Château Frontenac, Montmorency Falls, the Plains of Abraham, La Citadelle… There’s no shortage of places to visit in Quebec City. Beautiful or steeped in history, they make up a complete tourist agenda. But today, for once, I recommend that you go shopping!
Quebec City is home to a magnificent permanent Christmas boutique. We’ve been there four times, each time under the spell of this unique place.
In this article, I tell you everything you need to know to discover it.
La Boutique de Noël de Québec: 40 years of Christmas!
Let’s start at the beginning, the name of the place is simply the one I’m using for the moment: La Boutique de Noël de Québec. It’s not a difficult name to come up with, but it has the merit of being clear! It’s a boutique, and it’s dedicated to Christmas.
It opened in 1986 in a historic building in Old Quebec.
It has become a popular tourist destination. On our visits, we hear as many Asian languages, English, Spanish and French. Its reputation is international.
What does La Boutique de Noël de Québec sell?
All possible Christmas decorations are sold in the store. You can discover some of them on the store’s website: https://boutiquedenoel.ca/.
While there are some fairly simple garlands and baubles, eyes are drawn to the more original pieces. I’m fascinated by small wooden sculptures, crib figures and garden decorations.
For our purchases, we were reasonable: two dog figurines and one caribou figurine to give to the family, and a few others for our own Christmas tree.
You’ll also find lighting, stockings, wall decorations, tableware and more.
There are also a few Quebec souvenirs, such as fridge magnets and small flags. However, even for a Canada-related purchase, I prefer those with a Christmas theme (a skiing Santa Claus, Canadian lumberjack-style Christmas socks, a picture of snow-covered Quebec City…).
Where is La Boutique de Noël de Québec located?
The exact address of La Boutique de Noël de Québec is 47 rue de Buade in Quebec City. This street is in Old Quebec. Right next door, you’ll find the Basilisique Notre-Dame de Québec.
At Christmas time, the location is ideal. We visited the store twice in December: the first time after visiting the German Christmas market on the square in front of the store, the second time after a Christmas mass.
Outside the month of December, the location remains excellent. Within a few hundred meters, you’ll find the Château Frontenac, the Porte Saint-Louis, the Quartier Petit Champlain, the Terrasse Dufferin, the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, the Place d’Armes… Placing a visit to La Boutique de Noël de Québec in your tourist agenda is therefore simplicity itself, as it requires no detour; it’s right in the middle of the main activities of the Capitale-Nationale (the nickname regularly given to Quebec City)!
When is La Boutique de Noël de Québec open?
All year round! I imagine the locals must have been surprised when such a store was set up. Selling Christmas decorations sounds strange. But it works! We did it when we discovered the town as tourists in May 2019, and then again this summer when we arrived to settle here.
The Boutique de Noël de Québec is open every day. Regular hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Changes may occur, so please check the schedule on Google before you come.
How long does a visit to La Boutique de Noël de Québec last?
The Boutique de Noël de Québec has two floors, but is still small. Don’t expect a 2-hour visit. My wife and I stay around twenty minutes.
We take our time looking at the different decorations, without dwelling on a few types of products. So, even for the slowest customers, I don’t think the visit can exceed an hour.
Our tips for making the most of your visit to La Boutique de Noël de Québec!
Of course, a visit with snow-covered exteriors and the Christmas market right in front of the store is ideal, but go no matter what the season.
I know that looking at Christmas products in August when it’s 30 degrees is a strange feeling. But it’s actually quite pleasant. You look forward to December, the month of family sharing, religious celebrations and, for the children, long-awaited presents.
What’s more, the advantage of visiting outside the Christmas period is the peace and quiet. In December, and especially at weekends, you have a lot of customers. That’s why I wasn’t able to take all the photos I would have liked for this article.
If you’re in Quebec City in December and can make it to the boutique outside the weekend, do so. Otherwise, expect to see lots of people.
Children are welcome in the store (fortunately for a place dedicated to Christmas!), but they need to be careful. Several signs state that you have to pay for what you break. So don’t let a young child touch any of the slightly fragile decorations. And, even as adults, watch out for loose gestures. The aisles are rather narrow.
I invite you to take your time. Many products are unique. I remember thinking quickly, “Here’s a lovely model of train in Christmas colors.” Then, as I got closer, I discovered that the five on display were all different. Such a wealth of products is a treat.
Prices are a little high. You’re not in a Dollarama, but in a boutique with quality products and meticulous design. The beauty of the decorations to be purchased has nothing to do with the industrial products you see in supermarkets.
Then, as a place that attracts all the tourists looking for a white Christmas or stopping off on a summer cruise, La Boutique de Noël de Québec can afford to charge high prices. We bought all our figurines between $10 and $20 each.
In conclusion, I can only repeat my invitation to discover La Boutique de Noël de Québec. As Christmas lovers, we loved it. I’m sure you’ll find a souvenir or two to bring back to embellish your next tree.
DenisAs a professional blogger, I take advantage of my flexible schedule to travel a lot. I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!
