Canadian city once again among world's most magical Christmas destinations
You’ll feel the Christmas spirit in no time with this year’s top 20 holiday destinations, including one right here in Canada.
For those planning a Christmas getaway somewhere festive, Travel + Leisure has revealed its list of destinations, and one of them is a can’t-miss spot in Canada.
“For some people, the perfect Christmas vacation involves fully leaning into winter on a snowy mountain somewhere, curled up next to a crackling fire,” reads the list. “Others prefer to lounge on a beach as far away from cold weather as possible. Wherever you choose to spend ‘the most wonderful time of year,’ you’re likely to find some version of holiday cheer.”
This year, Quebec City is once again Travel + Leisure’s pick as one of the most spectacular places to spend Christmas. Its main draw: its European charm and proximity for travellers who live in North America, making it a much more budget-friendly option.
“In that case, this is also one of the cheapest places to travel for Christmas nearby, especially when you consider that the U.S. dollar is more valuable against the Canadian dollar,” reads the post.
View this post on Instagram
From festive markets to winter activities, there’s no shortage of things to do in Quebec City during the holidays.
Don’t miss the Québec City German Christmas Market, which will remain open this year until Dec. 23. Set in the heart of Old Quebec, it recreates the atmosphere of major European Christmas markets. Expect live performances and wooden kiosks that sell everything from homeware to sweet treats.
bonjourquebec.com
And according to Travel + Leisure, you can’t spend Christmas in Quebec City without ice skating at Place D’Youville, which offers a scenic view of the city. According to the website, admission is free, and ice skating rental services are available.
Another must-try winter activity that’s unique to Quebec City: Au 1884.
There’s tobogganing, and then there’s tobogganing on the century-old slide on Dufferin Terrace, which overlooks the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel. Each toboggan fits four passengers, making it a great activity for families or friends looking to enjoy a classic winter tradition together.
@au1884/Instagram
Other holiday destinations on the list include:
- Jackson Hole, Wyo., U.S.
- New York City, N.Y., U.S.
- Beaver Creek, Colo., U.S.
- Highlands, N.C., U.S.
- Solvang, Calif., U.S.
- Stowe, Vt., U.S.
- Washington, D.C., U.S.
- Florida Keys, Fla., U.S.
- Santa Fe, N.M., U.S.
- Bruges, Belgium
- Salzburg, Austria
- Bavaria, Germany
- Rovaniemi, Finland
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- London, U.K.
- Saint Lucia
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- The Bahamas
- The Maldives
Read more about it here.