8 Holiday Markets Worth the Drive From Montréal
Leaving the city in winter is underrated. A few hours on the road, a thermos of coffee, and the promise of good food and handmade things — that’s my version of holiday spirit.
Québec and the Ottawa region both do markets beautifully: local, intentional, and full of character. These are the ones I think are worth your time this season.
1) Québec City German Christmas Market
Dates: November 20 – December 23, 2025 (Thursday–Sunday plus December 22–23)
Website: quebec-cite.com
Old Québec turns into a storybook for five weeks every winter. Wooden chalets line cobblestone streets, the air smells like spiced wine, and every shop glows. Like going to Germany without the expensive plane ticket.
What to expect: Artisanal gifts, hand-blown ornaments, chocolate, mulled wine, and warm food to warm up your cold fingers.
Note: Go mid-week if possible if you prefer a quieter experience and stay overnight, Quebec City in winter deserves more than a quick visit.
2) Le Grand Marché de Noël de Québec
Dates: November 22 – December 24, 2025
Website: quebec-cite.com
Housed in Québec City’s massive indoor market, this event focuses on regional producers and gourmet gifts. It’s where chefs, food lovers, and design fans overlap.
What to expect: Local delicacies, fine chocolate, cured meats, and well-made tableware.
Note: If you’re driving to Quebec City, bring a cooler. You’ll end up buying edible gifts that often need to be preserved.
3) Marché de Noël et des traditions de Longueuil
Dates: Nov 28 – Dec 21, 2025 Bonjour Québec+1
What to expect: Artisan stalls, hot chocolate, mulled wine, live holiday entertainment, demonstrations of craftsmanship. Bonjour Québec
Why go: Relatively close to Montréal (South Shore), ideal for a relaxed afternoon of gift browsing + holiday vibes.
Tip: Park somewhere in Vieux‑Longueuil and stroll the market; layer up because it's outdoor.
4) Marché de Noël de L’Assomption
Dates: November 28 – December 23, 2025
Website: ville.lassomption.qc.ca
About 45 minutes from Montréal, L’Assomption’s market feels like a holiday movie set. Another chance for a meet cute? Wooden stalls, local food, and the sound of “joyeuses fetes” ringing out as artisans hand you your most recent purchase.
What to expect: Maple products, wool goods, handmade ornaments, and regional treats.
Note: Stop for a drink or dinner in town after. Depending on your mood visit Maitre Edgar (varied, local ingredients focus), Restaurant le Prieure (fine dining, quebecois), or Les Entetees (brunch, cafe).
5) Marché de Noël de Brossard
Location: Centre socioculturel Alphonse-Lepage, Brossard, QC
Dates: November 14–16, 2025
Website: brossard.ca
A smaller market but full of charm. This one is great if you’re looking to avoid big crowds while still enjoying holiday shopping and seasonal treats.
What to expect: Over 75 exhibitors offering handmade crafts, local gourmet items, and a warm indoor atmosphere.
Note: It’s an early season market which means it’s a perfect head start on thoughtful gift shopping without the intense December rush.
6) Marché de Noël de Montebello
Dates: November 28–30 & December 5–7, 2025
Website: noelmontebello.ca Noël Montebello
One of the most enchanting early‑holiday experiences you can have near Montréal: this market transforms Montebello’s village centre into a European‑inspired winter wonderland. Twinkling lights, historic façades, and the soft hum of seasonal music set the scene. You’ll browse artisanal goods, gourmet local treats, and twinkling lights.
What to expect: Textiles, woodwork, gourmet bites, decorative glass, free shows, and kids’ activities.
Note: You can turn it into an overnight stay by booking a room at the Chateau Montebello. During this period it’s decked out in Christmas trees, Santa visits the kids around the central fireplace, and pet their resident dog Vic. Read more here about my magical stay.
7 ) Village de Noël de Sainte-Thérèse
Location: 37 Rue Blainville Ouest, Sainte-Thérèse, QC
Dates: November 28 – December 15, 2025
Website: exo.quebec
A classic North Shore Christmas village setup with wooden kiosks, twinkle lights, and snow-dusted charm.
What to expect: Around 70 local vendors, warm drinks, handmade gifts, and a charming holiday setting.
Why visit: Ideal if you want to pair your market visit with a scenic stroll through one of the North Shore’s most festive towns.
8) Ottawa Christmas Market – Lansdowne Park
Dates: November 21–23, November 27–30, December 4–7, December 11–14, December 18–21, and December 31, 2025
Website: ottawachristmasmarket.com
A full-scale European-style market with lights, music, and great food. It’s the capital’s charming rendition of the German traditional Christmas Markets.
What to expect: Chalet vendors, craft gifts, mulled wine, and winter food stalls.
Note: Go late afternoon and stay until it gets dark. The atmosphere changes completely when the lights come on. Remember to book a hotel if you’re too tired for the drive back!
If you can, take a day or two to explore one or two of these. Bring cash, curiosity, and book an overnight stay. You’ll come home with gifts, holiday memories and a cute camera roll!
