Celebrating the holidays: 18 cool things to do with your friends or your partner

Try a one-of-a-kind take on eating out

A Bateau-Mouche boat ride is definitely a summer staple, but did you know you could hop onboard in winter, too? Although the boat remains moored in Montreal’s Old Port, the experience is truly magical with the Jacques Cartier Bridge and Clock Tower lit up in the background. For the Frosted Evening events, guests settle into the warm atmosphere of the boat to enjoy a 4- to 6-course à la carte winter menu as they take in the sights and sounds. For more privacy, opt for one of the six Frosted Domes set up on the docks of the Montreal Yacht Club, where you can enjoy a private dinner for two or a group of up to eight people.

Another place where you can experience these intriguing domes is in the Eastern Townships! In Magog, the terrace at Bistro Kóz will feature four domes where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the winter landscapes along Lake Memphremagog. This is a great opportunity to discover the colourful Mediterranean cuisine and extensive wine list of this restaurant, which was awarded a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award in 2025.

Québec City is certainly enchanting at this time of year! Looking for an experience that is as delicious as it is luxurious? Go for the best of the best at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, serving English-style holiday afternoon tea from December 19, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Lot 35 teas, fresh-baked scones with Devonshire cream, a selection of savoury open-faced sandwiches, seasonal desserts and petits fours will transport your taste buds across the pond for an afternoon. 

Check out great museum exhibits

The McCord Stewart Museum has a brand new exhibition that’s perfect for going from the table to the museum. On the menu, Montreal: A Restaurant Story immerses us in the evolution of Montreal’s diverse restaurant scene since the 1960s. From delicatessens to fine dining experiences, it reveals how the city’s identity has been shaped around the table.

Art lovers can delve into the world of Quebec ceramics from the 1940s—a period of abundant creativity marked by industrial and social transformations—at the Musée du Haut-Richelieu. This retrospective exhibition showcases the works and artistic vision of La Maîtrise d'Arts, a collective known for several projects, including allegorical floats built for Saint-Jean-Baptiste celebrations.

At the Musée de la civilisation in Québec City, visitors can discover the Anicinabe language through the exhibition NIN (a word meaning “I am”). Along the paths of a symbolic forest, stories, works of art and interactive experiences celebrate the strength and beauty of Anicinabemowin through those who bring it to life.

🏛️ Discover more: Dozens of exhibits all across Quebec

Have a blast with your buddies

Go-karting, immersive virtual reality, axe throwing, bowling, laser tag: there are plenty of ways to have fun with friends at TAG E-Karting on Montreal’s North Shore. And with a lively restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a meal before, after, or even between activities, you’ll have everything you need for a long day or evening of fun with friends.

🏎️ The team reacts: Christmas party at TAG E-Karting 

Another way to have fun with your friends? Escape rooms! Mon Enigma in Trois-Rivières offers four scenarios inspired by popular movies. A James Bond-style spy mission, an (almost) deserted island you’ll need to escape from without getting caught, a strange encounter on a spaceship, and a horror-themed visit to an abandoned orphanage. Sounds thrilling!

Prefer sports? Hockey fever will be in full swing during the holiday season at Place Bell, which will host four Laval Rocket games and one Montreal Victoire game between December 27, 2025, and January 4, 2026! 

And to enjoy (or maybe relive) an iconic experience, hurry and reserve your tickets for the return of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll to Québec City! Martin Fontaine, accompanied by backup singers and musicians, will be back on stage at the Théâtre Capitole from December 18 to 31, 2025, to present Elvis Experience Blue Christmas. What could be better for an electrifying Christmas?

🎭 Things to do: More entertaining ideas for couples and friends this winter

Dust off some vintage hits

As we look back at the top hits of the past year, the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau takes us even further back to reconnect with the soundtracks of decades past with the exhibition Retro – Popular Music in Canada in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, running until January 18, 2026. A visit that is sure to appeal to fans of nostalgia!

In Montreal, head to the Cabaret du Casino for Flashback to the 80s, a colourful retro evening that will have you dancing the night away to hits by Madonna, Prince, Cyndi Lauper, George Michael and many others. Don’t miss it on December 26, 27, and 28, 2025!

In Sherbrooke, the 1990s will be in the spotlight on December 27, 2025, for the Vibration 90 (website in French only) evening at the Granada Theatre. Dust off your neon sweaters, tease your hair, and get ready to dance (or grunge) to the greatest hits of the Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, Nirvana and more! 

Get ready to ring in the new year

In Québec City, celebrations for the end of the year begin on December 27, 2025, with the Kaléidoscopes festival (website in French only), which will kick off the party with more than 30 free shows on three stages until the 31st. In addition to traditional songs and performances from up-and-comers, don't miss the opportunity to see graffiti artists in action at Place d’Youville and wacky theatrical performances at Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville!

In addition to offering festive entertainment throughout the holiday season, the Hôtel-Casino Lac-Leamy in Gatineau is celebrating the end of 2025 in style with an exclusive New Year’s Eve party that will last until 5 a.m.! Cocktails, games, a countdown, and performances by DJ Mike P and Sugar Cake will liven up the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

🎊 Make plans now: 5 free activites for New Year’s Eve in Quebec

And after all that… indulge in a spa day

After so many outings with friends, dinners for two and evenings with extended family, recharging your batteries is key—especially since the season’s magical scenery is naturally conducive to feeling calm and relaxed!

In the winter wonderland of the Laurentians, at Strøm Nordic Spa Saint-Sauveur, you can take the time to relax, soak up the benefits of thermotherapy and enjoy the boreal-inspired cuisine of Restaurant Nord, all while contemplating the beauty of your surroundings. 

Spa treatments, massages and creative cuisine: KiNipi has everything you need for a truly rejuvenating day in Trois-Rivières. You can even go for a full stay by booking one of the elegant suites, maximizing your moments of rest and relaxation.

Spa Eastman also offers a highly relaxing experience. Stay on site to take full advantage of the extensive calendar of wellness-focused activities throughout the holiday season: Pilates, yoga and meditation, winter lights, Nordic walking, somayog, as well as projection and vision workshops for the new year!

🧘🏻‍More suggestions: Nordic spas around Quebec for ultimate relaxation