A Victorian Christmas

November 19 to December 18:
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

December 26 to 30:
Monday to Friday, 12 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Old Montreal is full of unexpected treasures. Give in to your curiosity and open the door to the home of Sir George-Étienne Cartier on Notre-Dame street.

An event for all ages to immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas preparations in a 19th century bourgeois home and discover the fascinating origins of holiday traditions. Take part in the Christmas card workshop and try wassail, a traditional holiday drink, and immortalize your visit at the souvenir photo booth.

Get acquainted with one of the main architects of Confederation, both a lawyer and businessman of great influence. As well, discover the new interactive exhibition which allows you to share your ideas of what makes a country.

The Magic of Christmas Unfolds

Victorian Christmas exhibition and activities
The splendour of Victorian Christmas is revealed in each room of the grand residence belonging to the illustrious George-Étienne Cartier. Feast your eyes on the beautifully laid table, the magnificent tree, piles of gifts and other delights, as well as old-fashioned Christmas cards and early representations of Santa Claus. The magic of Christmas will fill and inspire you through the holidays and beyond!

Rediscover the wonder and traditions of the season, and spread the joy wherever you go!

A Christmas tree stocked with surprises!
© Parks Canada

“Kissing under the mistletoe” souvenir photo

There are many legends and folktales involving mistletoe. For some people, this magical, sacred plant with medicinal properties is a symbol of love and forgiveness. One popular belief holds that hanging mistletoe in your home during the holidays will bring you luck at the end of the year and into the next.

Share a kiss under the mistletoe with your other half, your parents, your children or your friends, like so many before you!

Share the pleasure to
create a greeting card
© Parks Canada

Workshop: Making Christmas cards and decorations

This year, give someone the joy of receiving a greeting card you made yourself. Artist MamiKiki will open up her treasure chest full of ribbons, pine cones, lace and assorted items in a myriad of shapes and colours for you to use. Personalize your card and enjoy the pleasure of giving. Those who wish may donate their creation to the Association des popotes roulantes du Montréal métropolitain (meals on wheels), to be given to someone living alone.

Enjoy old-fashioned wassail and hot chocolate

Come down to the comfortable lounge in the basement to enjoy old-fashioned wassail (a warm drink made from apple juice and seasoned with spices such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger) or hot chocolate (developed by the Historic Division of Mars based on a recipe from 1750).

Warm up your insides and your taste buds in a delightfully casual setting!

Historical clips on the origin of Christmas traditions
Where did the story of Santa Claus originate? Why do we give each other gifts and cards? To find out more about these traditions, try out our interactive terminals, where storyteller, historian and Victorian specialist Yvan Fortier will share his knowledge of and passion for Victorian Christmas with you.

For more information: www.pc.gc.ca/cartier 514-283-2282 or 1-888-773-8888

Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site
458 Notre-Dame Street East, Old Montreal