Celebrating Christmas in Saguenay offers a magical experience where abundant snow, the enchanting landscapes of the Saguenay Fjord, and warm traditions create a unique atmosphere. Whether you want to enjoy holiday festivities, discover lively Christmas markets, taste regional specialties, or participate in the winter activities that make the region famous, Saguenay offers a multitude of authentic experiences. Between sparkling decorations, family events, and an enveloping atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to experience a memorable and completely enchanting Christmas in Quebec.
How to book the best winter activities in Saguenay?
Saguenay Aventures offers a selection of winter activities that allow you to discover Saguenay in a natural and authentic setting. Thanks to its local expertise and professional supervision, the company offers safe and immersive experiences, suitable for all types of travelers, whether beginners or adventure enthusiasts.
The activities offered include electric snowmobile rentals, dog sledding, guided hikes, and various winter getaways. These experiences allow you to fully enjoy the Saguenay winter, with family, as a couple, or with friends, while exploring the region’s iconic northern landscapes.
The 10 Best Holiday Activities in Saguenay
1. The European Christmas Market of Saguenay
- When: December 4-7 and December 11-14
The European Christmas Market of Saguenay transforms downtown Chicoutimi each winter into a true enchanted Christmas village, with its wooden cabins, magical lights, majestic Christmas tree, and warm atmosphere. You can stroll among local artisans and producers’ stalls, taste mulled wine and regional delicacies, discover original gift ideas, all while enjoying choir concerts, Christmas tales, and entertainment for young and old alike. Whether you’re with family, friends, or as a couple, it’s an unmissable event to experience the magic of the holiday season in Saguenay.
Other Christmas Markets:
- Saint-Gédéon Christmas Market (December 7): A charming market bringing together local artisans, original creations, and children’s entertainment in a warm atmosphere.
- Sainte-Rose-du-Nord Christmas Market (December 7): A traditional market located in one of Quebec’s most beautiful villages, with a choir and winter scenery worthy of a postcard.
- Hébertville-Station Christmas Market (December 13 and 14): A festive gathering highlighting regional crafts, gourmet products, and the convivial spirit of the holidays.
2. Visit Santa’s House
- When: December 19, 2025 to January 3, 2026
Santa’s House, nestled in the boreal forest near Girardville, offers a magical atmosphere where young and old become children again. You’ll meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, savor homemade treats like hot chocolate, gingerbread, and cookies, and enjoy various activities such as illuminated miniature train rides, tubing, visiting the reindeer, and discovering decorated elf houses. It’s a unique experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, whether visiting with family, as a couple, or with friends.
3. Visit Mont Édouard
During the holidays, Mont-Édouard takes on an even more magical appearance in the heart of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. The mountain is covered with an abundant blanket of snow and offers a warm atmosphere where young and old gather to fully enjoy winter. Alpine skiing days extend into a festive atmosphere, punctuated by grand landscapes overlooking the fjord and the crisp air typical of December. Whether to share a moment with family, introduce children to snow sports, or simply escape into an authentic northern setting, Mont-Édouard perfectly embodies the holiday spirit.
4. Electric Snowmobiling in Saguenay
Electric snowmobiling in Saguenay during the Christmas period is a magical and peaceful experience, perfect for experiencing the holiday spirit in a fairytale winter setting. Silent and environmentally friendly, this activity allows you to explore snowy forests and fjord panoramas in a unique northern atmosphere. The Battures Hôtel Fjord Saguenay offers a package in collaboration with Saguenay Aventures, providing a guided electric snowmobile excursion, ideal for discovering the region differently during year-end celebrations.
5. Visit the Historic Village of Val-Jalbert
Visiting the ghost village of Val-Jalbert is a plunge into Quebec’s history at the heart of a surprisingly well-preserved heritage site. This 1920s village, abandoned after its pulp mill closed, now offers a fascinating setting where period houses, industrial buildings, and streets frozen in time reveal themselves with retro charm. In winter, the magic operates even more thanks to the snow that transforms the site into a true postcard setting, with Ouiatchouan Falls remaining spectacular in all seasons.
6. Dog Sledding
Dog sledding in Saguenay is a memorable winter experience that allows you to discover the boreal forest in an authentic and immersive way. Guided by an experienced musher, you glide through snowy trails to the rhythm of the dogs, whose energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Whether for a short ride or a longer adventure, this activity offers privileged contact with nature, in the calm and beauty of winter landscapes. Perfect for families, couples, or adventure enthusiasts, dog sledding remains one of the most magical ways to experience winter in Saguenay.
7. Enjoy Ice Fishing
Enjoying ice fishing in Saguenay is one of the iconic winter experiences to have on the fjord. Auberge des Battures offers ice fishing packages directly in front of the establishment, in collaboration with Saguenay Aventures, allowing you to set up in the very heart of the fjord for complete immersion. This unique body of water is home to several sought-after species, such as redfish, cod, and Greenland halibut, with sometimes more surprising catches.
8. Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien
Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien is one of the must-see attractions of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, particularly impressive in winter when northern animals evolve in their natural snowy habitat. This immersive zoo allows you to observe iconic species up close, such as polar bears, caribou, wolves, moose, and Amur tigers, in vast environments respectful of their natural behavior. The experience is enriched by the famous Boréalium train that crosses wild zones, offering a unique viewpoint of wildlife in freedom.
9. Musée du Fjord
Musée du Fjord, located in La Baie, is an essential place to understand the history, geology, and ecological richness of the Saguenay fjord. Through interactive exhibits, living aquariums, and immersive multimedia presentations, the museum allows you to discover the fjord’s formation, the species that inhabit it, and the human stories that have shaped the region. In winter, its direct view of the snowy fjord adds an even more spectacular touch to the visit. Whether you’re passionate about nature, culture, or simply curious, Musée du Fjord offers a captivating and accessible educational experience for the whole family.
10. Snowshoeing at Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay
Snowshoeing at Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay offers a magical way to discover this iconic region in the heart of winter. The trails transform into true snowy corridors where the silence of the boreal forest and the frozen panoramas of the fjord create a magical atmosphere. Whether on the heights of Baie-Éternité, in the wooded sectors of Baie-Sainte-Marguerite, or along the lookouts accessible in winter, each snowshoe outing reveals unique viewpoints.
Looking for accommodation at the park entrance?
What to eat during the holidays at Lac-Saint-Jean?
During the holidays at Lac-Saint-Jean, tables are filled with traditional dishes that highlight regional know-how and the generosity of boreal cuisine. Here are some typical dishes found during celebrations:
- Lac-Saint-Jean tourtière: this iconic holiday dish is a deep meat pie filled with cubed meats slowly simmered in golden, fragrant pastry.
- Gourgane soup: this comforting soup made from local beans is often served as a starter to warm guests.
- Stuffed turkey: the Lac version is served with homemade accompaniments like roasted vegetables, generous stuffing, and savory gravy.
- Meatball and pork hock stew: this Quebec classic brings spice aromas and a rich texture typical of winter braised dishes to the meal.
- Cipâte (cipaille): this generous dish consists of several layers of meats slowly simmered under tender, golden pastry.
- Homemade desserts: maple taffy, fudge, donuts, and pies conclude the meal on a sweet and festive note.
- Local products: cheeses, charcuterie, breads, and terroir jams perfectly complement the holiday table.
To accompany these traditional dishes, craft beers from Lac-Saint-Jean and local wines occupy a place of honor on the holiday table. The region’s microbreweries offer warm ales, rich ambers, and boreal-inspired beers perfect for winter, while Quebec wines add a festive touch with their fruity aromas and local cuvées.
What to do in Chicoutimi: 20 must-do activities
Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Saguenay?
To celebrate New Year’s Eve in Saguenay, Resto des Battures is an ideal option. Located near the fjord, it offers a warm and elegant setting where you can enjoy a festive meal with family, friends, or as a couple. Its carefully prepared menu, service, and friendly atmosphere create the perfect atmosphere to welcome the new year. Whether you want to enjoy a gourmet meal or simply experience a memorable evening in a welcoming setting, Restaurant des Battures is a sure choice to celebrate the transition to the new year in Saguenay.
FAQ: Holidays in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
What are the best accommodation options in Saguenay for the holidays?
The best accommodation options in Saguenay for the holidays include Battures Hôtel Fjord Saguenay for its views of the fjord, Château Cran Chaud for its warm atmosphere, Auberge Balcon Blanc in Chicoutimi for its convenient location, and Auberge du Dimanche, located at the entrance to Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay.
Which villages in Saguenay offer the most beautiful Christmas decorations?
Several villages stand out during the holidays, including Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, La Baie, and L’Anse-Saint-Jean, which display lights, traditional decorations, and artisan markets in an atmosphere worthy of a Christmas movie.
Are there free Christmas activities in Saguenay?
Yes, several free activities are offered, including Christmas markets, outdoor choirs, some public sliding hills, downtown entertainment, and winter decorations accessible to all.
Are there gastronomic activities or tastings during the holidays in Saguenay?
Yes, several restaurants, microbreweries, and Christmas markets offer holiday menus, local product tastings, and themed evenings inspired by Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean traditions.
Book your Christmas vacation in Saguenay
Treat yourself to a true white Christmas in the heart of Saguenay by booking your stay at Château Cran Chaud, a charming heritage establishment located right in downtown Chicoutimi. Its warm atmosphere, comfort, and ideal location allow you to combine celebration, discovery, and nature with ease. Whether to enjoy Christmas markets, venture out on snowy trails, discover the fjord, or simply relax after a day of exploration, Château Cran Chaud is the perfect base for an unforgettable Christmas vacation.
