The snow, the cold, the shorter days and longer nights – sometimes getting into the Christmas spirit here in Quebec may be a little hard with our harsh winters. Fortunately, Centre de la Nature is here to help. From December 6 to 8, the park will be hosting the ninth annual Christmas Market.

Over the course of the weekend, Centre de la Nature, will be transformed into an Arts Village, decorated with Christmas lights illuminating the park at night. The Christmas Market at Centre de la Nature, will be filled with a wonderful collection of family-friendly activities, including face painting for children, carriage rides and hot chocolate stands that will not only get you and your family into the Christmas spirit, but make spending time outdoors in the winter a little more fun.

Several outdoor kiosks (albeit under heated tents) will be selling products from over 70 local vendors such as toys, jewellery, holiday decorations, food, boots, scarves and other clothing. Animated igloos will be located in one of the parking lots, next to the playground. Dance performances will also be taking place in the igloos and various activities will be offered in the little maisonettes in the Arts Village.

Adults and children are welcome to participate in various DIY activities that will be available at the Christmas Market, such as decorating their own Christmas tree on site.  Children will be able to explore Santa’s Village as well as meet Santa Claus himself. They will even be able to write him a Christmas letter.

If you are looking for a tree to go with all those presents from Santa, you will be in luck, as the annual Christmas tree sale will be back at the Christmas Market this year as well.  Children of all ages can take advantage of the amazing activities on site all weekend long.

The Christmas Market will be open on Friday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for everyone, but parking inside Centre de la Nature will cost $7. For more information, visit laval.ca.