Unwrap the festive magic of Saguenay with our detailed event guide. From Saguenay aficionados to curious newcomers, our guide showcases the best of the holiday season.
One of the highlights is the Grand Marché de Noël de Saguenay, where twinkling lights and local crafts bring holiday cheer. Experience the charm of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Christmas Village with its picturesque decorations and joyful ambiance. And Christmas at the Museum is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a unique blend of tradition and history. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Saguenay
- Grand Marché de Noël de Saguenay
- Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Christmas Village
- Christmas at the museum (Chicoutimi)
- Christmas Lights Display
- Festive Food and Wine Tasting
- Yuletide Puppet Theatre (Jonquière)
- Winter Wonderland Snow Sculpting
See these and even more events listed below!
Saguenay Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Display
What to Expect:
Incorporates local landmarks into the light display
Description:
Saguenay's Christmas Lights Display illuminates the city with a dazzling array of lights that showcase local landmarks. This innovative display transforms familiar sights into glowing works of art, creating a unique cityscape. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour to discover illuminated representations of Saguenay's most iconic structures. The display pays homage to the region's industrial heritage, incorporating themes from its aluminum production history. As you explore, the city's architecture takes on new life, bathed in the warm glow of thousands of twinkling lights.
Where: Saguenay | More Info: Christmas Lights Display
Saguenay Holiday Markets and Shopping
Grand Marché de Noël de Saguenay
What to Expect:
Largest Christmas market in the Saguenay region
Description:
The Grand Marché de Noël de Saguenay transforms the heart of Saguenay into a bustling holiday bazaar. This expansive market showcases over 100 local artisans and producers, offering a treasure trove of unique gifts and regional delicacies. Visitors can sample traditional Québécois treats while browsing handcrafted goods. The market's roots trace back to early French-Canadian holiday traditions, blending old-world charm with contemporary flair. As you explore, the aroma of freshly baked pastries fills the air, enticing you to indulge in the flavors of the season.
Where: Saguenay | More Info: Grand Marché de Noël de Saguenay
Saguenay Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Yuletide Puppet Theatre
What to Expect:
Combines traditional puppetry with Québécois folklore
Description:
Jonquière's Yuletide Puppet Theatre brings Québécois folklore to life through the art of puppetry. This unique performance blends traditional marionette techniques with local legends and holiday stories. Skilled puppeteers animate characters from Saguenay's rich cultural tapestry, creating a captivating visual spectacle. Visitors can witness the intricate craftsmanship of the puppets up close after the show. The theatre draws inspiration from the region's storytelling traditions, preserving and reimagining tales that have been passed down for generations.
Where: Jonquière | More Info: Yuletide Puppet Theatre
Saguenay Other Holiday Activities
Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Recreates a traditional Québécois Christmas village
Description:
Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Christmas Village transports visitors to a bygone era of Québécois holiday celebrations. This immersive experience recreates a 19th-century village, complete with period-costumed interpreters and traditional crafts demonstrations. The village showcases the region's rich cultural heritage, offering insights into historical Christmas customs. Visitors can participate in candle-making workshops, learning age-old techniques passed down through generations. The village's design draws inspiration from the area's early settlements, providing an authentic glimpse into Saguenay's past.
Where: Saguenay | More Info: Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Christmas Village
Christmas at the museum
What to Expect:
Combines art and history with holiday themes
Description:
Christmas at the museum in Chicoutimi offers a unique blend of art, history, and holiday cheer. The museum curates special exhibits that explore the evolution of Christmas traditions in the Saguenay region. Visitors can admire vintage decorations and learn about local customs that have shaped the area's holiday celebrations. The museum's halls resound with the soft melodies of traditional Québécois carols, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia. You'll discover how Indigenous and French-Canadian cultures have influenced the region's Christmas practices over the centuries.
Where: Chicoutimi | More Info: Christmas at the museum
Festive Food and Wine Tasting
What to Expect:
Focuses on pairing regional wines with traditional Québécois holiday dishes
Description:
Saguenay's Festive Food and Wine Tasting event celebrates the region's culinary heritage with a modern twist. Local chefs and sommeliers collaborate to create innovative pairings of Québécois holiday dishes with wines from nearby vineyards. Visitors can savor the rich flavors of tourtière and other traditional fare while discovering new taste combinations. The event highlights the growing wine industry in Québec, showcasing varieties uniquely suited to the region's climate. You'll gain insight into the art of food and wine pairing while experiencing the best of Saguenay's gastronomic offerings.
Where: Saguenay | More Info: Festive Food and Wine Tasting
Winter Wonderland Snow Sculpting
What to Expect:
Incorporates local wildlife themes into snow sculptures
Description:
Winter Wonderland Snow Sculpting in Saguenay transforms the city into an outdoor gallery of frozen art. Skilled sculptors carve massive blocks of snow into intricate representations of local wildlife and landscapes. Visitors can watch artists at work, witnessing the gradual emergence of detailed figures from formless snow. The event pays tribute to the region's diverse ecosystem, featuring sculptures of iconic animals like the snowy owl and Canadian lynx. As you explore the icy creations, the crisp winter air carries the sound of chisels shaping the snow, adding to the sensory experience.