Last year, my husband and I decided to give each other the gift of making merry in special holiday places, instead of things. 
About mid-December, we headed north to magical Quebec City for four fabulous days. Have you ever been? It’s très French, one of North America’s oldest European cities, and is packed with incredible restaurants and little shops.
It’s also the most beautiful holiday setting at Christmastime. I even got to visit with the jolly ‘ol elf himself — Pere Noel (he’s bilingual by the way)! Magical Quebec City is the perfect destination for a massive dose of holiday spirit during the Christmas season.
Since my blog was brand new a year ago, very few followers were on board and saw this three-part travel log. So, today I’m taking you back with me to visit Canada.Then we head south for a quick stop in Charleston for Thanksgiving; another enchanting old city to celebrate the holidays and make merry.
Let’s begin with a Christmas Card from Old Quebec City. Bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and curl up by the fire — or under a cozy throw.
The first part of this post summarizes highlights of a three-part series on magical Quebec City during the holidays. Click on any photo to read and see much more. Each post includes many more photos, along with trip details on accommodations, restaurants, and activities.
Eat, Drink and Make Merry
After arriving in the early afternoon, we headed out through deep snow for lunch at a charming cafe. While sitting next to a warm, glowing fire, we enjoyed hearing everyone else chatting in French. Pointing, pantomime, and a little of my high school French, rewarded us with a delicious, filling meal.
We spent the first afternoon settling in, exploring the many shops and enjoying a gourmet dinner at our lovely inn.
Afterwards, we headed out hand-in-hand to experience a picture-perfect Christmas Card from Old Quebec City.
As darkness fell, lights twinkled everywhere under a blanket of snow.
Explore. Shop. Dine. Repeat.
There’s so much to see and experience when you Stroll Lower Quebec City During the Holidays.
Lots of unique little shops with one-of-a-kind, locally made items line cobblestone streets.
And, you can easily move between upper and lower Quebec City on a funicular with stunning views. The St. Lawrence Seaway and old port area lie below.
And, did I already mention all the charming, intimate taverns, bars, cafes and restaurants? We ate out three times a day and went for drinks before and after dinner. Not enough mealtimes to cover all the great dining establishments, LOL!
Winter Wonderland
On our last full day, we decided to brave the elements and take part in activities like the locals. Right after breakfast, we headed to the funicular to Embrace the Season in Upper Quebec City.
First stop was a traditional German Christmas Market in the Upper City. It was very cold, but the winds had quieted down. Warm cider or hot chocolate by an open fire was just the thing.
Fortified, we had a romantic skate to holiday music — in French. It was really fun! Neither of us fell once, even though it had been well over a decade since we’d been on skates.
After another fabulous lunch in the oldest restaurant in the magical Quebec City, we decided to brave a toboggan ride. A three-lane run sits adjacent to the fairy tale Chateau Frontenac. It sits on the bluff, overlooking the seaway.
Then we walked the winding streets back down to the old port area and our hotel. Along the way, we stopped in at the French Christmas Market.
And yes, the evening featured yet another incredible meal and stroll through magical Quebec City. I hope you’ll consider taking the entire three-part, magical experience with me. You might even run into Pere Noel, ho, ho ho!
- Christmas Card from Old Quebec City
- Stroll Lower Quebec City During the Holidays
- Embrace the Season in Upper Quebec City
Next post will feature my kitchen decorated for the holidays — if I can get my act together! I’m still regrouping from a wonderful Thanksgiving spent at my sister’s place in Charleston. Still gotta deck the halls back home in Pittsburgh!
Feeling Thankful in Charleston
B and M knocked themselves out housing, feeding and entertaining us all. It was a lot warmer in Charleston, but overcast. We were able to take the boat out before strong winds arrived later in the week. An amazing experience was seeing ten different dolphins!
The morning of Thanksgiving, we all cheered on four family runners in the Turkey Trot 5K.
Then, everyone helped out with the Thanksgiving feast. My hubby baked pumpkin pies and son D made his iron-skillet brussels sprouts. Will it surprise you that one of my contributions was setting the tables? I wish I had taken pictures of some of the family heirlooms sis has — particularly the crystal and sterling.
There were also lots of different games played around the table throughout the holiday visit. We are four-generations of gamers! My oldest son always brings several new ones to try.
Mayflower Connections
Part of my gift to my brother-in-law and his extended family was a genealogy discovery I’ve kept secret for months. It’s been killing me! After dinner, I finally sprang the surprise.
M and his brother (and all their kids, etc.) are descended from three of the original pilgrims who came over on the Mayflower! Not only did all three survive to celebrate the first Thanksgiving, but Elder William Brewster was their spiritual leader. His daughter married Thomas Prence, the man who became the first governor of the colony of Massachusetts.
Not only that, but all four are also ancestors of my other brother-in-law and nephews! So both brother-in-laws are related back to the Mayflower. How cool is that?
Do you have Mayflower connections in your family tree?
On Friday we went into Charleston to explore. There, we broke into groups to test our skills in a one-hour escape room. Each had a different theme. My team solved all the puzzles with just 30 seconds to spare! Whew. It was a blast.
Have you ever tried an escape room? It’s a great family group activity.
Afterwards, we stopped by the art gallery where my niece works. We even got to help bring home the family Christmas tree. Back home it was more group games and lots of fun.
I hope your Thanksgiving and upcoming Christmas are filled with family and fun. Do you travel for the holidays?
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I regularly participate in: Tablescape Thursdays, Metamorphosis Mondays, Merry Monday, Celebrate & Decorate, Beautifully Made, Share Your Style, The Scoop, Thursday Favorite Things, Saturday Sparks, Dishing It & Digging It, and Snickerdoodle Sundays
You are too cute for words, as are the boys in your family. All of them.
The Canada trip is my idea of Christmas. Cold with snow. The kind that crunches under your feet. Wool socks on your feet under snow boots. Hot chocolate Swiss style, maybe late afternoon add a touch of brandy. Walking, window shopping until your nose says “Back to the hotel”. Heavenly.
Never been to Charleston in winter, but I can’t think there is ever a bad season for that lovely city.
Thanks for bringing me back home for Christmas.
Here in North Georgia I’m being overrun by peacocks. They are everywhere this year. Will have to rein them before the weekend when the deer show up.
Hi K! Glad you enjoyed the travel log. Charleston is indeed lovely, but particularly because we are lucky to have family there. My peacock Christmas decorations are MIA right now. While trying to regroup from being out of town, my website was attacked and I’ve been buried trying to deal with all the tech issues that are way over my head. Normally, I’d be decking the halls this week.
Great post. Did no one get pictures of the beautiful table?
All too busy enjoying family and food to get pix I guess!