A Victorian Christmas at Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site in Montreal. Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.
Hoop skirts. Top hats. Tiny Tim and plum pudding and candlelight. If these are the images of your Christmas dreams, hark! Many Victorian Christmas celebrations await ye, merry gentlemen (and gentlewomen) in Ontario, Quebec and beyond this Yuletide season. Here are just a few.
Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site, Montreal
Every weekend from now until Christmas, entertainers at this 19th-century bourgeois home will bring long-gone days back to life. You can sip hot chocolate or wassail, learn to make traditional Christmas cards, get your photo taken under the mistletoe, and watch re-enactors in period costume prepare a Dickensian-style feast. Most events run between 10am and 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays, November 22 to December 21.
Heritage House Museum, Smiths Falls
Between now and Christmas Eve, this Smiths Falls museum will be illuminated with festive lights and offer several special events, including a Victorian Family Christmas Party on December 7 (1 to 4pm) and Holly Days Children’s Workshops for children aged 6 to 12 (1 to 4pm).
Mackenzie House, Toronto
This one-time home of 19th-century mayor, journalist and rebel William Lyon Mackenzie will offer Victorian-era fun six days a week (all but Mondays) from November 25 to January 4. Get some ideas for your own holiday decor by checking out the home’s festive greenery, and warm up with mulled cider and biscuits.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Oakville
Photo courtesy of Bronte Creek Provincial Park.
In this park just west of Toronto, you can dress the whole family in Victorian garb, visit Santa, nosh on funnel cakes and sugar cookies, go gift shopping, sing traditional songs, see farm animals, enjoy a sleigh ride, and tour Spruce Lane Farmhouse. All visitors receive a USB stick with digital photos of their visit. Open weekends, December 6 to December 21, as well as December 22 and 23.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, Buffalo
Never mind that Teddy R became president almost eight months after Queen Victoria shuffled off this mortal coil. His inaugural site has been throwing an extensive Victorian Christmas celebration for 40 years. This year’s version (December 5 to 13) includes luncheons, fashion shows, a concert, a silent auction, a wine tasting and more.