Christmas markets are perfect to get in the holiday spirit, discover delicious foods and snag a gift or two. Montreal and Quebec City both host many markets during the holiday season, but my favorite is the perfect day trip out of Quebec City on an early December weekend. In the heart of scenic Charlevoix, Baie-Saint-Paul closes its main street for two weekends to offer visitors a taste of European Christmas markets. Artists, craftspeople and local producers show off their work, and small wooden shacks sell mulled wine and comforting bites made with local ingredients. Several fire pits are installed along the street to allow walkers to keep warm and enjoy the cheery atmosphere. It's my favorite time of the year to visit Baie-Saint-Paul, and if you go, make sure to stay until the sun goes down as the lights and decorations make it even more magical.
- Where: Rue St-Jean-Baptiste, Baie-Saint-Paul, QC G3Z 1L7 (Map it)
- When: November 23 to 25, November 30 to December 2.
- Opening Hours:
Fridays: 6PM to 9PM
Saturdays: 12PM to 8PM
Sundays: 12PM to 4PM - More info: Marché de Noël de Baie-Saint-Paul, official site (in French)
Related Links: