Seven dates for your calendar. Between early November and the holidays, a lot happens in Quebec, in Montreal, Quebec City and the Laurentians. Here are seven outings, in date order. For each one, the dates come from the event's official page; check it before you go, as times can always change.
November 5, 6 and 7: La Grande Dégustation de Montréal. This wine and spirits fair holds its 16th edition at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal. According to the event's website, the general public is welcome on Friday, November 6, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, November 7, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, November 5, is reserved for professionals and an SAQ Inspire evening. More than 1,700 products are on offer, and purchases are made through the SAQ mobile app.
November 7: the Eastern Final of football, in Montreal. According to the CFL playoff schedule, the Eastern Final is played in Montreal on Saturday, November 7, with kickoff at 3 p.m. According to the Alouettes' schedule, the game is on the team's calendar; its opponent will be the winner of the Eastern Semi-Final, played in Toronto on October 31. The championship game, the 113th Grey Cup, takes place in Calgary on November 15; it will be broadcast on TSN and RDS, among others.
November 14: the Toy Parade, in Quebec City. This parade of floats, with characters, dancers and musicians, is free. According to Québec Cité, it starts at the corner of 50e Rue and 1re Avenue in Charlesbourg and ends at Place Jean-Béliveau. You can bring new or used toys: they're collected at the start of the parade and given out by local organizations. Grandstand seats are available with a VIP package.
November 26: ski season opening day at Tremblant. The resort launches its 2026-2027 season on Thursday, November 26, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at the base of the Express gondola. According to Tremblant, there will be a red-carpet welcome, entertainment and music, and the first runs of the season.
November 28: the Vanier Cup, in Quebec City. Canada's university football championship is played at TELUS-Université Laval Stadium. According to Québec Cité, presale tickets start at $34.
December 5 to 30: The Nutcracker, at Place des Arts. Les Grands Ballets perform their Nutcracker 21 times at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, with the orchestra. According to Place des Arts, tickets cost $99 to $194, taxes and fees included. The show runs 2 hours 10 minutes with intermission and is recommended for ages 5 and up.
December 15 to 20: the Salon des métiers d'art du Québec. For its 70th edition, this crafts fair moves to the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal, in Old Montreal. According to the fair's website (in French), about 200 artisans from every region sell their work directly. Detailed hours hadn't been announced at the time of writing, and buying your ticket online is recommended.
Good to know for newcomers. Several of these outings fill up fast: for The Nutcracker and the football final, buy your tickets early. Free outings like the Toy Parade are a good way to discover a city and hear everyday French. For Christmas markets, see our article on Christmas markets in Quebec; to enjoy winter outdoors, see our guide to winter outdoor activities.
