What to give in January to extend the holiday season?

Once the decorations are packed away and routine returns, you don’t always want the holiday magic to come to a sudden stop.

January is the perfect time to give an experience: more time, less stress, and a chance to tell someone, “I really thought of you.”

How do you choose the right experience gift in January?

To find the right January gift idea, ask yourself three simple questions:

1. What state is the person in?

   • Feeling tired, drained, at their limit? → A spa day or a relaxing getaway.

   • Missing quality time with loved ones? → A festive meal.

   • Still hooked on the holiday vibe? → A themed outing.

    

2. How much time do they actually have?

   • A few hours: spa or a meal.

   • A full day: spa + restaurant combo or an activity.

   • A weekend: a stay at a hotel, chalet, or cozy inn.

    

3. What message do you want to send?

   • “You’re allowed to unplug.” → relaxation.

   • “You matter to us—we want to see you.” → a group meal.

   • “Let’s keep a little magic in the year.” → a themed outing.

Here are four experience gift ideas in Québec to rest, reconnect, and extend the holiday feeling—without it looking like you’re giving “late Christmas.”

1. A relaxing getaway at Sartiga Spa sur le Lac (Chaudière-Appalaches)

About 45 minutes from Québec City, on the shores of Lac Sartigan, Sartiga Spa sur le Lac is a true winter cocoon:

hot tubs, Finnish sauna, steam room, relaxation areas, and a view of snowy nature.

In January, it’s the ideal gift for:

• someone who organized everything over the holidays,

• a friend who’s running on empty,

• a couple who needs a day that’s just for them.

You’re giving a real pause, more than an activity: a few hours to breathe, unplug, and let the pressure drop.

2. A festive meal at La Bûche to get together as a group (Old Québec)

Didn’t manage to see everyone in December?

Turn January into a “second Christmas get-together.”

In the heart of Old Québec, La Bûche serves a modern take on Québec cuisine in a warm, slightly wild atmosphere:
elevated classics, eclectic décor, and a “sugar shack in the city” vibe.

As a gift, you can:

• invite a group of friends for a reunion dinner,

• gather the extended family around brunch,

• plan a “relaxed Christmas” with no gift exchange—just the joy of being together.

No need to add anything else: you’re creating a moment everyone will remember.

3. A cozy night at Entourage sur-le-Lac (Lac-Beauport)

Just minutes from Québec City, Entourage sur-le-Lac is a contemporary resort hotel located right on the shores of Lac Beauport.

In winter, you’ll find:

• a cozy atmosphere (warm design, large windows, lake views),

• outdoor activities (depending on the season: skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, outdoor spa, etc.),

• a restaurant so you can extend the evening without getting back on the road.

In January, a stay there turns a simple weekend into a mini winter vacation—perfect as a couple’s gift, a small-family gift, or even self-care for someone who needs to reset.

4. A trip to Québec City’s German Christmas Market

Québec City’s German Christmas Market transforms Old Québec into a little Christmas village every year: lit-up wooden kiosks, the scent of mulled wine, European treats, and local artisans.

The event usually runs between late November and the last days before Christmas—which is exactly why it’s worth giving it in advance. If you wait until Christmas, it will likely be too late to truly enjoy this beautiful event.

It’s always best to check the exact dates on the official website and block your calendar so you don’t miss it next year.

Two gift options:

• A turnkey outing during the holiday season (market day + dinner in the city) if you’re within the opening window;

• A planned-ahead gift for next year: a concrete promise, with a date to book as soon as you give the gift—so it doesn’t stay a vague intention.

Perfect for families, couples, or any “big kid” whose eyes still sparkle at Christmas lights.

We rarely remember what we received—but we remember the moments we lived together for a long time.

A well-chosen experience gift is exactly that: a memory in the making.