The first snow will soon fall on Montreal, and already, it feels a bit like Christmas. In Montreal’s Old Port, the holiday decorations have been put up, and the air is filled with the scent of cinnamon, hot chocolate, and wet cobblestones.
It brings to mind the ribbons in *Little Women*, *Love Actually*, and European Christmases in books and movies (and at our grandmothers’ houses, perched on a hill in an old European country). It’s a feeling of nostalgia for something that may never have existed—for snow-capped mountains and wooden clogs, and for a piece of bread dipped in fresh cheese.
To dream a little this holiday season, let’s head to the German Christmas Market in Quebec City—the largest and most charming of the season. And, to add to the romance of the experience, we can take the train there and travel through the region’s snow-covered fields, gazing into the distance and thinking about happiness.
–
THE GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET IN OLD QUÉBEC
The German Christmas Market pops up every year in five very pretty squares in Old Quebec. In 2026, it will run from November 19 to December 23.
- Alpine Village – Bergdorf
- Market Square – Marktplatz
- City Hall Gardens – Rathausgarten
- Ruelle de l’Église – Kirchgasse
- Christmas Castle – Weihnachtsschloss
It’s a great way (and by far the most magical) to explore the charming Old City of Québec. You can walk through all five markets, but we recommend wearing flat boots. Kitten heels are a bit tough on the cobblestones.
There are more than 125 vendors offering handmade crafts, local Quebec products (after all), and classic German treats.
There are pretzels, giant puppets of Saint Nicholas—the Santa Claus of old Europe—and the German Christmas demon Krampus on Rue Saint-Jean and Côte de la Fabrique. And, of course, hundreds of liters of glühwein (mulled wine).
There will also be a (funky) concert by Krampus Fantastischer Wunderfunk, and the musicians will be performing in costume.
–
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Where? Old Quebec
- Alpine Village – Bergdorf
- Place du Marché – Marktplatz
- City Hall Gardens – Rathausgarten
- Ruelle de l’Église – Kirchgasse
- Christmas Castle – Weihnachtsschloss
When? November 19 through December 23, 2026, Thursday through Sunday (and December 21, 22, and 23)
What? Free admission
–
