Discover the magic of the holidays in Shawinigan with our detailed event guide. Whether you're a Shawinigan veteran or a rookie, this guide helps you navigate the holiday hustle and bustle.
Popular Events: Experience the charm of the Marché de noël allemand de Québec, where festive lights and artisanal crafts create a delightful atmosphere. The Toboggan Festival offers exhilarating fun with ice slides for all ages, perfect for making winter memories. And definitely don't forget the Le Grand Marché de noël, featuring local vendors showcasing seasonal delicacies and unique gifts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Shawinigan
- Marché de noël allemand de Québec (Quebec City)
- Toboggan Festival (Quebec City)
- Le Grand Marché de noël (Quebec City)
- Guided Tours of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (Quebec City)
- Toboggan Slide on Dufferin Terrace (Quebec City)
- Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral (Quebec City)
- Cathédrale Holy Trinity (Quebec City)
- Aquarium du Québec (Quebec City)
- Observatoire de la Capitale (Quebec City)
- Terrasse Pierre Dugua-de-mons (Quebec City)
See these and even more events listed below!
Shawinigan Holiday Light Displays
Winter Glow
What to Expect:
18th-century holiday experience with lantern-lit historic area.
Description:
At Winter Glow, Mount Vernon is transformed into a festive holiday setting with brilliant lights, historic spaces aglow, and 18th-century entertainment. Enjoy s'mores, holiday shopping, and activities for all ages amidst the estate's illuminated landscape.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Winter Glow
Christmas Illuminations
What to Expect:
Historic estate illuminated with wintry lights and fireworks.
Description:
At Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon, visitors can stroll through the lantern-lit Historic Area, see the Mansion aglow in amber light, and enjoy the Upper Garden and Greenhouse with moving wintry light patterns. The event features classic holiday music, patriotic inspirational quotes, and stunning fireworks over the Potomac River. Guests can also explore an 18th-century winter encampment, visit a working blacksmith shop, and meet Aladdin the Camel.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Christmas Illuminations
Shawinigan Holiday Markets and Shopping
Marché de noël allemand de Québec
What to Expect:
Local Quebec products and traditional German glühwein in bottle.
Description:
The German Christmas Market in Québec City transforms Old Québec into a vibrant holiday village with five beautifully illuminated sites. Enjoy family-friendly activities, gourmet treats, and unique gift ideas.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Marché de noël allemand de Québec
Le Grand Marché de noël
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local products and community activities.
Description:
Le Grand Marché de Québec offers a diverse array of local products, including fresh produce, artisanal goods, and gourmet foods. Visitors can explore the market's various stalls, meet local producers, and enjoy a variety of activities and events.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Le Grand Marché de noël
Fur Trade Christmas
What to Expect:
Special Christmas market and outdoor winter activities.
Description:
The Fur Trade Christmas at Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is a free event sponsored by the Confluence Heritage Society. It features a special Christmas market and fun outdoor winter activities.
Where: Rocky Mountain House | More Info: Fur Trade Christmas
Shawinigan Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Cathédrale Holy Trinity
What to Expect:
Historic Anglican cathedral with royal silver and change-ringing bells.
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 two parishes. The cathedral boasts a refined Palladian style, with a triangular pediment supported by four columns and a bell tower housing eight English change-ringing bells. It also houses a collection of royal silver given by King George III and hosts guided tours to explore its rich history.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Cathédrale Holy Trinity
Victorian Christmas
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed holiday celebration with live music and games.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at the Halifax Citadel with Victorian music, games, and Father Christmas. Enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with holiday cheer.
Where: Halifax | More Info: Victorian Christmas
Shawinigan 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 Quebec City's Dufferin Terrace, offering thrilling rides down icy slopes at speeds of up to 70 km/h. It is open from mid-December to mid-March and accommodates up to four passengers per toboggan.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Toboggan Festival
Toboggan Slide on Dufferin Terrace
What to Expect:
Historic, thrilling toboggan rides down icy slopes.
Description:
The toboggan slide on Dufferin Terrace in Quebec City is a historic attraction dating back to 1884. It offers thrilling rides down icy slopes at speeds of up to 70 km/h, accommodating up to four passengers per toboggan. The slide is accessible from mid-December to mid-March, weather permitting.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Toboggan Slide on Dufferin Terrace
Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral
What to Expect:
Historic neo-Gothic architecture with a unique Holy Door.
Description:
Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral is a historic and culturally significant site in Old Quebec, featuring stunning architecture, beautiful works of art, and a Holy Door. The Basilica welcomes visitors throughout the year and offers various activities including concerts, recitals, and exhibitions.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral
Aquarium du Québec
What to Expect:
Immersive marine experience with interactive exhibits.
Description:
The Aquarium du Québec offers an immersive marine experience with over 10,000 specimens of native and exotic fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and marine mammals. Visitors can explore both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including polar bears, seals, and jellyfish. The aquarium also features interactive activities and educational programs.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Aquarium du Québec
Observatoire de la Capitale
What to Expect:
Panoramic views of Quebec City with interactive historical exhibits.
Description:
The Observatoire de la Capitale offers a 360-degree view of Quebec City from the 31st floor of the Marie-Guyart building. Visitors can enjoy unique vistas of the city, its winding streets, the St. Lawrence River, and two mountain ranges. The Horizons discovery experience provides insights into the history and identity of Quebec City.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Observatoire de la Capitale
Terrasse Pierre Dugua-de-mons
What to Expect:
Panoramic views of Quebec City's landmarks.
Description:
Terrasse Pierre Dugua-de-mons offers panoramic views of Quebec City, including the Château Frontenac and the Saint Lawrence River. This lookout point is named after Pierre Dugua de Mons, a key figure in the founding of Quebec, and features a statue of him. The area is known for its stunning geological formations and historical significance.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Terrasse Pierre Dugua-de-mons
Guided Tours of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
What to Expect:
Insight into the hotel's historical significance and architectural development.
Description:
Explore the rich history and architectural evolution of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac during a guided tour. Learn about the famous people and historical events that have shaped the hotel's identity over the years.
Where: Quebec City | More Info: Guided Tours of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Victorian Christmas
What to Expect:
Guided tours of a meticulously restored Victorian home with old-fashioned hot drinks.
Description:
Explore the Victorian home of Sir George-Étienne Cartier, adorned with vintage ornaments, and learn about the origins and traditions of a 19th-century bourgeois Christmas through guided tours and the service of old-fashioned hot drinks.
Where: Montreal | More Info: Victorian Christmas
Banff Winter Carnival
What to Expect:
Unique blend of snow sculptures and outdoor winter activities.
Description:
The SnowDays Winter Festival in Banff is a celebration of winter with snow and ice sculptures, live performances, and outdoor activities. Enjoy snow sculptures throughout town, the SnowDays Play Zone, and Skijoring on Banff Avenue.
Where: Banff | More Info: Banff Winter Carnival
Thanks to nature
What to Expect:
Gratitude-focused activities in a national park setting.
Description:
Join special activities at La Mauricie National Park dedicated to thanking nature for its year-round contributions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Where: La Mauricie National Park, Shawinigan | More Info: Thanks to nature
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Immersive historical tour with costumed actors and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Join a candlelit guided tour of George Washington's estate to learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. Meet 18th-century residents, visit the Slave Quarters, outbuildings, and Washington's Mansion, and enjoy live music, cider, and cookies.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Holiday Tea at Mount Vernon
What to Expect:
Elegant tea service in a historic setting.
Description:
Savor the elegance of Mount Vernon's Holiday Tea, featuring exquisite teas, delicate finger foods, and a serene atmosphere amidst historic gardens.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Holiday Tea at Mount Vernon
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Trois-Rivieres (18 miles)
- Sorel-Tracy (40 miles)