In the Eastern Townships, there are a ton of things that will get you into the Christmas spirit! Of course, as soon as the first snowflakes fall, it’s tempting to just rush into the great outdoors but in our neck of the woods, there are many other ways to celebrate the festive season.
Store your luggage at the Espace 4 Saisons hotel, then head out to enjoy the many activities and attractions around our beautiful region.
If you feel like shopping for all your Christmas gifts in the one day, get in your car and follow the Route des Marchés de Noël. This Christmas market route leads through Granby, Sutton, Bromont, and North Hatley (among other participating towns and villages). You’ll be able to meet the local artists and craftspeople who are offering their products and handcrafted items for sale—unique gifts with a personal touch!
It’s unlikely you’ll have time to visit every single Christmas market on the Route, but all the same, you’ll probably be tempted to visit more than one!
Before leaving, check the dates of operation and opening times so you can plan your visit(s) accordingly.
A (very convincing!) Santa Claus will be visiting Magog on Saturday, December 9, 2023. He will travel along rue Principale (Main Street) in his sleigh, in tandem with costumed characters (real and imagined!) on floats. This annual parade attracts people in all age groups—a great favourite with families!
While you’re in Magog, stop by Maison Merry (the Merry House) on December 10 to join a workshop where you can learn how to fashion a Victorian-style Christmas wreath. Materials are provided—birch wood, dried oranges, natural cocotte (and other small accessories)—with which you can create an eye-catching, personalized Christmas decoration for your home.
Buy your tickets for this workshop now.
A seasonal activity to enjoy with your family or significant other, is to pick out a real Christmas tree, snap a couple of photos, then incorporate the result into a personalized greeting card!
If you’re keen to buy a real tree and put it up right away, then drop by the U-Pick Verger Champêtre farm in Granby (open from November 18 onwards). You can also stroll around the property, admiring the pretty setting of the farm and take a walk with an alpaca!
At Plantations Stéphan Perreault, a Christmas tree farm that opens on November 23, you can choose a Balsam or Fraser fir to decorate in your own style when you get back home.
If you need to take a break between a couple of heavy Christmas dinners and the crazy activity of the Holidays, head for the magnificent (and peaceful) Abbaye Saint-Benoît-du-Lac. The Benedictine monastery is holding Christmas vigils and masses (open to the public) on December 24, 25 and 31, as well as on January 1—a period of restful contemplation that will allow you to recharge your batteries…
By car or on foot, meander around the streets of the City of Sherbrooke, checking out the most dazzlingly-decorated homes and businesses! You can follow a number of designated routes (to the sound of a Spotify playlist of Christmas songs) or design your own “sparkling” drive with the help of an interactive map.
After the tour, come back to the hotel and rest. More festive activities await you the following day!
And finally, if, for you, the festive season brings lots of activity and stress, why not spend a weekend at the hotel to rest up before the celebrations begin?
You can tuck into an excellent meal at the Bistro 4 Saisons (just think, you won’t have to cook or wash the dishes!), enjoy a quiet evening in one of our comfy rooms, book a treatment (or massage) at Dôme de Morphée aesthetic spa or set off for a long, relaxing swim in our indoor/outdoor pool… There’s little doubt that taking time for yourself is a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
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