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 9 ideas for your holiday outings!

Head out to a Christmas market with lots of activities

The Our Lady of the Cape Shrine welcomes you to its Christmas market in Trois-Rivières. It will feature about sixty artisans, some set up in charming outdoor booths. It’s an opportunity to stock up on locally made crafts and gourmet products, and to enjoy family fun thanks to activities like storytelling, sleigh rides, concerts and a visit from Santa Claus!

Where: Our Lady of the Cape Shrine, Trois-Rivières
When: December 9 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and December 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Good to know: Parking spaces in front of the Shrine are reserved for people with reduced mobility. You can also park on nearby streets and behind the Shrine.

Visit an amazing cathedral and Holy Door

Located in the heart of Old Québec City and recognized as a national historic monument, the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral is renowned for its Holy Door, the only one of its kind in North America. Introduced in 2013, it was sculpted by Montreal artist Jules Lasalle. On December 8, it will be open to people from all walks of life to inaugurate the 350th anniversary of the Diocese of Quebec.

Where: Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, Old Québec City
When: Starting December 8, 2023
Good to know: Québec City’s German Christmas Market is located just around the corner! Take the opportunity to finish your holiday shopping!

Listen to heartwarming melodies

The Choralies are back for a 22nd edition, to satisfy your love of Christmas carols! Every weekend in December, a program of holiday melodies from around the world is presented in the sublime Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel in Old Montreal. Thirty minutes before each performance, two trombonists will be performing on the chapel’s forecourt… and hot chocolate will be served!

Where: Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel/Marguerite-Bourgeoys Historic Site, Montreal
When: December 2 and 3, at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.; December 9, at 2 p.m.; December 10, 16 and 17, at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. The closing concert takes place on December 17, at 7:30 p.m.
Good to know: Voluntary contribution, except for the closing concert, for which there is a charge.

Experience the wonder of angelic voices on Christmas Eve

Treat yourself to the gift of song with the wonderful voices of the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal! This children’s choir, recognized as one of the best in North America, is taking part in the family Christmas celebration at Saint Joseph’s Oratory Basilica. Tickets cost $5 and can be reserved on site or on the Oratory’s website.

Where: Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal in Montreal
When: December 24 at 4:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and midnight
Good to know: The Basilica of Saint Joseph’s Oratory also presents the traditional Christmas Concert by the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal on December 17, at 3:30 p.m.

Attend a long-awaited Christmas concert

For the first time in many years, the Maison Mère Baie-Saint-Paul (website available in French only) in Charlevoix will present a concert in the Chapel that promises to envelop you in holiday magic! Carols, traditional tunes and classical, baroque and film music will be on the program. The 2-hour show will feature the Ensemble Renouveau de Québec and Renée Gagnon, the organist at the Maison Mère.

Where: Maison Mère in Baie-Saint-Paul
When: December 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Good to know: For more information or to purchase tickets, call 418 435-3521.

Surprise your loved ones with treats!

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 dine at the Bistro, boasting a menu full of ingredients from the forest!

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: December 9 and 10 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 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.

Enjoy concerts at an incredible venue

Supporting emerging and local musicians, many of whom study in Montreal, the Christ Church Cathedral offers a weekly Oasis concert series. The concerts feature a wide range of types of musicians, from instrumentalists and soloists to small orchestras and choirs. Based primarily on classical music, the repertoire also includes pop, folk, religious and traditional music.

Where: Christ Church Cathedral, Montreal
When: December 16 and 23 at 2 p.m.
Good to know: These concerts are free, but donations are suggested.

*The Quebec Religious and Spiritual Tourism Association (QRSTA) is proud to contribute to the development and promotion of Quebec’s RICH and DIVERSE religious and spiritual tourism and heritage.