Among the pretty villages of the Eastern Townships, North Hatley is one of the most charming. It’s the kind of village where Christmas decorations are the subject of official meetings and where people debate the color and shape of the ribbons that will be hung on the streetlights along the main street starting in September.
It’s also a village that looks tiny when viewed from above, but is at the heart of a municipality made up of farms, orchards, nurseries, and livestock operations that come together in the summer—and for one day during the holiday season—for the market,
This year, it’s Saturday, December 5, and it’s the perfect opportunity to take a trip to one of the prettiest corners of Quebec. And, with a little luck, it’ll snow.
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NORTH HATLEY, QC
North Hatley is a village on Lake Massawippi with a main street, a general store, and a café reminiscent of Sandra Bullock’s shop in *Practical Magic*, where everyone knows each other.
It’s one of the best-decorated places in the area for the holidays, and in its simplicity, it has the charm of a Christmas straight out of a book. There’s even a white-painted gazebo where you can enjoy a hot chocolate to go and watch the snow fall on the lake.
You can also walk all the way to Hovey Manor, browse the antique shops, and grab a drink at the village’s new Italian café.
OUR LOCATIONS IN NORTH HATLEY ARE HERE
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THE NORTH HATLEY OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Christmas lights and ribbons are already tied around the streetlights along the streets of North Hatley, but the town’s charm will reach its peak during the annual Christmas Market, which takes place on Saturday, December 5, 2026, this year.
It’s a farmers’ market that will bring together farmers and artisans from the region, and while the list of exhibitors hasn’t been published yet, we know of a few we hope to see there.
We hope to see the softest hats and mittens in the world—made with wool from the Domaine Alpagas Essencia farm—and apple juice and cider from Le Gros Pierre orchard. We’d also love to bring back some Pur Délice honey and cheeses from local farms to Montreal for our holiday table.
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Where? Parc de la Rivière (River Park), North Hatley
When? Saturday, December 5, 2026 / noon to 6 p.m.
What? Free admission
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