Sherbrooke in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Sherbrooke

-2°C (28°F) High Temp

-13°C (9°F) Low Temp

86 mm (3.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak winter sports season - 152 cm (60 inches) of reliable snow base at Mont-Bellevue and Ski Mont-Orford within 45 km (28 miles), with lift tickets 30% cheaper than Vermont resorts
Magical Christmas market atmosphere along Rue King Ouest with heated outdoor patios, ice sculptures, and local artisan booths operating weekends through December
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - downtown hotels average CAD $89-120 compared to summer rates of CAD $180-250, with many offering winter activity packages
Authentic Québécois winter culture in full swing - sugar shacks serving tire sur neige (maple taffy on snow), traditional tourtière dinners, and locals embracing outdoor winter life

Considerations

Brutal cold requires serious winter gear investment - temperatures feel like -20°C (-4°F) with wind chill, making outdoor sightseeing limited to 30-45 minute intervals
Daylight lasts only 8.5 hours (sunrise 7:20am, sunset 3:50pm) severely limiting outdoor photography and sightseeing time
Many seasonal attractions close including Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook's suspended bridge and most hiking trails due to ice safety concerns

Best Activities in December

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails

December offers perfect powder conditions with 40+ km (25 miles) of groomed trails through Sherbrooke's urban forest. The Marais Réal-D.-Carbonneau has beginner-friendly 3 km (1.9 mile) loops while Parc du Mont-Bellevue offers challenging terrain. Early morning skiing (8am-10am) provides the best snow conditions before afternoon temperatures soften the surface.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental typically costs CAD $25-35/day for skis and boots. Municipal trails are free while private trail systems charge CAD $15-20 daily passes. Book rental gear 2-3 days ahead during peak holiday weeks December 20-31.

Ice fishing expeditions on Lac Magog

December marks the start of ice fishing season with 15-20 cm (6-8 inch) ice thickness by mid-month. Target perch, pike, and bass in heated huts with local guides who know productive spots. The 5am-8am dawn bite is most productive, with hot chocolate and traditional pea soup provided by outfitters.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided experiences cost CAD $85-120 per person including gear, hut rental, and basic instruction. Book through licensed outfitters at least 10 days ahead as spots fill quickly during holiday periods. All fishing licenses and equipment included in guided packages.

Historic downtown winter walking tours

December transforms Sherbrooke's Victorian architecture into a winter wonderland, but tours are limited to 45-60 minutes due to cold. The Uplands Cultural District showcases 19th-century mansions with Christmas decorations, best experienced between 11am-2pm when temperatures peak. Underground pedway connections allow warming breaks every 10-15 minutes.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tour maps available free from Tourist Information Centre. Private guided tours cost CAD $35-50 per person for 90-minute experiences including indoor museum stops. Afternoon tours (1pm-3pm) offer best lighting for photography despite shorter daylight hours.

Maple sugar shack experiences

Traditional cabanes à sucre operate special winter weekends in December, offering authentic Québécois cuisine and maple taffy made fresh on snow. Family-run operations within 30 km (19 miles) serve hearty tourtière, baked beans, and oreilles de crisse alongside maple syrup tastings in heated rustic cabins.

Booking Tip: Weekend reservations essential - contact sugar shacks directly as most don't use online booking. Expect CAD $28-38 per adult for full traditional meals. December operations typically run Saturdays and Sundays only, with some offering Friday evening experiences during holiday weeks.

Dog sledding adventures in surrounding countryside

Fresh December snowfall creates ideal conditions for husky sledding through Eastern Townships forests. 2-hour expeditions cover 15-20 km (9-12 miles) of wilderness trails with opportunities to drive your own team after instruction. Early morning runs (9am-11am) avoid afternoon snow softening and offer crisp visibility.

Booking Tip: Full experiences cost CAD $140-180 per person including instruction, winter gear loan, and hot beverages. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for December weekends. Most operations located 45-60 minutes from downtown Sherbrooke with transportation sometimes included in premium packages.

Christmas market and winter festival activities

Sherbrooke's downtown core hosts weekend Christmas markets throughout December with local artisans selling wool goods, maple products, and handcrafted items. Heated vendor tents and warming stations every block make browsing comfortable despite cold temperatures. Live traditional Québécois music and horse-drawn sleigh rides operate Friday-Sunday.

Booking Tip: Market admission is free with individual purchases ranging CAD $5-50 for local crafts. Sleigh rides cost CAD $12-15 per adult for 20-minute tours. Peak activity occurs Saturdays 2pm-7pm and Sundays 12pm-5pm throughout December except December 25.

December Events & Festivals

Weekends throughout December (typically December 7-22)

Marché de Noël de Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke Christmas Market)

Downtown Christmas market featuring 40+ local vendors, traditional Québécois holiday foods, live music, and artisan demonstrations. Features heated outdoor spaces, ice sculpture competitions, and horse-drawn sleigh rides through the historic district.

Mid December (usually second weekend)

Festival des Traditions Hivernales

Traditional winter celebration showcasing authentic Québécois winter customs including maple taffy making, traditional music, snowshoe demonstrations, and heritage craft workshops. Combines outdoor activities with heated indoor cultural presentations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated to -25°C (-13°F) with aggressive tread - sidewalks become ice rinks and you'll walk on snow daily

Layering system: merino wool base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof outer shell - indoor/outdoor temperature swings of 25°C (45°F) common

Waterproof winter gloves plus thin liner gloves for phone use - you'll need dexterity for photos in -13°C (9°F) conditions

Warm winter hat covering ears completely - heat loss through head becomes dangerous in -20°C (-4°F) wind chill

Neck gaiter or balaclava for outdoor activities - facial protection essential for skiing and winter sports

High-SPF lip balm and moisturizer - despite low UV index of 2, snow reflection and dry air cause severe chapping

Hand and foot warmers (disposable chemical packs) - essential for outdoor activities longer than 30 minutes

Waterproof phone case - snow and condensation damage electronics quickly in temperature transitions

Compact umbrella for December's 10 snowy days - wet snow soaks through regular winter coats

Thermal underwear (merino wool preferred) - cotton kills in wet snow conditions and takes forever to dry in 70% humidity

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with heated underground parking - scraping ice off rental cars in -13°C (9°F) temperatures adds 15-20 minutes to every departure

Restaurants and shops close early on Sundays in December due to short daylight - plan major meals and shopping for Friday-Saturday when businesses stay open until 8pm

The underground pedway system connects major downtown buildings including shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants - locals use these to avoid outdoor exposure during bitter cold snaps

December 27-31 sees a massive influx of Montreal visitors escaping the city - book restaurants and activities before Christmas week or expect 2-3x normal wait times and prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - at 3:50pm sunset, outdoor sightseeing must finish by 4pm or you'll be navigating icy sidewalks in darkness

Wearing cotton clothing instead of synthetic or wool materials - cotton retains moisture from snow and sweat, becoming dangerous in sub-zero temperatures

Planning too many outdoor activities per day - the extreme cold limits outdoor exposure to 30-45 minute segments before requiring indoor warming breaks