: One of several microbreweries in Quebec City, located in Petit-Champlain
- Ninkasi Bar & Bistro: Cool bar with poutine and lots of microbrews and other drinks
- Noctem Artisans Brasseurs: Downtown area brewery with lots of good beer, including sours
Places to Eat in Quebec City
All the places I mentioned above also serve food, but I more so mentioned them as cozy places to warm up with a good drink, alcoholic or not, and a snack. The following are some of the best places to eat in Quebec City.
- La Buche: Fantastic breakfast or lunch spot; the ambiance is very Québécois Canadian
- Don Vegan Restaurant: Lovely vegan restaurant with daily menu
- Le Lapin Sauté: Nice French food restaurant in an intimate space
- Paillard: Popular bakery/cafe with annual Christmas decor
- Le Hobbit: Popular brunch spot, make a reservation in advance
- Cafe Au Bonnet d’Âne: Best brunch spot! Serves breakfast potatoes with classic dishes. Every meal comes with a homemade little smoothie and coffee
- 1640 Bistro: Upscale restaurant with French onion soup, pizzas, seafood, and gourmet burgers
Best Coffee in Quebec City
During my Quebec City in December trip, I visited four different places for coffee. However, there were only two that I really liked.
- Le Petit Dep: Located in Petit-Champlain, serving excellent specialty coffee in an intimate setting; best as a takeaway because it’s so small
- Les Brulerie St-Jean: Coffee shop with freshly roasted coffee very close to Place d’Youville
Conclusion – December in Quebec City
December is the beginning of the winter season in Quebec, offering loads of Christmastime experiences and early-season winter sports.
There are so many ways to enjoy the city from ice skating by Christmas markets to riding the toboggan slide and wandering the cobbled streets of Petit-Champlain.
Remember to bring your warmest, non-cotton layers and prepare for a wonderful winter trip to Quebec City, Canada!
Please comment down below if you have any questions about planning a trip to Quebec City in December. I always try to get back to comments within 1 day 🙂
