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If you’ve always dreamed of spending the holidays in one of those postcard-perfect settings that look straight from a Hallmark movie, you actually don’t need to travel very far!
This week, Condé Nast Traveller dropped its annual list of the best places in the world to spend Christmas, and two Quebec destinations were ranked right up there with iconic spots like London, New York City, and Paris for the second year in a row.
The annual list isn’t just about Christmas markets. It’s about the kind of festive vibes that make your heart grow three sizes, from decades-old local traditions to streets so beautifully lit they look like they’ve been plucked out of a storybook.
While the charming, vintage-style Christmas markets of Cologne (Germany) and Edinburgh (Scotland) were ranked among the top spots, Quebec City’s cobblestone streets and Montreal’s chic, snow-dusted festivities also made the list.
Here’s a closer look at each spot and why they’re considered among the best places on Earth to celebrate the holidays.
Quebec City
CN Traveller described Quebec City as one of the oldest cities in North America and gushed about its French colonial architecture, which makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a European Christmas village.
During the holidays, Old Town’s cobblestone streets are lined with shops and bistros decked out in their festive best, and the whole place glows with twinkling lights.
CN Traveller also highlighted Quebec City’s famous Au 1884 toboggan run by Château Frontenac. It’s been there since 1884 and a serious adrenaline rush, as well as a cute photo op. You can zoom down icy tracks on a wooden sled at up to 45 miles per hour, all while taking in panoramic views of the city.
When you’re ready to cozy up after a day of sledding and sightseeing, CN Traveller suggests staying at Auberge Saint-Antoine. With its roaring fireplace in the lobby, heated bathroom floors, and a Christmas package that comes with a five-course dinner, holiday movie screenings, and even a visit from Santa, it’s not hard to see why this spot got a shoutout.
Montreal
If you think you need a transatlantic flight to get a taste of Europe during the holidays, think again. CN Traveller called Montreal Canada’s “chicest” city, and during Christmas it’s like the city turns into a giant holiday snow globe.
The ranking highlights Montreal’s cozy French restaurants, stylish boutiques for those last-minute gift runs, and “over the top festivals” that also earned it a place on the publication’s Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve list.
If you’re looking for a quintessential Christmas moment, CN Traveller says attending mass at Notre Dame Basilica is a must. This place is breathtaking year-round, but it’s next-level stunning during the holidays. Plus, CN Traveller describes it as “one of the most gorgeous churches in the world.”
If you need to stay overnight, the ranking recommends Hotel Place d’Armes. Its central location means you can roll out of bed and get straight into the holiday spirit (and spend as little time as possible in the cold!).
Whether you’re a Montrealer or a Quebec City local, you’re already in one of the best places in the world to spend Christmas! So forget the long-haul flights and jet lag—your perfect holiday season is right here at home.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
