There is something magical about preparing for the holiday season. Lights glitter in the trees, you can’t stop yourself from humming festive tunes, and everyone seems happy and excited. And in the warm atmosphere of abundance and sharing in the markets, the spirit of celebration is everywhere. There are many reasons to do your holiday shopping in our public markets, but today, we want to share our team’s top five!

1. Finding the Best Tree Ever

Choosing a Christmas tree in the market is, without a doubt, the first step in wrapping yourself in the magic of the holidays and the comforting scent of pine. Every year, enthusiastic Christmas tree producers welcome you to their stands that look like tiny urban forests to give you advice and help you find the best Christmas tree ever.

2. Concocting a Holiday Feast with the Flavours of the Market

Butcher shops, cheese shops, gourmet boutiques, bakeries and fishmongers—at your public markets, you’ll find everything you need to prepare the most delectable banquets. Our merchants are proud of the freshness and high quality of their produce and are eager to help you impress your guests.

3. Choosing the Perfect Gourmet Gift

In addition to finding the traditional Christmas tree and all the ingredients required for a memorable holiday feast, the public markets are the perfect place to pick up delicious gourmet gifts. Little jars of jam and compotes, bottles of aromatic oils, boxes of fine chocolates, maple products, teas and spice blends, Québec ciders and wines: the wide variety of local products make perfect gifts for the foodie in the family, for your children’s teachers, or as hostess gifts.

You’ll also find cookbooks and gourmet magazines that are sure to inspire scrumptious meals.

4. Christmas Decorations and Flowers

Whether you’re looking for the perfect evergreen wreath to grace your front door, advice about how to decorate your fireplace mantel before Santa arrives, or tips for decorating your table, the Christmas tree producers and florists in our markets can guide you with original suggestions to make your home a warm and vibrant place for Christmas, both inside and out.

Photo credit: Stéphanie Lefebvre

5. Toasting the Flavours of Québec

And to accompany your holiday meals, our merchants will be pleased to help you discover tasty Québec ciders and wines, as well as the best beers from our microbreweries. Are you more into cocktails? At your public markets, you’ll find syrups, fresh herbs, fruits and everything else you need to make great drinks. Cheers! and Happy Holidays!