A Victorian Christmas – weekends until December 29, 2019

A Victorian Christmas at the Cartier’s

Champagne, Charlotte and Crinoline at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site

Looking for a touch of class this Holiday season? Discover how styles dating back to 1867 are still in vogue 150 years later! Be charmed by the elegant Victorian decor featuring miniature fir trees, handmade cards and of course, champagne!

It’s Christmas, 1867; the Confederation has just been formed, and festivities are in full swing at the Cartier home! All the latest trends in decoration, cooking and fashion are sought out to delight the guests. During your visit to the house, discover the history and unexpected origins of some of our still-current holiday traditions. If you’re looking to go out with friends or need a break from December’s hustle and bustle, come visit the Cartier house with its festive decorations. You can enjoy a hot drink by the fireplace, take a souvenir photo with charming period accessories, or make your own personalized holiday card.

Costumed presentation in the Victorian house
Let yourself be enchanted by guides in period costumes who will describe how the bourgeoisie in Montreal prepared for Christmas in 1867: how they decorated their homes, what they ate, what traditions they observed, and more!

What’s more, short videos will explain the origins of the tradition of gift-giving and the history of Santa Claus – before he became a mascot for Coca-Cola!

Pop! Champagne!
History Presentation and Champagne Tasting
Dive into the opulence of Montreal’s nineteenth-century bourgeoisie and, tasting a Champagne glass in hand, discover the world of this prized wine of the Victorian era. A chic, trendy must-have!

From November 30 to December 29, every Saturday and Sunday and exceptionally on December 26 and 27.
At 4 pm in French and 4:30 pm in English.

Hot drinks by the fireplace
Take a break from the December frenzy and enjoy a hot, old-fashioned drink next to the fireplace. Taste wassail (a hot mulled English drink) and the new Victorian Christmas tea, specially created for the historic site. All of this with ambient music.

Photo zone – Winter scene memories
Use the costumes and accessories at your disposal and have fun creating your winter scene snapshots while drawing inspiration from studio photographs that were so popular in the Victorian era!

Until December 29
Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm and, exceptionally, on December 26 and 27.

For more information visit: www.pc.gc.ca/en/