A Victorian Christmas

at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site

The Magic of Christmas Unfolds

The red parlour in all its splendour!
© Parks Canada

Every Saturday and Sunday,
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
November 22 to December 21, 2014

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Christmas preparations in a 19th-century bourgeois home and discover the fascinating origins of a multitude of Christmas traditions that still exist today.

A magical and memorable experience awaits!

Meet characters in period costumes!
© Parks Canada

Exhibition and Characters in Period Costumes

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Christmas preparations in a 19th-century bourgeois home and discover the fascinating origins of a multitude of Christmas traditions that still exist today.
The Historic Site takes on a completely different look during the exhibition. Meet characters in the process of preparing holiday festivities and Christmas dinner!

Savour Hot Drinks from the Era: Wassail and Hot Chocolate

Immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere
© Parks Canada

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Head down to the lounge set up in the basement. You are cordially invited to taste the hot drinks and take advantage of this opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere.

A savoury treat!
Old-fashioned hot chocolate, which has been developed by the Historic Division of Mars chocolates according to a 1750 recipe.
Apple juice-based Wassail is a drink that is delicately flavoured with comforting spices such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. Discover the delight of this period drink inspired by a traditional English recipe.

“Kissing under the Mistletoe” Souvenir Photo Booth

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In the 18th century, mistletoe had a very specific, rich symbolism drawing its origin from ancient times…. To refuse a kiss under the mistletoe meant risking not having anyone kiss you in the coming year.
Join in the fun and ensure your year to come is full of love by posing under the mistletoe, dressed in beautiful accessories from the era, and have a photo taken as a keepsake of your visit!

Christmas card and decoration workshop with creator MamiKiki

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
You are invited to “become part of the décor” and experience being a member of the household.
In a setting that will bring back childhood memories, paper, ribbon, and lace will be turned into greeting cards or decoration – whichever takes your fancy. Just like in years gone by, beautiful creations will be fashioned from what is at hand. Nothing will be wasted; everything will be used to make something new!
At the end of the activity, you will have the option of keeping your creation or writing a greeting in it and donating it to the Association des popotes roulantes du Montréal métropolitain (only in French) to be given to someone who will be alone during the holidays.

Historic Clips on the Origin of Various Christmas Traditions

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Storyteller, historian, and Victorian era specialist Yvan Fortier will be sharing his passion for the holiday season and his wealth of knowledge of the Victorian Christmas with us.

Fees
Youth (ages 5 to 16): $5.80
Adults: $7.80
Seniors: $7.30
Family: $19.60

For more information: www.pc.gc.ca/cartier 514-283-2282 Toll-free: 1-888-773-8888
Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site of Canada
Neighbourhood : Old Montréal and Old Port
458 Notre-Dame Street East, Montréal
Metro : Champ-de-Mars