Dec 21 - Dec 26, 2024
Starting at
2,299
Québec
Fête de Noël: Christmas in Québec City
Program No. 12831RJ
From Christmas fairs and choir performances to holiday lights and a Reveillon feast, discover a blend of Old World traditions and modern culture as you celebrate the holidays in Québec.
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800-454-5768
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DATES
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PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Dec 21 - Dec 26, 2024
Starting at
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6 days
5 nights
11 meals
4B 1BR 2L 4D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Quebec City, Qc
2
World Heritage City, Musée des Beaux Arts
Quebec City, Qc
3
Then & Now, Upper Town, Fairmont Château Frontenac
Quebec City, Qc
4
Petit Champlain, Musée de Civilisation, Réveillon de Noël
Quebec City, Qc
5
Free Time, Ferry Ride, Christmas Dinner-Dance
Quebec City, Qc
6
Program Concludes
Quebec City, Qc
At a Glance
Could anything be more enchanting than celebrating the holidays in magical Old Town Québec? Elegant Québec City, capital of French Canada, celebrates the holidays with an extravaganza of Christmas lights and festivities from art and music to traditional foods and choir performances. Immerse yourself in Québec’s rich history and culture through expert-led walks and intriguing presentations. Revel in the holiday spirit with a traditional Reveillon feast and special Christmas day celebration at the magnificent Chateau Frontenac.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles per day; cobblestone streets, uneven, steep hilly terrain; many stairs, some without railings. Potentially icy, snowy winter conditions.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Discover the rich history of Québec City and learn about the role of missionaries and religious communities in the development of Québec.
- Indulge in local Québécois specialties on an exclusive visit to the Christmas Market.
- Celebrate Christmas with a grand evening of dinner, dancing, and live music in the Chateau Frontenac’s ballroom.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Chantal Bellon
A retired teacher, Chantal Bellon has lead visitors around the province of Québec, to the vibrant city of Toronto and the beautiful Niagara Falls, to the nation’s capital in Ottawa. Chantal enjoys sharing the charm and beauty of her home country with guests from around the globe and always looks forward to learning something new from them too. Although as a teacher, she primarily taught math and science, she has an eclectic love for travel, music, carpentry, and animals.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Chantal Bellon
View biography
A retired teacher, Chantal Bellon has lead visitors around the province of Québec, to the vibrant city of Toronto and the beautiful Niagara Falls, to the nation’s capital in Ottawa. Chantal enjoys sharing the charm and beauty of her home country with guests from around the globe and always looks forward to learning something new from them too. Although as a teacher, she primarily taught math and science, she has an eclectic love for travel, music, carpentry, and animals.
Clarisse Fréchette
View biography
Clarisse Frechette’s family arrived in Québec back in 1677 as shipbuilders. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and worked as a research agent for Québec’s Department of Education before taking on the role of a field manager for Statistics Quebec. Becoming an educational interpreter was second nature for Clarisse, with her love of history and certainly her love of Québec! She has explored the old streets of Québec for over 20 years. It is always her pleasure to help people discover this area.
Marie Legroulx
View biography
Marie is an eleventh-generation Quebecoise whose ancestors settled on the shores of the St. Lawrence River in the mid-17th century. She has a BA in history and an MA in Quebec literature from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Marie draws on both fields in her Road Scholar learning adventures as well as within her life more broadly. She taught French and Quebec literature for 25 years at the university level. Marie has been leading groups in Quebec City and the surrounding area since 2008.
Francois Vidal
View biography
François Vidal was born in Québec City, where he spent years studying theatre and travel. He frequently combines his education with his love for Québec City and its rich history, performing in numerous educational theatrical productions. François has been an educational interpreter in Québec City since 2009 and is well-known for his personification of historical figures including a recent production in which he portrayed General Montcalm from the French-Indian War. François displays a keen interest in the architecture, culture and lifestyle in Québec City.
Routes Adventures Mobile Phone
View biography
Please call the toll free line at 1-866-745-1690 during regular business hours or for non-urgent matters (Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:30 EST). The mobile phone #1-613-331-5777 is for after hours and weekends for emergency use only. The phone is carried by a staff member.
Suggested Reading List
(10 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Fête de Noël: Christmas in Québec City
Program Number: 12831
Wolfe at Quebec, The Man Who Won the French and Indian War
A history of British General James Wolfe's last year of life by the entertaining and informative author of "The Story of England." Hibbert traces the neurotic general's life through diaries, letters, ships' logs and firsthand accounts, painting an interesting portrait of the man who defeated French General Montcalm at Quebec.
A People's History of Quebec
A People's History of Quebecby Robin Philbot, Jacques Lacoursiere
This swift overview of Quebec’s 450-year history by a leading historian covers everything from the earliest days of colonization to the province’s recent efforts to gain independence. Includes a helpful timeline.
Christmas Stories
These choice selections, in an Everyman's pocket edition, celebrate Christmas with short fiction that includes Elizabeth Bowen's Green Holly, Dancing Dan's Christmas by Damon Runyon, A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote, Willa Cather's The Burglar's Choice, and works by Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy, John Updike, Alice Monroe, John Cheever, Grace Paley, and others.
Selected Stories
This collection of 28 short stories represents some of Munro's finest work. A powerful range of emotional, evocative tales set throughout the cities and rural towns of her native country.
Three Weeks in Quebec City: The Meeting That Made Canada
A riveting history of the earliest drafting of a Canadian national constitution during the Quebec Conference of 1864.
Champlain's Dream
In this stunningly researched and engaging biography, Pulitzer Prize-winner David Hackett Fischer weaves together the epic story of soldier and explorer Samuel de Champlain, a colonizer of North America who spent 30 years bringing his vision of a New France to life.
Surfacing
One of Atwood's earliest novels, a suspenseful yarn where a young woman becomes entangled in affairs, mysteries and the haunting draw of nature as she searches for her missing father on an island off the coast of northern Quebec.
Historical Atlas of Canada, Canada's History Illustrated With Original Maps
Covering over 1,000 years of Canadian history (from above) this historical atlas includes previously unpublished maps, charts and illustrations, newly discovered in archives and libraries from around the world.
Canada and Quebec: One Country, Two Histories
An in-depth look at Canada-Quebec relations through interviews with prominent Canadian figures. (CND69, $32.95)
Shadows on the Rock
Fictional story set in Quebec City in 1697, the early days of New France.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Quebec City, Qc
Program Concludes
Quebec City, Qc
Meals
11
| 4B |
1BR |
2L |
4D |
Activity Level
Could anything be more enchanting than celebrating the holidays in magical Old Town Québec? Elegant Québec City, capital of French Canada, celebrates the holidays with an extravaganza of Christmas lights and festivities from art and music to traditional foods and choir performances. Immerse yourself in Québec’s rich history and culture through expert-led walks and intriguing presentations. Revel in the holiday spirit with a traditional Reveillon feast and special Christmas day celebration at the magnificent Chateau Frontenac.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Discover the rich history of Québec City and learn about the role of missionaries and religious communities in the development of Québec.
- Indulge in local Québécois specialties on an exclusive visit to the Christmas Market.
- Celebrate Christmas with a grand evening of dinner, dancing, and live music in the Chateau Frontenac’s ballroom.
Featured Expert
Chantal Bellon
A retired teacher, Chantal Bellon has lead visitors around the province of Québec, to the vibrant city of Toronto and the beautiful Niagara Falls, to the nation’s capital in Ottawa. Chantal enjoys sharing the charm and beauty of her home country with guests from around the globe and always looks forward to learning something new from them too. Although as a teacher, she primarily taught math and science, she has an eclectic love for travel, music, carpentry, and animals.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Clarisse Fréchette
Clarisse Frechette’s family arrived in Québec back in 1677 as shipbuilders. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and worked as a research agent for Québec’s Department of Education before taking on the role of a field manager for Statistics Quebec. Becoming an educational interpreter was second nature for Clarisse, with her love of history and certainly her love of Québec! She has explored the old streets of Québec for over 20 years. It is always her pleasure to help people discover this area.
Marie Legroulx
Marie is an eleventh-generation Quebecoise whose ancestors settled on the shores of the St. Lawrence River in the mid-17th century. She has a BA in history and an MA in Quebec literature from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Marie draws on both fields in her Road Scholar learning adventures as well as within her life more broadly. She taught French and Quebec literature for 25 years at the university level. Marie has been leading groups in Quebec City and the surrounding area since 2008.
Francois Vidal
François Vidal was born in Québec City, where he spent years studying theatre and travel. He frequently combines his education with his love for Québec City and its rich history, performing in numerous educational theatrical productions. François has been an educational interpreter in Québec City since 2009 and is well-known for his personification of historical figures including a recent production in which he portrayed General Montcalm from the French-Indian War. François displays a keen interest in the architecture, culture and lifestyle in Québec City.
Routes Adventures Mobile Phone
Please call the toll free line at 1-866-745-1690 during regular business hours or for non-urgent matters (Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:30 EST). The mobile phone #1-613-331-5777 is for after hours and weekends for emergency use only. The phone is carried by a staff member.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles per day; cobblestone streets, uneven, steep hilly terrain; many stairs, some without railings. Potentially icy, snowy winter conditions.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(10 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
11 meals | 4B | 1BR | 2L | 4D |
2 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Quebec City, Qc
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
Meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation at 7:30 p.m. at the hotel. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Day
2
World Heritage City, Musée des Beaux Arts
Location:
Quebec City, Qc
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles; some standing on field trips. Dress in layers for winter weather, be prepared for slippery conditions, snow covered or icy terrain, some stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
A presentation and lecture at the hotel will give us an excellent overview of Québec City from its founding to the present day. We will learn about the principal historical events that occurred here. The city was awarded its World Heritage City designation in 1985 based partially on the fact of the preservation of the fortifications around the Old Town, which date from 1745. This area has a distinct European feel with its stone buildings and winding streets lined with shops and restaurants. Porte St-Louis and Porte St-Jean are the main gates through which people and traffic flow between the Upper Town and the Old Port. Next, we will board the motorcoach for a city exploration with our local expert.
Lunch:
At the Museum of Fine Arts restaurant.
Afternoon:
Explore the National Museum of Fine Arts with a museum expert who will provide an examination of the works of art on exhibit. Learn about many works from early Quebecois religious art to abstract art from the mid-20th century. We’ll return to our hotel for some free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Explore the Old City on your own: As you stroll the streets of the old city, imagine Christmas of yesteryear.
Day
3
Then & Now, Upper Town, Fairmont Château Frontenac
Location:
Quebec City, Qc
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles; some standing on field trips. Dress in layers for winter weather, be prepared for slippery conditions, snow covered or icy terrain, some stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
A presentation with a local historian will focus on the “Then and Now” in Québec and the periods of war and peace that have riddled Quebec’s history. What are some of the political and social events that have given rise to a strong nationalism and the creation of a political party whose main objective is to separate from Canada and create an independent country? Following the British conquest in 1763, French Canadians have resisted attempts of assimilation in order to ensure the survival of their distinct culture. Today, this culture is vibrant and alive, but many feel that it is continuously under pressure. This morning’s field trip will take us on a walking exploration of the Upper Town, beginning at the hotel. We will continue to Dufferin Terrace, where we will enjoy magnificent views of the mountains, the St Lawrence river.
Lunch:
At local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Stroll through the iconic Fairmont Chateâu Frontenac with a local expert and learn about the historical events and people that shaped its identity over the years. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981, the hotel was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway and its architecture influenced many of the other Canadian grand railway hotels built in the late 19th to early 20th century. We’ll return to our hotel for some free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure to enjoy the ambiance of Christmas in the Old City.
Day
4
Petit Champlain, Musée de Civilisation, Réveillon de Noël
Location:
Quebec City, Qc
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles; some standing on field trips. Getting on/off a funicular to travel between upper and lower town. Dress in layers for winter weather; be prepared for slippery conditions including snow-covered and icy terrain, and some stairs. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. While there is no dress code, participants may wish to dress up for Christmas Eve dinner; NO jeans or jean-like material.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our local expert will lead us through the Lower Town of Québec. We will visit Place Royale, lined with fine old stone merchant houses and dominated by the church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. We’ll walk through the lively commercial district of rue du Petit-Champlain, lined with craft shops and cafés. Next, with an expert, we’ll explore the Musée de la Civilisation, the city's most popular museum, located close to the historic site of Place-Royale. This internationally renowned museum features four permanent and six temporary thematic exhibitions. We will visit the permanent exhibition, “This is Our Story," which aims to familiarize visitors with the aboriginal cultures of today, their diversity, their visions of the world, and their identity processes in relation to their stories. The exhibition offers a reflection on what it means to be aboriginal in the 21st century. The grand narrative of the exhibition is based on aboriginal words. Throughout the process of creating this exhibition, the Museum collaborated with Québec’s 11 aboriginal Nations. The museum’s teams and its partner, La Boîte Rouge Vif, worked closely with aboriginal representatives on the development of the concept, the choice of themes and objects, and their descriptions and meanings. Accompanied by a docent, the visitor “meets” the aboriginals in their territory, through a storyline and through their vision of history, through what they have become beyond romanticism and prejudice, and finally, through their concerns and questions about the challenges of the future.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy the market or try one of the many bistros and restaurants in the area.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. Take in over 400 years of history in a single glance, from Québec City's highest point, the Observatory de la Capitale. Remember that winter has much to offer for outdoor lovers, and it is during the cold season that Québecers express their "Joie de Vivre". Skate in the very heart of Old Québec, next to Saint-Jean Gate, in Place d'Youville; skate rental available on site.
Dinner:
We’ll enjoy a Réveillon dinner with some traditional foods of Québec at the hotel. The Réveillon de Noël (réveillon means "to stay awake") typically begins a few hours before the Midnight Mass with a traditional feast and lasts well into the wee hours of the night. Friends and relatives, children, and adults join in traditional songs, dances, and exchanges of presents. This French-Canadian tradition, still alive today in many households, stems from centuries-old traditions imported to the New World from France. Experience a “Réveillon de Noël” in the company of newfound friends.
Evening:
At leisure. Solemn and impressive, filled with hymns of joy, the Midnight Mass reaches its high point with the procession of the Christ Child. Information on local Christmas services will be provided in the arrival package if you wish to attend.
Day
5
Free Time, Ferry Ride, Christmas Dinner-Dance
Location:
Quebec City, Qc
Meals:
BR,D
Stay:
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Dress in layers for winter weather; be prepared for slippery conditions, including snow covered and icy terrain. While there is no formal dress code in effect for Christmas Day dinner-dance at the Chateau Frontenac; most wear semi-casual to dressy attire; NO jeans or jean-like material.
Morning:
Free time to rest, attend a service, or explore Old Québec.
Brunch:
Christmas brunch at the hotel.
Afternoon:
Enjoy a spectacular view of Old Québec and it's varied architectural landscape as you cross the St. Lawrence river by ferry. Revel in the sounds of giant ice blocks colliding as you pass through the frozen river.
Dinner:
Perhaps the grandest Christmas tradition in Québec City is the annual Christmas dinner-dance at the Château Frontenac — the most photographed grand hotel in the world and a proud symbol of the city. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
Along with the fine cuisine, you’re welcome to join in the dancing as the musicians play contemporary popular music throughout the evening. Complete your Christmas Day festivities with this celebratory feast in a setting that is trés magnifique! Truly an unforgettable experience. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Quebec City, Qc
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
11 Meals
4 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
1 Brunch
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024
- Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024
- Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 8 Reviews
Sort By:
Quebec city is always beautiful but even more at Christmas. Thank you Road Scholar for highlighting the city's special characteristics.
— Review left January 2, 2024
A magical place to spend Christmas! I would do it again in a heartbeat.
— Review left December 27, 2023
A really nice Christmas adventure complete with snow, lots of great decorations, the option to attend a nearby Catholic or Anglican midnight mass, and holiday spirit! Passing through the visiting German Markets allowed for some food and Gluwein sampling. Christmas dinner at Chateau Frontenac after a guided tour of the historic grand hotel was a trip highlight. I enjoyed the historical background talks, walking tours of both upper and lower city sections, and both museum visits. Our tour of the Beaux Arts Museum included a wonderful temporary Inuit art exhibit which happened to be on the same day a blizzard with high winds passed through Quebec. The Hotel Manoir Victoria was very conveniently located. The hotel was clean, quiet, warm, and offered a really excellent breakfast buffet with a wide selection of both hot and cold foods including fine croissants daily. Paillards, nearby, proved a great and convenient stop for excellent sandwiches and pastries. Local Chantal Bellon proved to be an excellent and knowledgeable tour leader who took good care of all of us and made sure nobody got separated from the groups or lost during the city walks. Audio equipment facilitated hearing the guides. Transportation by taxi to/from the airport is easily available at a fixed price for those making their own flight arrangements. I came a day early and left a day later because of December weather uncertainties. I found it easy to book additional days directly with the hotel/Expedia a few months in advance. I enjoyed adding an inexpensive ferry crossing of the icy St. Lawrence for a panoramic city view and some exploring on my own. I brought a hiking pole with me which helped with the icy sidewalks and streets. Bring warm clothes and layers to enjoy the cold weather.
— Review left March 5, 2023
A beautiful Christmas program with delightful experiences. Only negative was the weather with a storm which nobody can control.
— Review left December 27, 2022
Quebec is a French speaking city. I do not speak French. But the language difference made the experience more interesting, not more difficult.
— Review left January 5, 2020
This experience was awesome. Quebec City is filled with old world charm. The weather was beautiful as we toured the fascinating neighborhoods with our experienced guide. Our leader, Chantal, made the trip worry-free. The highlight was the Christmas Dinner at the Chateau Frontenac. An enjoyable experience.
— Review left December 30, 2019
Everything about this program was excellent. If you are seeking inspiration for the holiday season, this is the program for you. Quebec, the city, and the people are magnificent.
— Review left December 28, 2019
If you have any curiousity about francophone Quebec, this program is for you. I did not know that 96% of Quebec City is francophone, having only been in Montreal, which is more cosmopolitan.
Read Louise Penny, Bury Your Dead, while you are there! And ask to have the Lit and His Library pointed out.
— Review left December 27, 2019
