What’s On in the Outaouais in December
In December, the magic of the festive season begins to unfold: the streets twinkle with holiday lights and Christmas markets beckon. It’s also a time to get together with family and friends and enjoy activities that will become cherished memories. Check out our December suggestions!
Winter outings galore
Here are 100 activities to add to your bucket list so you’ll never run out of ideas for winter fun! Rediscover winter classics, whiz down the snowy slopes of the region’s ski centres, visit enchantingly gorgeous places, or go winter camping or glamping. On your own, as a couple or with your family, there’s something for everyone. Zip up your snowsuit!
At Champboisé de L’Ange-Gardien, venture into the forest and breathe in the fresh air along the 5-km trail network. Rent snowshoes on site and explore this beautiful setting. A little further on, head for the Sentiers les Renards Blancs for an excursion in the sparkling snow. Here, you can cross-country ski on 20 km of marked and groomed trails. If your energy flags, take a break at the rest area or at the shelter with a wood-burning stove.
At Vorlage Center, go alpine ski touring all the way to the top of the mountain. The T-bar whisks you to the summit so you can make more runs, while the Grand Climb offers a longer, more progressive workout. These two new official trails are just waiting for your ski tracks! If you prefer downhill skiing, take to the 18 runs and try out the renovated snow park for a blast of adrenalin. Looking for even more exhilarating activities? This winter, the mountain bike trails will be open for fatbiking and snowshoeing. Vorlage is your one-stop shop for tonnes of fun!
Stay at the Chalet de la Colonie, where you’ll be wrapped in a warm and cozy atmosphere. Drink hot chocolate by the fire, play table hockey, and unwind in the hot tub. The next day, head to the Sommet Edelweiss tubing park.
Register now for the Canadian Ski Marathon (February 7–9), North America’s oldest cross-country ski event. Register before December 11 to save with the early bird rate. Share your passion for the sport with other cross-country ski enthusiasts.
Until December 1 included, take advantage of the first discounted rate to register at the Gatineau Loppet. Take part in this great cross-country skiing event that will take place from February 14 to 16, 2025. Hours of fun await you on the snowy trails of beautiful Gatineau Park. Are you ready for the different racing challenges and fairytale landscapes? Registration is open until the day of the event.
In December, Tout culture invites you to discover the Minotaure‘s program for your next outing. From themed evenings such as Tuesday quizzes and Thursday karaoke to concerts, there’s something for everyone!
Before the show, book a table at the Meule et Caquelon restaurant. Enjoy a Swiss fondue, a Chinese fondue or an island surf ‘n’ turf raclette, and end your meal on a sweet note with a decadent chocolate fondue with fruit.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Are you visiting Gatineau for the holidays? Enjoy a comfortable stay at Motel Adam, located near downtown Gatineau. Stay overnight in a modern room at an affordable price. Whether you’re going alone, as a couple or with your family, the property has all the amenities you need to make your stay a pleasant one. In just a few minutes, you can reach the shopping malls and many events organized for the holiday season. Finish up your Christmas shopping and find the best gifts for your loved ones. It’s a convenient starting point to explore the shops and immerse yourself in the season’s holiday cheer!
Dive into the magic of the holidays with Santa Clöz: La Comédie Musicale, an enchanting 60-minute comedy show at the Théâtre de l’Île, from December 21 to 29! This musical adventure is perfect for the whole family and will take you into the wacky world of Santa Claus. Enjoy laughter and songs to celebrate the holiday spirit in an intimate setting. Don’t miss this magical experience!
On December 21, be moved by the sound of the legendary Handel’s Messiah performed by the Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau. Let yourself be carried away by the grandeur of this timeless baroque work and its famous Hallelujah, renowned for its power and majesty. Don’t miss a musical evening to celebrate the holiday season with flair and emotion!
On December 7, take a festive break at the Espace Canevas, where you’ll find the Troc de jouets – Une pause pour les lutins! Come and exchange toys in good condition and make children happy while reducing waste. This is the perfect opportunity to prepare for the holidays in an eco-responsible way, and in a friendly and warm atmosphere!
If you’ve got your holiday celebrations all organized, it’s time to get down to business. Check out our local Christmas gift guide to find fabulous boutiques stocked with products proudly made in Quebec.
Habitude Design is one great place to find local products. Delight your loved ones with a sweatshirt from the #OutaouaisFun collection, a beauty treatment, a book by a Quebec author, a gift box of gourmet products, and more. You’ll find a wide range of original gift ideas!
From December 1 to 3 and December 8 to 10, find your local gifts at the Montebello Christmas Market. Visit some 40 local artisans and producers, and enjoy free shows and entertainment for the whole family. On the main street, discover nearly a dozen boutiques, including Lavandine et Cie and La Belle Pâtissière.
On the weekend of December 1 to 3, celebrate A Magical Christmas in Chelsea. On Friday evening, join Santa and his guests for the lighting of the Christmas tree. The next day, admire the floats in the illuminated parade, attend the music concert and go skating in the evening.
For even more places to experience the magic of the festive season, consult the Outaouais Christmas markets calendar for information about the many markets throughout the region.
Events for all tastes
On December 1, test your knowledge and have fun during the Pärlé – Bistro ludique trivia night! Team up with your friends and immerse yourself in a warm atmosphere of challenges, laughter and competition. Spend a lively evening with friends and warm up this early December!
On December 2, meet at À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale for an evening of refreshing humour! Come and laugh out loud in a warm and friendly atmosphere, and taste the tasty craft beers of the house. Perfect for an outing with friends, this evening promises to chase away the cold of December with bursts of laughter and sips of happiness!
On December 3, enjoy a unique experience with Yoga & Cocktails at the Distillerie du Square! Enjoy a relaxing yoga session followed by artisanal cocktails for a wellness break in a unique setting. Then, on December 15, let your creativity run wild at a candle-making workshop, ideal for personalized gifts or simply to spoil yourself.
Immerse yourself in a warm evening with Chanté and Kev at the Pêle Mêle Pub—Agora! This dynamic duo will captivate you with catchy rhythms and a perfect festive atmosphere to start the holiday season. Get ready to get excited and create unforgettable memories in a welcoming setting.
Give your creativity free rein every Monday in December at Espace DEP Sylvestre! Participate in La ruche d ‘art, a creative journalling workshop where colours and inspiration meet. Come alone or with friends to explore your artistic side in a welcoming and judgment-free environment.
From December 7 through January 7, take part in Winter Lights Across Canada. Stroll along Confederation Boulevard to admire the hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights that form the Pathway of lights.
Dive into the history and iconic architecture of the Parliament of Canada with guided tours. Enjoy a unique immersive experience, then stop by the souvenir shop to bring back a small piece of Canadian heritage. Between December 18 and January 25, visits also take place on weekdays. Tickets are available online!
On December 19, let yourself be surprised by the talent of local artists during the Microbrewery 5e Baron’s Open Mic! Singers, musicians and poets will follow one another for a friendly and eclectic evening. Come and encourage the region’s talents and enjoy the warm atmosphere of this must-see place.
Finish the year in style with a painting night at Artsykearns Studio on December 27. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, express your creativity while being guided by a local artist in a friendly atmosphere. Leave with your personal masterpiece, and festive souvenirs as a bonus!
The 2024 Gatineau Playground Festival runs from December 27 to 30 at the Branchaud-Brière Complex. Encourage your children to burn off some energy in 6,200 square metres of games and fun activities!
For even more suggestions, check out the full program on our Events and Festivals page.
STUNNING MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS
From December 6, let yourself be amazed by Butterflies in Flight, the temporary exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature! Step into an enchanted space where hundreds of colourful butterflies swirl around you. Discover these fascinating creatures up close, learn about their life cycles and admire their delicate beauty. An immersive experience that will delight both young and old!
Until January 5, head over to the Canadian War Museum and visit the Outside the Lines – Women Artists and War exhibition. Discover the unique vision of women artists in the face of conflict, a fascinating and often overlooked perspective. Immerse yourself in these powerful works before they leave the walls of the museum and let yourself be touched by stories and emotions captured through the eyes of these talented creators.
Visit the exhibition Oh crap! Rethinking human waste, a bold exhibition from the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Explore human waste management from a new angle and discover innovative solutions for turning waste into useful resources. Take a moment to rethink our environmental impact in a humorous and thoughtful way! Hurry, the exhibition ends on January 5.
PERFORMANCES THAT WILL SET THE STAGE ON FIRE
On December 3, let yourself be seduced by the original humour of Josiane Aubuchon at Cabaret La Basoche! In this intimate place in the heart of Old Aylmer, enjoy an evening of laughter and good spirits. Josiane, with her unique style and hilarious anecdotes, promises to warm up your winter and give you memorable show!
Get ready for unforgettable musical evenings at the Théâtre de l’hôtel—Casino Lac-Leamy. Let yourself be carried away by the ELVIS EXPERIENCE—The Final Act Blue Christmas and groove to the rhythm of New Orleans Blues. Be sure to book your tickets for these shows filled with nostalgia and musical passion.
Relive the greatest successes of Creedence Clearwater Revival with the CCR Rebord band on December 7 in St-André! Immerse yourself in the classic rock universe and let CCR’s famous songs take you away. Rock fans and fans of good music won’t want to miss it.
MORE TO DISCOVER IN THE OUTAOUAIS
Treat yourself to the Asian flavours of Souche-i restaurant, located in a century-old house in the picturesque village of Montebello. Pair your meal with a rich, refreshing beer from Les Brasseurs de Montebello. In Gatineau, grab a bite to eat at Café Cognac. Get together with friends on Thursday evenings for all-you-can-eat mussels and fries! This is definitely the place for fans of bistro-style comfort food.
+
Discover all the Outaouais has to offer by visiting the Things to do page.
