What to do with kids over the holiday break: 12 ideas for 2026-2027
Schools close from about December 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027: two weeks to fill between family dinners. Here are twelve ideas for outings with kids over the holidays, from lit-up markets to indoor activities.
In short: for magic, the Illuminated Village in Drummondville or Festilumi; to move for free, skating at the Esplanade Tranquille or Sportplexe Pierrefonds; for a stormy day, the Biodome or a museum.
Lights and markets
1. Montreal Great Christmas Market
Open every day from December 16 to January 3, with more than 150 free activities in the Quartier des spectacles.
- 1499, rue Jeanne-Mance, Montreal
- See the event
2. Festilumi
A 1.5 km outdoor light trail with 13 themed worlds, until January 3, 2027.
- Marché Central, 315, rue du Marché-Central, Montreal
- See the event
3. Desjardins Illuminated Village
An old-time village all in lights, December 19 to 31 (except the 25th), 5 to 10 p.m.
- 1425, rue Montplaisir, Drummondville
- See the event
4. Quebec City German Christmas Market
Open until December 23 in Old Quebec, free admission.
- Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, Quebec City
- See the event
Skating and sliding
5. Sportplexe Pierrefonds
Free skating over the holidays, 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., on December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30.
- 14700, boulevard de Pierrefonds, Montreal
- See the listing
6. Esplanade Tranquille rink
Free skating on refrigerated ice, next to the Great Christmas Market.
- Quartier des spectacles, Montreal
- See the listing
7. Place D'Youville rink
Quebec City's free rink at the foot of the fortifications, with skate rental.
- 995, place D'Youville, Quebec City
- See the listing
8. Village Vacances Valcartier
The snow slides open in mid-December, and the indoor Bora Parc stays open.
- 2280, boulevard Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier
- See the listing
Indoors
9. Montreal Biodome
Five ecosystems under one roof, from the rainforest to the penguins.
- 4777, avenue Pierre-De Coubertin, Montreal
- See the listing
10. Montreal Science Centre
Interactive exhibits in the Old Port, ideal on very cold days.
- Quai King-Edward, Montreal
- See the listing
11. Laval Children's Museum
The mini-city for ages 2 to 8, indoors.
- 3805, boulevard Curé-Labelle, Laval
- See the listing
12. Aquarium du Québec
Polar bears, seals and jellyfish, with a treasure hunt for kids.
- 1675, avenue des Hôtels, Quebec City
- See the listing
Our tips
- Check hours for December 24, 25, 31 and January 1: many places close or shorten their hours.
- Book tickets ahead for popular activities.
- Alternate an outdoor and an indoor outing to avoid tired meltdowns.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026-2027 holiday break in Quebec?
About December 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027, depending on the school service centre.
What can you do for free over the holidays?
Skating at the Esplanade Tranquille and Sportplexe Pierrefonds, and the free activities at the Montreal Great Christmas Market.
What is open on December 26?
Check with each place: holiday hours change from year to year.
Information verified on October 13, 2026. Prices and hours can change: confirm with each venue before you go.
