Old Aylmer Christmas Market in Gatineau: artisans and local treats in the streets of the old town

← All public markets and Christmas markets · Outaouais

The Old Aylmer Christmas Market (Marché de Noël du Vieux-Aylmer), which Sortir au Québec also lists as Christmas in Old-Aylmer, is organized by the Corporation du Défilé du Père-Noël de Gatineau, better known as Parade Ho Ho Ho. It takes place outdoors, in the streets around the Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer, at the corner of Principale, Park, Patrimoine and Broad streets. The organizer announces more than 55 vendors, with handmade creations, gourmet products and gift ideas.

Why go? To do your holiday shopping in the streets of Old Aylmer, between two hot chocolates, and to support local artisans and producers. The organization says it showcases local creators and favours Quebec businesses when choosing its partners and suppliers.

Cabins, the artisans’ tent and treats

The list of exhibitors posted in October 2026 under the dates of the 2026 edition has about forty names, spread across cabins, a large tent and food stalls. They include Miellerie Semples, Verger Croques-Pommes, Champignons Outaouais, Érablière Varin, EDMN Distilleries, Domaine Mont-Vézeau, Domaine de l’Ange-Gardien, Bel Ail, Les Belles Lavandes and Charlotte Macarons, as well as tea merchants and makers of jewellery, knitwear and soap. The list may still change before opening day.

To eat on site, the list includes a sausage maker, Thai cuisine, churros and maple taffy on a stick. Hot chocolate is offered in exchange for a donation to the Centre alimentaire Aylmer. And if you’re looking for ideas to put your finds on the holiday menu, our traditional réveillon recipes are a good place to start.

Holiday season 2026: dates and hours

The organizer has published the dates of the 2026 edition: from Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29, then from Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 6. The market is open Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As of mid-October, the 2026 program and the date of the Santa Claus Parade had not yet been announced.

To give you an idea, the 2025 edition offered music in the market, a tree lighting, Christmas stories and songs by the fire pits, a choir, a little train ride around the market, face painting for kids and a Christmas stocking market (items at $20 or less) at the Aydelu centre. Paid workshops, by reservation, let you make Christmas cards, a wreath, candles or soap. The Santa Claus Parade, a tradition of more than 30 years in the Aylmer sector, left from the marina on the Saturday evening of the first weekend.

Good to know: a market born from a parade

The Aylmer Santa Claus Parade dates back to 1994. The Christmas market was created in 2014 to mark the parade’s 20th anniversary, and since 2021 it has been set up in the streets around the Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer. Every year, 50 to 70 high school students and about 150 post-secondary students join the permanent volunteer team.

The organization relies on eco-friendly measures: bike racks on site, even in winter, a ban on styrofoam containers for its partners, recycling and compost bins, and volunteers who keep an eye on sorting in partnership with Enviro-Éduc-Action. It encourages carpooling, the bus and cycling. According to Sortir au Québec, parking is free and pets are allowed.

Practical info

• Address: Principale, Park, Patrimoine and Broad streets, around the Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer, 120, rue Principale, Gatineau (Aylmer sector)
• Region: Outaouais
• Type: Christmas market
• Season and hours: Two weekends, outdoors: Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Holiday season 2026: November 27 to 29 and December 4 to 6, 2026 (dates announced by the organizer). Date of the 2026 Santa Claus Parade not published as of October 15, 2026.
• Website: paradehohoho.ca

Market dates and hours change from year to year, and the weather can force a cancellation. Check the official website before you go. Information verified on October 15, 2026.

Sources

• Parade HoHoHo, Parade Ho Ho Ho, accessed October 2026 (home page; in French).
• Exposants, Parade Ho Ho Ho, accessed October 2026 (exhibitors; in French).
• Programmation, Parade Ho Ho Ho, accessed October 2026 (program; in French).
• Ateliers, Parade Ho Ho Ho, accessed October 2026 (workshops; in French).
• À propos, Parade Ho Ho Ho, accessed October 2026 (about; in French).
• Développement durable, Parade Ho Ho Ho, accessed October 2026 (sustainability; in French).
• Christmas in Old-Aylmer, Sortir au Québec, accessed October 2026.