The festive season is here, Saguenay! Let our guide help you find all the holiday excitement. For Saguenay natives and holiday explorers, this guide is your path to the city's seasonal magic.
One highlight of the winter festivities is the Carnaval du Québec, where vibrant parades and lively music create a captivating atmosphere for all. With its enchanting light displays and family-friendly activities, the Cavalcade of Lights adds a sprinkle of charm to the city. And the Toronto Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a blend of unique crafts and delicious seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Saguenay
- Carnaval du Québec (Quebec City)
- Cavalcade of Lights (Toronto)
- Winterlude (Ottawa)
- Santa Claus Parade (Toronto)
- Toronto Christmas Market (Toronto)
- Winter Festival of Lights (Niagara Falls)
- MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE (Montreal)
- WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan)
- Marché de noël allemand de Québec (Quebec City)
- Igloofest (Montreal)
See these and even more events listed below!
Saguenay Holiday Light Displays
Cavalcade of Lights
What to Expect:
Annual lighting of the city's official Christmas tree.
Description:
The Cavalcade of Lights is a glittering winter festival that has brought holiday cheer to Torontonians since 1967. It features an unforgettable opening night celebration with live performances and the lighting of the city's official Christmas tree. The event offers nightly ice skating and festive light installations throughout the holiday season.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Cavalcade of Lights
Winter Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular light displays and interactive exhibits.
Description:
The Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls features over 3 million lights and 75+ displays along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands, and tourist districts. This annual event transforms the city into a vibrant winter spectacle with interactive exhibits and the Hot Chocolate Trail.
Where: Niagara Falls | More Info: Winter Festival of Lights
Saguenay Holiday Markets and Shopping
Marché de noël allemand de Québec
What to Expect:
Traditional German delicacies and local Quebec products.
Description:
The German Christmas Market in Québec City transforms Old Québec into a vibrant holiday destination with over 90 exhibitors offering local Quebec products, traditional German delicacies, and unique gift ideas. Enjoy family-friendly activities, gourmet treats, and festive atmosphere across five beautifully illuminated sites.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Marché de noël allemand de Québec
Le Grand Marché de noël
What to Expect:
Local artisans and seasonal produce in a festive marketplace setting.
Description:
Le Grand Marché de noël offers a vibrant holiday experience with local artisans, seasonal produce, and festive atmosphere.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Le Grand Marché de noël
Toronto Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with live entertainment.
Description:
The Toronto Christmas Market is a festive holiday event held in the Distillery District, featuring unique handcrafted items, artisan vendors, and a variety of sweet treats. The market offers ongoing entertainment, including carolers, choirs, and brass bands, and is accessible via multiple public transportation routes.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Toronto Christmas Market
Holiday Fair in the Square
What to Expect:
Artisan marketplace with Santa visit.
Description:
Holiday Fair in the Square is a free event at Mel Lastman Square featuring an artisan marketplace, a Fireside Lounge with hot chocolate and mulled wine, and a visit with Santa.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Holiday Fair in the Square
Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
What to Expect:
Community-driven market with diverse local vendors and activities.
Description:
The Winter Market at Evergreen Brick Works is a vibrant gathering where attendees can shop from over 60 local vendors, enjoy diverse food options, and participate in engaging activities like cooking workshops and children's crafts. The event fosters community connection and supports local artisans.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
Saguenay Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Cathédrale Holy Trinity
What to Expect:
Historic Anglican cathedral with royal silver and stained glass.
Description:
The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Quebec City is the first Anglican cathedral built outside the British Isles. Nestled in the heart of Old Quebec, it serves as the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Quebec, featuring a refined Palladian style and historic elements such as royal silver and English stained glass windows.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Cathédrale Holy Trinity
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with ice-skating and live shows.
Description:
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland features ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, over a dozen live shows, exciting rides, and millions of spectacular lights. Explore larger-than-life themed areas, participate in holiday activities, enjoy festive food, and shop seasonal merchandise.
Where: Vaughan | More Info: WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Live performance by Chantal Kreviazuk and festive lighting display.
Description:
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic features a free outdoor concert and tree lighting ceremony, headlined by JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk, with complimentary refreshments and holiday lights in Village of Yorkville Park and along Bloor Street.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with live performances and elaborate decorations.
Description:
Casa Loma transforms into a holiday spectacle with a 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall and eight signature trees by Canadian designers. The event features live theatrical performances, festive arts and crafts, and visits with Santa in his castle workshop.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma
The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada is a spectacular family production set in 19th-century Russia. Siblings Marie and Misha embark on a fantastical journey after their mysterious Uncle Nikolai brings a beautiful nutcracker doll to their Christmas Eve party. The ballet features Tchaikovsky's famous score, magnificent sets, and costumes, and introduces the children to magical creatures and savoury treats as they journey to the glittering land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Where: Toronto | More Info: The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Iconic parade with over 119 years of tradition.
Description:
The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is a historic event that brings people together to celebrate the holiday season with colorful floats, marching bands, celebrity clowns, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Santa Claus Parade
MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
What to Expect:
Combining performing arts, gastronomy, and light displays.
Description:
MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE is a 10-day winter festival celebrating light shows, live music, performance arts, and fine food and wine. The event transforms Montreal's Quartier des Spectacles into a vibrant destination with free outdoor activities, including circus acts, street theatre, and illuminated shows.
Where: Montreal | More Info: MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
Saguenay Other Holiday Activities
Toboggan Festival
What to Expect:
Historic, high-speed toboggan ride.
Description:
The Toboggan Slide Au 1884 is a century-old attraction on Dufferin Terrace, offering thrilling rides down icy slopes at speeds of up to 70 km/h. This traditional toboggan run is one of the oldest in town, providing a rush for all ages.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Toboggan Festival
Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral
What to Expect:
Historic site with the Holy Door.
Description:
The Basilica-Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Québec is a historic and culturally significant site in Old Québec, featuring stunning interior decorations, works of art, and the tomb of Saint François de Laval. It is also home to the Holy Door, a unique feature recognized worldwide.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral
Drink at Miracle Montreal
What to Expect:
Unique holiday cocktails in a nostalgic setting.
Description:
At Miracle Montreal, immerse yourself in a nostalgic Christmas setting with unique cocktails and festive decor. Enjoy professionally developed holiday drinks in a cozy, holiday-themed environment.
Where: Montreal | More Info: Drink at Miracle Montreal
Igloofest
What to Expect:
Unique winter electronic music festival with icy decor and local talent.
Description:
Igloofest is a 12-day outdoor electronic music festival in Montreal's Old Port, featuring a diverse lineup of local and international DJs, striking architectural visuals, and a playful Igloovillage.
Where: Montreal | More Info: Igloofest
Carnaval du Québec
What to Expect:
World's largest winter carnival with diverse activities for all ages.
Description:
The Carnaval du Québec is an outdoor festival celebrating winter and Nordic culture, featuring ice and snow sculptures, musical evenings, and two magical night parades.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Carnaval du Québec
Winterlude
What to Expect:
Cultural and artistic winter celebration with ice sculptures and skating.
Description:
Winterlude is a celebration of Canadian culture and winter activities in Ottawa, featuring ice sculptures, skating on the Rideau Canal, and diverse cultural performances.