What to do for free during the holidays?

With the lights, Christmas decorations and snow, Old Quebec is transformed into a real Christmas village. Here are five activities to do with family or friends in the heart of the Capitale-Nationale.

1. Skating on the Discoglace of the Port of Quebec

• Until December 31
• Where: Agora of the Port of Quebec

Let yourself be carried away by the music of DJs and artists at the brand new ice discotheque at the Port of Quebec. With guests like Émile Bilodeau and DJ Vamp, your skating session promises to have you sliding to the rhythm of the music. The complete musical program is available on the Facebook page of the Discoglace du Port de Québec.

2. Festival Kaleidoscopes

• December 27 to 31, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville and Place D’Youville

On three different sites, the Kaléidoscopes festival offers a diverse program, featuring music, theater, visual arts and performing arts. In addition to the diverse and free musical programming, families will be able to enjoy a multitude of local drinks and dishes. The full program is available on the festival website.

3. Flip Fabrique warms hearts

• Until December 29
• Where: Place Royale and Petit-Champlain district

In a magical setting with light garlands, Christmas trees and a giant fir tree, visitors are invited to attend performances by the Flip Fabrique circus troupe. Once again this year, she is back with her concept Brrrr! renewed. All the details on the Petit Champlain district website.

4. Play the Great Holiday Fun Fest

• Until December 29
• Where: Grand Marché de Québec
• Free with reservation

In collaboration with SocioJeux, the Grand Marché de Québec offers two fun spaces for young and old. The Cursus Space, completely free, offers giant games and around a hundred board games, accessible to all. Let your creativity run wild with the 25,000 game blocks available on site.

For die-hard fans, Espace Mordus offers more games for $12 per person. Discover the different prices on the official event website.

5. Find the Trait-Carré elves

• Until January 13
• Where: Trait-Carré, Charlesbourg

Families and fans of Christmas decorations are invited to stroll the streets in search of Santa's elves, in the Trait-Carré district. Polar animals are also present and wait patiently for the public to find them. For more information: Christmas at Trait-Carré

See you in Lévis!

For the bravest who wish to deal with potential traffic jams, many festive activities take place during the holidays on the South Shore of Quebec. Here are five activities to do with family or friends in Lévis.

1. The magical world of the Holiday Patro!

• Until January 5, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• Where: Patro de Lévis

Offered as part of their donation campaign, the Patro de Lévis offers a multitude of activities during the holiday season. On the program: presence of Santa Claus, the Grumpy, elves, Elsa, Anna, Rapunzel and many others. Families will also be able to enjoy an illuminated village and a choir. Marshmallows are also offered around small fires to provide a magical and magical experience for everyone. The full program is available on their website.

2. Christmas of yesteryear at the museum

• Until January 6
• Where: Maison Alphonse-Desjardins, Vieux-Lévis

Walking through the historic house and permanent exhibition The footprint of a coupleyou will discover the holiday traditions that were put forward in the early 1900s. At the same time, you will discover the story of a couple who, through their commitment, would have transformed the lives of thousands of Quebecers and Canadians. For more information, visit the museum's Facebook page.

3. Venture onto snowy trails

• At all times
• Where: Rivière-Etchemin park and Chutes-de-la-Chaudière park

In winter, Rivière-Etchemin Park is transformed for the holiday season. Several trails are available to families for practicing activities, such as walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow biking and sliding. For more information, including the trail map, consult the website.

Located near the bridges, the Chutes-de-la-Chaudière park offers a striking view with its 35-meter falls. You can contemplate them from the footbridge suspended above the river, or from the numerous belvederes with spectacular viewpoints.

4. Skating through an illuminated setting

• Until the beginning of March
• Where: Paquet wharf

Skate on one of the longest refrigerated ice trails in Quebec and discover the winter splendors. The new illuminated decor of the Frozen Trail, with its footbridge dedicated to walkers, its photo frame, its light tunnel and its central rest area will warm the hearts of families. For more information, go to the Quai Paquet Facebook page.

5. Slide with family

• Until March, every day 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Where: Rivière-Etchemin park

For young and old, sled or sled sliding is accessible and free at all times, at Rivière-Etchemin park. Inner tubes are also available on site, on weekends only.