Marvel at the Festilumières
This year, Festilumières is celebrating its 10th anniversary and promises a magical atmosphere with its 500,000 lights and multimedia projections that make up this outdoor tour of the Aquarium du Québec. Visit starting December 26.
Got your subscription in hand? All the more reason to take part in these memorable evenings, entry is free for you.
Dancing at Toboggan
The end of the year will be celebrated by dancing on the Grande Allée... in winter boots and clapping mittens! From December 28 to 31, take part in the new winter festival Toboggan, Soirées Nouvel An . Whether you are a fan of heights or nostalgic, access to the Ferris wheel and the carousel will be free for young and old! Not to mention the two free shows on December 31, which will be followed by a spectacular multidirectional fireworks display.
Experience the magic of Woodooliparc
To fully experience the magic of Christmas, you have to drive a few more kilometers. Not to the North Pole, but rather to Scott, in Beauce, where Woodooliparc is drawing crowds with its theme " Frima, la magie de Noël ". This unique amusement park transports us to a wonderfully magical forest where children are kings and dreams come true. Psst! Woodooliparc will be open every day from December 21 to 31 (except December 25).
We visited
Accompanied by my two elves aged 6 and 9, I rediscovered my inner child by visiting the site in the evening, which has also added new activities this year. We could have stayed there for hours! After a hot chocolate, slides galore and a pot filled with eternal snow (!), my two elves went to bed with stars in their eyes.
Please note that online reservation is mandatory this year, due to high traffic.
photo Annie Lafrance
Waking up at the museum
Entertainment, shows, family gallery, creative workshops, etc.: things are happening at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) ! A brand new interactive exhibition, entitled Ensemble(s) , is being presented there. It gives a second life to a generous inventory of objects that are transformed into inspiring materials. This is the first eco-responsible exhibition for the MNBAQ.
Psst! Did you know that the coat check service is free at the MNBAQ? We also offer stroller loans free of charge.
Discovering the hidden side of technology
At the Musée de la civilisation , it is the new exhibition " La tête dans le nuage " that catches our attention. It presents the hidden side of unbridled digital consumption and new technologies. Bring your teenagers!
Visit to the exhibition "Head in the Cloud". Photo Annie Lafrance
Move at PEPS
From December 28 to 30, Peps-ô-Fêtes is back with a bang with its huge indoor playground for families. Now a tradition, this popular event encourages people to move, jump and swim, with over 30 inflatable games, climbing, trampolines, dance workshops, access to swimming pools and more. A word of advice: buy your tickets in advance!
Skating in the city
It is well known that the Quebec region is full of beautiful skating rinks where it is good to enjoy winter with your family. Most of them are even free to access. Among our favorites, we visit the Plains of Abraham ring (rental service on site) and we skate in the evening at Place D'Youville. To the sound of background music, the place becomes magical in the evening, with the thousands of decorative lights nearby.
Go to the cinema
Turn off Netflix and the TV: to watch a movie with your family, the ultimate experience is at the Le Clap cinema in Place Ste-Foy . Recently relocated, it offers the most efficient facilities, including room 8, which is the most technological in the country! The seats are ultra comfortable (try the first row to lie down completely!) and the sound is incredible.
I had the chance to watch the movie Jumanji: The Next Level in this theater. A must see for the whole family!
Slide in Tewkesbury
Do you prefer to slide? Throughout the winter, several sites allow you to practice this traditional Quebec winter sport. Our suggestion: the Les Glissades Tewkesbury center, which exceptionally opens its site on December 21. Although its slopes beat records for length and height, the center is accessible and safe for the whole family with no weight or height restrictions (except the Guinness slope).
photo The Tewkesbury Slides
Relax at the spa
More and more spas and health centers are opening their doors to children, giving them a moment or treatment that is specific to them. Since vacations are an opportunity to relax, let's go as a family! Putting on your swimsuit in the middle of winter, with both feet in the snow, is also an unusual experience for little ones.
Where to go? The Sibéria Spa will welcome families every morning during the holiday break.
photo Siberia Spa
Essentials for family outings
Worried about your little one freezing hands, cheeks or feet during the family outing? Charlotte and Charlie stores have what it takes to keep little ones nice and warm.
Footmuffs are designed to keep baby warm all winter long (when the mercury drops below zero, add an extra layer of fleece). There is a wide selection in store, including brands like Bugaboo , 7AM , Rudsak , Petit Coulou and many others.
Bugaboo photo
To protect little cheeks from frostbite, cover them with protective ointment or balm. Our favorites: Lolo et moi cheek balms , made with olive oil, and the new one from Douce Mousse, which we particularly like for its stick format that applies very well. Or, in a more minimalist style, the protective ointment from Énamour . Its plus: this fragrance-free ointment is suitable for the whole family.
Baby's hands will be warm with these thumbless mittens from Stonz , with a very modern design.
Planning on going to the outdoor shows or fireworks? These Baby Banz earmuffs not only look great, but they're also rated Category 4, which will protect your little ones' ears from noise.
I wish you a Happy Holiday with your family. Go outside and play!
Cover photo credit: Festilumières / Sépaq
