There are at least nine official holidays in Quebec that allow you to extend a weekend with an additional day off. Very often, Quebecers want to take the opportunity to completely break away from the daily routine and treat themselves to a meal at a restaurant.

Before heading there, however, they should make sure that their favorite local restaurant is open on that specific holiday.

To find out, we'll check the trends for the following holidays:

New Year's Day
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Patriots Day
National Day of Quebec
Canada Day
labor Day
Action of grace
Christmas

New Year's Day (January 1, 2024)

New Year's festivities often begin on December 31 and the vast majority of restaurants are open. It is recommended to reserve a place a few weeks before the celebrations. A special menu may be offered as may some unique activities.

Then, on New Year’s Day itself, many people gather around dinner time for brunch. Others continue to gather with family or friends to celebrate the start of the new year in the evening.

Good Friday (March 29, 2024)

With the exception of Quebecers who took vacation at the same time as their children during spring break, the Easter weekend offers the first break since January.

Thus, it is not uncommon to find members of a family around a table in one of Quebec's restaurants, which are generally all open for the occasion.

Easter Monday (April 1, 2024)

This last day of the Easter weekend is ideal for family brunches. Once again, restaurants are open and ready to welcome customers as if it were a regular weekend day.

Patriots Day or Queen's day (May 20, 2024)

A little less festive, Patriots Day nonetheless remains an important holiday in Quebec. Spring is well established and summer activities are about to begin.

The vast majority of restaurants remain open.

Quebec National Day (June 24, 2024)

Our national holiday is a holiday well appreciated in the four corners of Quebec. All cities have prepared public festivities marking this special day which actually begins on June 23. Concerts and fireworks are presented there.

It is also the end of classes for thousands of schoolchildren and students and it is the official start of summer. Restaurants have opened their terraces and groups are storming them to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Canada Day (July 1, 2024)

In Quebec, Canada Day also coincides with official moving day. It is therefore not uncommon to see a group of friends gathered around a moving truck with a beer and a slice of pizza.

All the pizzerias in Quebec do not want to miss this opportunity to feed the movers and are therefore open. Specials are usually prepared for the occasion and delivery services are available.

Also, during this day, restaurants can be particularly busy in tourist areas or near the festivities sites.

Labor Day (September 2, 2024)

After a summer season playing in the pool or at the beach, with a head full of memories, it's time to return to school and work for most Quebecers at the end of August.

Only a few days later, the first Monday of September, a public holiday is required. Despite the name, restaurant workers are loyal to the job and ready to serve you.

Thanksgiving (October 14, 2024)

In Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving several weeks before the famous holiday of the same name in our neighbors in the United States. But the meaning remains the same.

This is often an opportunity for families to come together and share a special meal, which can lead to increased crowds at restaurants, which remain open.

Christmas (December 25, 2024)

Traditionally, a family member receives relatives to celebrate Christmas. However, others choose to have their Christmas meal directly in a restaurant, especially if the family is very large and it becomes difficult to feed everyone at home.

Others also opt for delivery services when they are gathered in large numbers in a community hall.

To satisfy everyone, most restaurants open their doors on December 24 and 25.

To be expected during public holidays at the restaurant

As we have noticed, the vast majority of these public holidays are associated with family gatherings or social activities. This may contribute to restaurants being busier than usual.

Don’t hesitate to plan your visit and book.

You have noticed that most restaurants remain open despite the holidays described above, although a few exceptions exist.

Restaurants in more touristy locations may be more likely to be open on holidays, depending on each establishment's policy.

Some restaurants still choose to close their doors. While others may choose to change their opening hours. It is strongly suggested to find out before traveling in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.