How to celebrate a Victorian Christmas in Montréal

Did you know that much of how we traditionally celebrate Christmas today has origins in Victorian Britain? In fact, at the beginning of the 19th century, Christmas was barely celebrated in England and her colonies—many businesses didn’t even recognize it as a holiday! “Bah, Humbug!” indeed. But by the dawn of the new century, Christmas had evolved into the massive celebration as we’ve come to know it. So as a nod to the origins of our modern yuletide celebrations, we invite you to discover some Victorian Christmas treats hidden around Montréal.

A Victorian Christmas

From November 21 until December 20, immerse yourself in the magic of a Victorian Christmas at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site in Old Montréal. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, visitors will be transported back to a 19th century home in the midst of mirthful holiday preparations. Discover the origins of many modern Christmas traditions as you wander opulently decorated rooms and warm up with some festive old-fashioned hot drinks. More activities include storytelling for children, a card and decoration workshop, and clips showcasing origins on Victorian Christmas.

Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site: 458 Notre-Dame Street East

On stage

Arguably the two most cherished Christmas productions to ever hit the stage are both set in the Victorian era: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Catch a classic rendition of the Dickensian holiday tale at the Geordie Productions Fundraiser Gala December 11 and 12 at Montréal’s D.B. Clarke Theatre, or take in the fantastical Russian ballet from December 11 to 30 with Les Grands Ballets de Montréal at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier.

D.B. Clarke Theatre: 1455 De Maisonneuve Boulevard West

Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier: 175 Sainte-Catherine Street West

In the streets

Soak up the festive holiday atmosphere of downtown Montréal in with a visit to La Maison OGILVY’s annual Christmas window display. The grand Victorian-style building in the heart of downtown Montréal has drawn crowds to its magical yuletide sceneries “The Enchanted Village” and “Mill in the Forest” since 1947.

La Maison OGILVY: 1307 Sainte-Catherine Street West

In song

While the Victorians weren’t strangers to the concept of carolling, many of the classic Christmas tunes we know and love were either created or popularized in the 19th century. Let your spirit be lifted by the beloved songs of the season at the annual Carols by Candlelight at The Church of St-Andrew and St-Paul on December 20 at 4:30 p.m. Arrive curious, leave a-wassailing.

The Church of St-Andrew and St-Paul: 3415 Redpath Street

On the table

Traditional Victorian holiday fare is still a staple on many modern Christmas dinner tables. Delve into the classics with seasonal offerings from Boucherie Lawrence, who’ll be selling mince pies, plum pudding, and specialty fowl on request come December. Just around the corner, check out Mile End’s British grocers Newland Jump to pick up a Christmas pudding, or a jar of Burgundy Lion‘s locally famous marmalade. Have a merry holiday season, and long live the Queen!

Boucherie Lawrence: 5237 Saint Laurent Boulevard

Newland Jump: 54 Saint-Viateur Street West

Burgundy Lion: 2496 Notre-Dame Street West