After checking in and exploring the hotel (Chateau Frontenac) we made our way towards the German Christmas Market. This is an outdoor market that had many stalls selling a variety of items and food and beverage.
We ran across the Christmas store along the way so we popped in there first. It was a madhouse! It was a sea of people in there. A sign of what was to come when we got ot the German Christmas Market.
There were several pretty glass ornaments that I wanted but I couldn't move in that store without bumping into somebody so I was afraid anything I picked out would end up broken and on the floor before I got to the cash register.
We did return to the store on Sunday and it was much calmer and I was able to make a few purchases at that time.
Just down the street was the German Christmas Market. It is held outside of City Hall. Just like the Christmas Store it was packed! Despite the crowds I enjoyed wandering around and perusing all the stalls. Many local craftsmen were set up here. I enjoyed the wood cravings and etched glass. I also enjoyed the warm spiced wine. It hit the spot on that chilly December evening.
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| Notre-Dame de Quebec |
The Christmas Market had two sections. We were starving so we decided to get dinner after exploring the lower portion. We decided to go to D'Orsay as it was right next to the market.
The bar on the lower floor was busy but we were the first to be seated in the dining room upstairs. It was still fairly early (5pm) and others soon arrived.
We had a nice view of the market from our table.
Bellies full it was time to head back outside to finish exploring the market, the upper portion this time around. The dining room of the restaurant was located on the second floor of the building. I was first to head down the stairs and I noted that they were slippery from people trekking up in their wet boots. I warned my mom to watch her step and she then proceeded to fall flat on rear. She was a bit sore the rest of the night but the next day she was fine. Mostly it was her pride that was injured.
The upper portion of the market was much of the same. I loved the lights and decorations.
These two ladies were dancing around, not sure what the banana costumes were all about but they sure were friendly!
As we were walking around the bells began to chime at Notre Dame and it was beautiful. Here is a video of the lights in the area with the bells chiming away. As I was recording the video an elf was running around. I thought it was rather amusing.
German Christmas Market Video
We wandered the city after that in the direction of the city walls. We made our way through the walls, saw Parliament and then made our way back to the Chateau.
We had hoped to take a horse and carriage ride that night as they would not be out the next day as the temperature was expected to drop significantly. Unfortunately, we saw the carriage departing from the front of the Chateau and we did not feel like waiting for another one to arrive. Instead we decided to call it a night.
The party they had been preparing for earlier in the day was in full swing and the guests were all over the ground floor and the second floor. Unfortunately, our room was also on the second floor and was not far enough removed from the event rooms to completely silence the noise. We were eventually able to fall asleep but in the future if we stay at the Chateau again we will be sure to ask for a room on a higher floor.
I was very satisfied with our first day in Quebec City. We had not made any plans for this day as we were not sure what time we would arrive. Luckily we arrived early enough that we got to enjoy some of the city so we would have less to cram in the next two days.
