On the road… to Lanaudière Christmas markets!

After the Quebec wine route in the fall, why not discover the Lanaudière Christmas market route in December?

Wonder for the little ones, delicacies and finds of unusual gifts for the grown-ups. Did you know that there are 3, and no less, Christmas markets in Lanaudière? And that it is practically impossible to visit all 3 without finding the same exhibitors from one market to another? That we even celebrate Christmas for dogs at Joliette?

A brief overview of the Markets and what not to miss

Note that in the 3 markets, there are gourmet products, crafts, body products, textiles, beautiful decorative objects and much more… but that each Market has its specificities.

At Terrebonne Market, the most magical and spectacular of the 3 with its Ferris Wheel, we appreciate the illuminated outdoor stage, the Christmas carousel for the little ones and the twinkling lights all over the trees. In this very pretty part of Old Terrebonne: free shows, sleigh rides and Laurelou’s Little Tale Hour for children as well as the unmissable Salon des artisans, for your “made in Quebec” gifts.

At the Salon des artisans, there are around thirty exhibitors in cheerful Christmas houses. You can also enjoy vegan churros, made on site, hot and sprinkled with sugar, in the Cabane à Chichis. We are tempted by: Morand honeys and their range of meads, the original pancakes of “Urban crepe party”, the Quebec classics of “La vrai bonne tarte québécoise” which offers pies, cretons, date squares, ketchup, marinades ; the Palépops with their cake-pops and their vegan brownies, the Super Dips to enhance your dips during funky aperitifs as presented to the Dragons on television; a Brotherhood food truck for the comfort food needed to maintain your energy (and calorie) levels during this outdoor visit. Special mention for the maple digestive to be consumed during shows on the outdoor stage.

At the Marché de Joliette, which takes place in its city center, everything has been thought of to seduce children who will be delighted by the giant Nutcrackers, the stationary train and the ice rink just for them, surrounded a wooden fence and a luminous mural. To tie it all together: skate and helmet rental is free (first come, first served, as long as there are some) and a very comforting “parents’ zone” has been designed with its small fireplaces and log benches. If you’re lucky, you’ll surely come across the Skating Lutine or the Sports Rabbit on the ice rink. To add to your parent’s agenda: story time by the fire, visit to the Santa Claus Zone with Santa’s red house and his big magic mailbox, to write on site or to drop off his Letter to Santa Christmas darling! Note: you eat well at the Marché de Joliette. To try on the spot: taffy on snow. We also say the greatest good things about the stew of boar meatballs from the Seigneurie des Patriotes. A must: visit the Gingerbread House where the little and big cookie men come in all their forms. In the Craftsmen’s Village, you can find surprising gift ideas: at the Sweet Grouse, you can find candies from the boreal forest such as candies with honey and pine shoots and caramels with Boletus de Clinton (no link with the former President of the United States). The superb feeders and nesting boxes made of Quebec wood from Produits Françoiseaux will certainly delight all bird lovers like me.

Christmas for dogs: welcome to your doggies who can also stretch their paws and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It will even be possible to take a souvenir photo of your darling with Santa Claus. Honorable mentions for the sweet and hot donut shack, for the Constantin Grégoire sugar shack which prepares gourmet meal boxes upon reservation, and the unique and typical wines of rustic grape varieties from the Vignobles Saint Thomas.

At the Marché de l’Assomption, the warm atmosphere will be felt in the air thanks to the famous spiced mulled wine prepared by volunteers and served by them, offered this year in the CabaNoël. We can even give you the recipe if you want to try it at home (see * below).

The widest variety of products can be found here with more than 60 local artisans including: renowned jam maker Simon Turcotte, local lamb from the Bergerie des neiges, pies and soups from the Cormier farm, nuts, wild mushrooms and sausages from the Walnut Garden. Gourmet mention for the puffed pancake hut with maple syrup, the frozen Shop and the hot apple juice. Cool gift ideas: alpaca wool ponchos and shawls from Domaine Vimar, a delicious variety of Lacroix ciders, Bibop popcorn seasoned with local spices, beard oils, soy wax candles, natural soaps from Racines Sauvages.

On the program, Family Day with crafts and Christmas carols, parade of giant illuminated puppets, ambulatory jig, traditional music with spoons, the songs of the choir of the Achigan, the traditional visit of Santa Claus…

A few practical tips

For the magical effect of Christmas markets, why not go there at night when everything is lit up? To avoid being cold along the way, remember to cover yourself well despite the shelters and small fires provided on site. Do not hesitate to cheer up with a little wine, cider, hot apple juice! Consider bringing cash to pay merchants who do not have an Interac system for debit or credit cards. Before buying everything, why not go around the craftsmen to choose better and not jump on the first delicacy yet so tempting?

Finally, if you don’t have a car and you’re feeling in “I’m doing my part for the planet” mode: eco-excursions offers transportation from Montreal to the Route des Marchés de Noël. Consult the Bonjour Nature website for more information on timetables and prices.

Happy Christmas to all!