Photo credit: TQ - Drowster

6 ideas to experience the magic of the holidays this December

Step into the wonder of the holiday season and explore some of Quebec’s most breathtaking heritage sites decked out in festive charm. Divine Quebec has handpicked 6 outing ideas that combine holiday cheer with the timeless beauty of historic landmarks — perfect for creating magical memories this December!

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Discover the experience

Visit the Christmas market at Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap
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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 in Trois-Rivières, Mauricie
When: Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, December 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 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.!

Shop for gourmet gifts at Abbaye Val-Notre-Dame
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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, forest syrups, maple, spices and more gourmet products. A special mention for the delicious onion confit duo, and excellent pairing with cheese, bread or a sandwich!

Where: Val-Notre-Dame Abbey in Saint-Jean-de-Matha, Lanaudière
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 at the Ursuline Museum
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Every year, some mischievous elves make a trip to the Ursuline Museum, promising fun and laughter for the whole family. This year, they’ve decided to set you a fun challenge: find them all before their imminent departure 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 are invited to join in a winter craft session, adding a creative touch to this festive experience.

Where: The Ursulines Museum in Trois-Rivières, Mauricie
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: $5 (plus tax) per person (adults and kids)

Enjoy dinner, a show and festivities at Manoir d’Youville
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Take part in a festive and memorable evening in support of a worthy cause at the Une nuit de générosité (page in French only) dinner-show held at the Manoir d’Youville. Enjoy an intimate acoustic show with hosts Sarah Aouni and Yohan Tremblay, savour a delicious 3-course holiday dinner (including soup, tourtière and sugar pie), and enter to win prizes donated by inspiring local businesses.

Where: Hôtel Manoir d’Youville in Châteauguay, Montérégie
When: Sunday, December 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)
Good to know: Tickets cost $45 (taxes included), with proceeds going to the Compagnom Foundation, an organization committed to improving mental health in the community!

Discover the history of the Hospitallers at the Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal
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The holiday season is a time to reflect on sharing and mutual aid, values embodied by the Hospitallers of Montreal in their mission. Take the opportunity to pay tribute to them with a guided tour. Explore the old monastery, the congregation’s private home from 1861 to 2019, or discover spaces steeped in history such as the chapel, beneath which lies the tomb of Jeanne Mance, and the crypt, where nearly 600 Hospitallers are laid to rest. Let yourself be captivated by moving stories as you immerse yourself in this exceptional spiritual and architectural heritage!

Where: Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal
When: You can visit the monastery on Sundays, December 8 and 22, at 2 p.m.; and visit the crypt and chapel on Sunday, December 15, at 2 p.m.
Good to know: The old monastery, crypt and chapel are not usually open to the public except as part of guided tours.

Feel the magic of the holidays in Old Québec City
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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 (see detailed schedule here), and the Québec City German Christmas Market is held from November 21 to December 23 from Thursdays to Sundays (see detailed schedule here).
Good to know: Christmas masses and some of the activities for the 2025 Jubilee will be held in December.

 

Photo credit: TQ - Jean-François Frenette
Photo credit: Marie-Anne Gaudreault