What to Do in Sherbrooke for Christmas 2025: Festive Activities, Holiday Magic & Unforgettable Experiences
Spending Christmas in Sherbrooke means discovering a city where winter magic takes on a truly exceptional dimension. Starting in late November, the capital of the Eastern Townships transforms into a dazzling backdrop: twinkling lights, family-friendly activities, moving performances, cultural experiences, snow-covered nature and refined gastronomy. Everything comes together to create an unforgettable holiday escape. And with a stay at OTL Gouverneur Sherbrooke, you can embrace the festive energy just as much as the soothing moments shared with the people you love. Here’s everything you need to know to fully enjoy Christmas in Sherbrooke in 2025.
Sherbrooke’s Christmas Activities: A Festive City for the Whole Family
In Sherbrooke, the holiday season comes alive through a series of festive events that create a warm and vibrant atmosphere. Downtown transforms into a sparkling setting, ideal for evening strolls and soaking in December’s magic.
The celebrations begin on November 15 with the Sherbrooke Christmas Market, a beloved event showcasing local foods and crafts, as well as meet-the-maker moments with passionate artisans. The market also features a giant slide, live music, and a chance to meet Santa Claus.
On November 23, head to the Sherbrooke train station platform for the arrival of the Holiday Train, which travels across Canada and the United States collecting donations and raising awareness to support food banks. During its tour, professional musicians perform free outdoor concerts on the train’s illuminated stage.
Families also look forward to the popular Elf Hunt, which sparks children’s imaginations and adds a playful theme to winter walks. Starting November 22, mischievous North Pole elves invite you to solve riddles by following clues hidden in shop windows to uncover a secret message.
Finally, the iconic Sherbrooke Santa Claus Parade gathers crowds of all ages on November 30, kicking off the season with music, decorated floats and festive lights.
Christmas Shows in Sherbrooke: Celebrate the Magic Onstage
Attending one of Sherbrooke’s holiday concerts is a sensory experience, a moment of artistic pause in the heart of winter, reminding us that Christmas magic can be felt through music and emotion.
The Université de Sherbrooke Cultural Centre hosts several Christmas performances throughout December, including “Noël, une tradition en chanson” on December 11, a must-see show for fans of Québec music. With reimagined classics, luminous harmonies and heartfelt narration, it often becomes one of the most cherished events of the month.
For those who associate the holidays with the grandeur of a major performance, the “Simons Grand Christmas Concert – Happy Holidays” is a standout moment. Taking place on December 14 at Salle Maurice-O’Bready, it brings together musicians from the Sherbrooke Symphony Orchestra and the radiant soprano Marianne Lambert in a warm, elegant performance. Expect enchanting excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and beloved Christmas melodies that fully immerse you in the spirit of the season.
Sherbrooke Museums: An Enriching & Inspiring Christmas Season
Sherbrooke’s museums play a key role in the city’s winter charm, especially for those seeking to explore culture, history and local traditions.
The Museum of Nature and Science, known for its interactive exhibits, offers family-friendly programming each year. The Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts provides a contemplative experience with themed exhibitions that pair beautifully with the calm of the holiday season.
One exhibition stands out: “Christmas at the Heart of the People”, presented at the Sherbrooke History Museum. This unique experience highlights the evolution of Québec holiday traditions, cherished objects from Christmases of the past, and family stories that shaped our connection to the season. It’s a must-see to truly understand the emotional richness of December.
Outdoor Activities in Sherbrooke: Winter in All Its Glory
Sherbrooke’s geography is a gift for anyone looking to pair Christmas with outdoor adventure.
Mont Bellevue, located right in the city, offers easy access to winter fun: downhill skiing, tubing, an ice skating oval, snowshoeing trails and cross-country ski paths. It’s the perfect spot for an active day followed by a cozy evening.
The André-Nadeau Outdoor Base offers a more wooded environment, ideal for peaceful getaways and family moments in a snowy landscape, with snowshoeing trails, cross-country skiing, fat biking, skating and tubing.
Nearby ski resorts add even more winter excitement. Mont-Orford, one of the region’s most popular mountains, opens for the season on December 5, 2025, offering varied terrain, breathtaking viewpoints and a mountain atmosphere perfectly suited to the holidays.
In Magog, visitors can enjoy a charming illuminated ice path along Lake Memphrémagog—a magical winter experience.
Gather, Celebrate & Indulge: The OTL Experience for a Memorable Christmas
The holidays are above all a moment to reconnect, slow down and savour time together. Staying at OTL Gouverneur Sherbrooke means choosing a high-end experience that elevates every moment of the season.
Modern, elegant rooms offer a comforting retreat after a day spent exploring or playing in the snow. PAŪS Spa Experience, an adults-only sanctuary, invites you to unwind with high-quality massages, soothing rituals and a complete thermal experience.
After this relaxing interlude, continue the evening at Boefish, renowned for its refined land-and-sea cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. Its special holiday menu is an invitation to celebrate over exceptional dishes in a setting inspired by major global cities. Together, these experiences create a stay filled with precious moments—a warm celebration of Christmas in Sherbrooke.
Experiencing Christmas in Sherbrooke means embracing the charm of a city that knows how to celebrate winter with elegance and imagination. With its family-friendly activities, inspiring shows, enriching museums, snowy landscapes and distinctive art of living, every moment becomes an invitation to slow down and savour what truly matters.
By choosing OTL Gouverneur Sherbrooke, with its refined rooms, PAŪS spa and Boefish gastronomy, you offer your loved ones a stay that blends comfort, magic and meaningful memories.
Whether you come to celebrate, explore or simply reconnect, Sherbrooke welcomes you for a Christmas 2025 filled with beauty, an unforgettable winter getaway.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Plan Christmas in Sherbrooke 2025
What are the must-see Christmas activities in Sherbrooke?
Top experiences include the Santa Claus Parade (November 30, 2025), the Holiday Train, the Christmas Market, the Elf Hunt, and the dazzling illuminations of Lumières Sherbrooke. For performances, the Simons Grand Christmas Concert – Happy Holidays and “Noël, une tradition en chanson” are among the most beloved events. Families also enjoy outdoor activities at Mont Bellevue and The André-Nadeau Outdoor Base.
Which museums offer Christmas-themed activities?
The Sherbrooke History Museum presents the must-see exhibition “Christmas at the Heart of the People”, exploring Québec holiday traditions. The Museum of Nature and Science and the Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts also offer family-friendly programming and seasonal exhibitions perfect for a winter cultural outing.
What outdoor activities are available in December?
Mont Bellevue offers downhill skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and an ice skating oval. Base plein air André-Nadeau also provides snowy trails, tubing and a skating rink. Nearby, Mont-Orford, opening December 5, 2025, offers one of the best ski experiences in the Eastern Townships.
Where can you eat during the holiday season in Sherbrooke?
Boefish Sherbrooke is a top dining destination, featuring a festive holiday menu showcasing refined land-and-sea cuisine. Its modern, elegant atmosphere makes it ideal for a romantic dinner, a night out with friends or a festive family celebration.
Where is the best place to stay to enjoy Christmas in Sherbrooke?
OTL Gouverneur Sherbrooke is a premium choice: elegant rooms, warm hospitality, the PAŪS spa Experience, a renowned breakfast buffet and easy access to both city and outdoor activities. Its central location makes holiday exploring effortless.
When is the best time to visit during the holidays?
The magic begins in mid-November with early illuminations and peaks between late November and early January. To enjoy the full lineup of activities, shows and markets, the most festive period is between November 30 and December 22.
