Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Nov 23, 2022
This weekend, there are loads of activities all over the Eastern Townships heralding the start of the festive season – Christmas trees to buy, Christmas concerts, hikes through the woods, seasonal meals to plan… Here are some suggestions to brighten up your weekend!
“Forest bathing” is a concept borrowed from Japan and it has become very popular. What it really refers to is walking through the woods at a leisurely pace, taking time to admire the natural surroundings of streams, lakes and wetlands and countless other “gifts” from Mother Nature – a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours with family, your significant other or your dog! Here are 6 places to do so.
Sherbrooke’s History Museum (Mhist) is currently hosting an exhibition themed around Quebec’s seasonal traditions, examining how they arrived in the province and where they came from (until January 8, 2023). Two “guides” – Falala, a friendly fox and Belzy, an elf – teach visitors (on their own or as part of a group) to learn more about our Christmas festivities through various activities. A “book of discoveries” is part of this fun, family-oriented event.
Christmas Stories - MHist | Sherbrooke | Wednesday to Sunday | Free for children aged 12 and under
Santa Claus arrives in Sherbrooke this Sunday, marking the 20th edition of his traditional parade! Join the celebrations (“Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus!”) featuring floats, elves and fantastical creatures as they parade through downtown. The parade terminates at City Hall where there will be a ceremonial lighting of the giant Christmas tree – festivities, fun and surprises all round! Check out the route of the parade online.
Sunday, November 27 | Sherbrooke | Free
The Townships’ acclaimed music school – Musique Orford – which is in the heart of Mont Orford National Park, is hosting a Christmas market this weekend. The marché Falala will feature unique, locally made gifts and to add to the magic of the season, famed entertainer Gregory Charles will perform a show in Salle Gilles-Lefebvre. For all the details and to reserve your seats, visit the event page.
BTW this is not the only Christmas market open this weekend. There are more than 16 throughout the region. For further details, check out the Christmas market schedule.
Marché de Noël Falala | Orford Musique | November 26 and 27 | Free
Gregory Charles concert| November 26 | 4pm| Salle Gilles-Lefebvre |Book online
A favourite activity with family and friends at this time of the year is to arrange an outing to pick out the perfect tree. Several places let you harvest your own tree, along with seasonal, fun activities – hot chocolate by a roaring fire, walks with an alpaca (!), onsite gift shops, walks along wooded trails….Here’s a list of places where you can experience these truly magical moments.
Not real ones, of course, but rather the yummy chocolate-covered cakes (Bûches de Noël) that are a traditional dessert in French-speaking regions of the world. Quebec is no exception! Give in to temptation and order your Yule log(s) now from one of our local pastry shops or chocolatiers.
Holiday season
A Holiday Table 100% Local
Taste the Townships
5 Exceptional Wines to Purchase for Yourself
