© C. Labonté
In December, the magic of the holiday season is in the air, the streets are lit up, and Christmas markets beckon. It’s also a time to get together, spend quality time with family and friends, and enjoy activities that will become our fondest memories of tomorrow. Look at our suggestions!
Here a list of 100 activities to put on your bucket list to make your winter a success and ensure you never run out of ideas. Rediscover winter classics, hit the snowy slopes of ski resorts, fall in love with beautiful places, and enjoy a winter camping or glamping experience. Whether you’re looking for an activity to do alone, with your family, or with your significant other, there are suggestions for all tastes. Get your snow gear! At L’Ange-Gardien’s Champboisé, explore the forest and breathe in the fresh air on a 5 km network of trails. Rent snowshoes on site and enjoy this enchanting environment. A little further away, head to the Sentiers les Renards Blancs for an excursion in the sparkling snow. This time, explore over 20 km of marked cross-country ski trails. During your walk, take a break at the rest area or shelter with a wood stove. At the Centre Vorlage, go alpine ski touring to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the quick ride up on the T-bar to try out a trail dotted with descents. Take the long climb for a longer experience. For those who prefer alpine skiing, hit the 18 ski trails and try the snow park for a good dose of adrenaline. Want even more exciting activities? This winter, the mountain bike trails will be adapted for fat biking and snowshoeing. So much fun in one place!
Experience the magic of the holidays under the lights at the Chutes Coulonge Park. From December 5 to 28, every weekend from Friday to Sunday, the site lights up and immerses you in a magical atmosphere. Enjoy a magnificent, illuminated walk, let yourself be charmed by a beautiful Christmas story, and warm up with delicious hot cider. Don't miss the Christmas Market on December 19 and 20. On December 20, the Grinch will make an appearance that is sure to bring smiles to young and old alike. On December 13 and 20, Father Christmas Normand and Mother Christmas will also be there for unforgettable family moments. Until December 7, rediscover your childhood by visiting the Christmas Market in Old-Aylmer. Discover Outaouais artisans as you browse the many little houses at this European-inspired outdoor Christmas market and make unexpected finds. Take the opportunity to buy your Christmas gifts and soak up the magic of the holidays. Until December 7, let yourself be transported by the magic of the holiday season thanks to the enchanting decor of the Marché de Noël de Montebello. Find the perfect gift made by local artisans and treat yourself to your favorite products. Attend a free show with family or friends. Take advantage of your visit to stop by the bar and sample Quebec products, each one more delicious than the last. Marvel at this European-inspired market! From December 5 to 7, find your local gifts at the Marché de Noël de Montebello. Visit the forty or so local artisans and producers and enjoy free shows and activities for the whole family. On the main street, discover nearly a dozen shops, including Lavandine et Cie and La Belle Pâtissière. On December 6 and 7, take a festive break at Canevas with the Toy Swap! Trade in toys in good condition and make children happy while reducing waste. It's the perfect opportunity to prepare for the holidays in an eco-friendly way, in a warm and friendly atmosphere! On December 17 and 18, experience one of the greatest holiday classics at the Southam Hall of the National Arts Centre: Handel's Messiah. Presented by the NAC Orchestra and an all-Canadian cast, this timeless masterpiece, with its famous Hallelujah chorus, has been lifting hearts for nearly 300 years. Conductor Jean-Sébastien Vallée, accompanied by local choirs and exceptional soloists, offers you an evening of emotion, light, and sacred music. If you've finished planning your holiday celebrations, it's time to get down to business. Check out our guide to shopping local for Christmas to find charming shops brimming with Quebec products. You can also discover our suggestions for local last-minute gifts. For even more places where the holiday magic is in full swing, consult the Outaouais Christmas Markets Calendar for all the event details.
On December 7, 14, and 21, test your knowledge and have fun at the QUIZ Nights at Pärlé – Bistro ludique! Gather your friends and immerse yourself in a friendly atmosphere, where challenges, laughter, and competitive spirit await. Spend a lively evening with friends and warm up at the beginning of December! On December 8, head to À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale for a refreshing evening of comedy! Come laugh out loud in a warm and friendly atmosphere while sampling the house's delicious craft beers. Perfect for an outing with friends, this evening promises to chase away the December chill with bursts of laughter and sips of happiness! Get your tickets now. On December 10, let yourself be carried away by the sweetness of the holidays with the show Noël, Bulles et Chocolat presented in Gatineau at Propulsion Scène. Ariane Simard, folk-pop singer-songwriter, will be accompanied by guitarist Phil Bigras for an evening of music filled with emotion, warmth, and magic. A glass of bubbly, or its non-alcoholic version, and an assortment of delicious chocolates prepared by Linda Chocolat will be offered. Let the music soften the winter and savor every note in a cozy atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the history and iconic architecture of the Parliament of Canada with free guided tours. Enjoy this unique, immersive experience, and then stop by the Parliamentary Boutique to take home a piece of Canadian heritage. From mid-December to mid-January, tours run seven days a week. This educational, accessible indoor activity is perfect for spending quality time together during the holiday season. Tickets are available online! On December 19, be amazed by the talent of local artists at the Soirée de musique live at the 5e Baron Microbrewery! Singers and musicians will take turns performing for a friendly and eclectic evening. Support local talent and enjoy the warm atmosphere of this must-see venue.
On December 4, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation with the Holiday Workshop at the Centre Om Namo in Gatineau. Perfect for those who feel the need to slow down before the festivities, this workshop offers a warm space to explore your emotions and give personal meaning to this time of year. Through yoga, breathing, sharing, and a sacred cacao ceremony, reconnect with your needs and create your own rituals. On December 7, take a moment to slow down and reconnect with your body through the Sacred Cycle workshop. Let yourself be guided through a series of gentle and soothing activities: an opening circle, yoga and meditation, the preparation of a medicinal herbal tea, tasting and sharing. This workshop offers a safe space for anyone experiencing a menstrual cycle and wishing to deepen their relationship with it. Leave with your own creation, a memory imbued with gentleness and connection to yourself.
Until December 1, take advantage of the early bird discount to register for the Gatineau Loppet. Join this major cross-country skiing event, which will take place from February 13 to 15, 2026. Hours of fun await you on the snow-covered trails of beautiful Gatineau Park. Are you ready for a variety of challenging races and magical scenery? Registration is open until the day of the event. From December 27 to 30, head to the Complexe Branchaud-Brière for the Festival des jeux de Gatineau. Bring your children to burn off their energy on 6,200 square meters of games and fun activities. Until December 15, enjoy a 20% discount on your tickets. Buy your tickets today!
On December 5, unleash your sweet creativity at the Cake Painting workshop at Jenni Tea in Gatineau. Transform a mini vanilla or chocolate cake into a true culinary work of art using brushes, colored creams, and edible palettes. This gourmet workshop is open to everyone. Take home your personalized creation, accompanied by a signature house drink. Check out the full program on our Festivals and Events page for even more suggestions.
Located in a century-old house in the picturesque village of Montebello, discover the Asian flavors of the Souche-i restaurant. Accompany your meal with a rich and refreshing beer from Les Brasseurs de Montebello. Head to Gracefield and enjoy a peaceful stay at Les Chalets MAV. Nestled between forests and lakes, near Blue Sea Lake and the Père-Louis-Marie Ecological Reserve, these cottages are perfect for a winter getaway in the heart of nature. Put on your snowshoes or skis and explore the snow-covered trails of Mont Sainte-Marie. + For even more suggestions, check out the official Outaouais 2025-2026 tourist guide! Discover all the activities the region has to offer and plan your itinerary based on the area you want to explore.
I’m a nature lover and a food lover. My happiness is found in breathtaking landscapes, mouth-watering dishes and all the new colourful experiences. I travelled the world before coming back to my hometown: I missed the Outaouais so much. What if we rediscovered it together?