As the holiday season nears, some Quebec residents elevate festive decor into spectacular tourist attractions. Lorraine Denis and Stéphane Morin’s “Christmas of the Pines” in Ripon features six themed displays, while Carole Bonin’s Saint-Thomas home showcases handmade decorations and seven Christmas trees. Pat Petercione’s Saint-Michel residence dazzles with a vibrant display for 40 years, and Jean-Marc Boucher’s Rosemont yard captivates visitors with a stunning garden of lights, drawing admirers from across the globe.
Transforming Homes into Holiday Attractions
As the festive season approaches, many Quebecers embrace the spirit of decoration, but a select few take their passion to extraordinary levels, turning their homes into must-see tourist destinations.
Christmas of the Pines
For five delightful years, Lorraine Denis and her partner, Stéphane Morin, have crafted a dazzling Christmas display that has captured the hearts of many. “We kick off our preparations at the end of October, and it continues right through December. Each weekend, we welcome between 30 to 50 visitors each night,” shares Stéphane.
This year, the couple, who recently relocated to Ripon in Outaouais, is excited to host a grand tour featuring six distinct displays, each with its own theme, from Santa’s sleigh to the enchanting elves’ house and the frosty ice age.
Known as “Christmas of the Pines,” this attraction draws families from across the province, honoring the couple’s previous residence on Pine Street. Their Facebook page showcases a plethora of photos from the tour, inviting everyone to join in the festive cheer.
Two Christmas Enthusiasts
In the picturesque village of Saint-Thomas, Carole Bonin identifies herself as a genuine “Christmas elf” and an ardent admirer of the holiday. Her home is a canvas for creativity, adorned with decorations that she often crafts herself, both inside and out, while running a hair prosthesis center.
Each wall is a celebration of handmade artistry, with nearly every room showcasing its own Christmas tree, totaling an impressive seven throughout the house. From wreaths and garlands to dried orange arrangements and nutcrackers, there’s something to delight every visitor.
“I decorate to sprinkle magic into people’s hearts; my clients often face tough times, and entering my home fills them with hope,” explains Carole, the proud owner of the Majestique Center.
Her partner operates a toy store in the backyard, which transforms into Santa’s workshop come December. “Children are always eager to pass through my house to reach the toy store; their amazement is a joy to witness,” notes Jean Brisebois, owner of Division Jouets Passion Majestique, specializing in Playmobil toys.
40 Years of Holiday Spirit
For 40 years, a residence in Saint-Michel has been a beacon for decoration enthusiasts! Thanks to Pat Petercione and his son, the neighborhood is treated to a breathtaking display featuring Santa’s sleigh and a variety of whimsical monsters during Halloween.
With an array of candy canes, illuminated snowmen, and Santa’s reindeer, Pat’s front yard transforms into a vibrant holiday spectacle. “It’s a passion of mine; I start decorating in mid-November, and every day, I have visitors passing by,” shares Pat, who sees thousands drawn to his enchanting home each year.
During a recent visit from the Journal, numerous cars parked outside, capturing the beauty of the illuminated display. “We change the color scheme each year; this time it’s a festive red and white,” he remarked about his residence on Louis-Hémon Street.
A Dazzling Garden of Lights
On 1st Avenue in Rosemont, Jean-Marc Boucher’s front yard transforms into a mesmerizing garden of lights each December. For 15 years, his creative decorations have attracted curious onlookers from near and far.
“People come from all over to admire my lights; last year, a woman from New Zealand even filmed the entire display! I have a neighbor whose friends from Vancouver visited, and many French tourists simply adore my decorations,” Jean-Marc shares with pride.
Every year, he adds new elements to his property, including a nativity scene, a sleigh with reindeer, and a collection of vintage plastic Santas. “When I’m around, I invite people into the yard; the children’s reactions are priceless,” he adds, noting that he begins his festive preparations in November.
Despite the effort involved in such elaborate decorations, Jean-Marc’s love for Christmas shines brightly, and he has no intention of stopping anytime soon.