Explore the enchanting streets of historic Old Montréal this Christmas season with our small-group tour. We’ll uncover local customs rooted in New France, visit iconic landmarks, and go behind the scenes of the Santa Claus exhibit – a captivating look at the evolution of holiday traditions. With an experienced guide leading the way, you’ll gain unique insights and a memorable experience. Whether you’re a Montréal local or visiting for the holidays, this tour promises to delight. What else can we expect from this festive outing?
Key Points
- A 1.5-hour guided walking tour through historic Old Montréal, showcasing festive decorations and local Christmas customs from the New France era.
- Priced at $23.50 per person, with available options in English and French, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Highlights include a visit to the Santa Claus exhibit at the Montréal World Trade Center, exploring the origins and evolution of this iconic figure.
- Tour route covers key landmarks such as Victoria Square, Bonsecours Market, and Notre-Dame Basilica, providing an immersive experience in the holiday atmosphere.
- Participants have praised the enthusiasm and expertise of the guides, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 28 reviews.
Tour Overview
The Old Montréal Small-Group Christmas Tour offers a 1.5-hour guided journey through the historic district during the holiday season.
Priced from $23.50 per person, the tour is available in English and French. Participants can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.
This walking tour showcases the festive decorations in shops, museums, and hotel lobbies, while participants learn about local Christmas customs and the origins of holiday traditions from New France.
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Experience Highlights
Although the Old Montréal Small-Group Christmas Tour lasts just 1.5 hours, it offers an immersive experience through the historic district during the holiday season.
We’ll learn about local Christmas customs and the origins of holiday traditions from the New France era. The tour route includes highlights like Victoria Square, Bonsecours Market, and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, where we’ll admire the festive decorations.
The tour also includes a visit to the Santa Claus exhibit at Montréal’s World Trade Center, giving us a glimpse into the magic of the holiday season.
The tour provides:
- A guided journey through historic Old Montréal during the most wonderful time of the year.
- Insights into local Christmas traditions and their evolution over time.
- The opportunity to soak in the festive atmosphere and admire holiday decorations.
Tour Inclusions
As part of the Old Montréal Small-Group Christmas Tour, we’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour walking tour led by a professional guide.
The gratuity for our guide is included, so we don’t have to worry about tipping.
The tour is open to a selection of participants, including adults aged 14-99, youth aged 4-13, and infants 3 and younger.
This comprehensive package ensures we can all experience the festive sights and sounds of historic Old Montréal during the holiday season.
Customer Reviews
Customers have overwhelmingly praised this Old Montréal Christmas tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 28 reviews.
The guide rating, value for money, and service rating all scored highly at 4.6, 4.7, and 4.6 respectively, with the organization of the tour receiving a perfect 5 out of 5 score.
Participants particularly appreciated the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guides, especially Isabelle, and found the tour to be engaging and informative.
Many expressed a desire to experience more tours in the future, indicating the lasting impression this experience left on them.
- Highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides
- Engaging and informative tour content
- Exceptional organization and value for money
Participant Feedback
Participants enthusiastically praised the Old Montréal Christmas tour, highlighting the knowledgeable and engaging guides who brought the history and traditions of the season to life.
Many expressed a desire to experience more tours in the future, appreciating the tour’s informative and entertaining nature. Reviewers singled out guide Isabelle for her exceptional enthusiasm and expertise, noting how she expertly wove together the captivating stories of Montréal’s holiday customs.
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Meeting Point Variations
Depending on the tour option booked, the meeting point for the Old Montréal Christmas Tour may vary. This flexibility allows the tour to accommodate different preferences and needs of participants.
The tour’s organizers have thoughtfully designed the meeting point options to ensure a smooth and convenient experience for everyone. Let’s explore the key meeting point details:
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Some tours depart from a central location in Old Montréal, enabling easy access for those already exploring the historic district.
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Other tour options provide the flexibility to meet at the Montréal World Trade Center, allowing participants to conveniently join the tour after visiting the Santa Claus exhibit.
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Regardless of the meeting point, the tour guide will be there to greet you and lead you on an enchanting journey through the festive streets of Old Montréal.
Holiday Traditions in New France
The holiday traditions of New France, the former French colonial territory that encompassed parts of modern-day Canada, were deeply rooted in the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The indigenous peoples of the region, such as the Iroquois and Huron, had long-standing traditions of winter solstice celebrations. These were later blended with the traditions of the French settlers, who brought their customs from Europe.
Today, many of these traditions, like the Bûche de Noël (Yule log cake) and the Christmas Eve midnight mass, continue to be celebrated in Montréal, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s fascinating history and cultural diversity.
Santa Claus Exhibit
One of the highlights of the Old Montréal Christmas Tour is the Santa Claus exhibit located at the Montréal World Trade Center. This special exhibit provides a fascinating glimpse into the origins and evolution of Santa Claus, tracing his journey from the historical Saint Nicholas to the modern-day jolly figure.
Visitors can explore:
- The origins of Santa Claus and his ties to the 4th-century Saint Nicholas.
- The influence of European folklore and traditions on the development of Santa Claus.
- The commercialization and globalization of Santa Claus in the 19th and 20th centuries.
This captivating exhibit adds depth and context to the Christmas traditions explored during the Old Montréal tour, providing a deeper understanding of the holiday’s cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
We can cancel our booking up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. This flexible policy allows us to plan our trip with confidence and make changes if needed without incurring any penalties.
Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?
We don’t see any discounts mentioned for this tour, but the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance offers flexibility if your plans change. The tour price seems reasonable for the included highlights and duration.
What Type of Transportation Is Used During the Tour?
This tour is a walking tour, so we’ll explore the historic sites of Old Montréal on foot. There’s no transportation provided during the 1.5-hour experience – just comfortable shoes and a desire to discover the festive charm of the city.
Can Participants Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, we’re allowed to take photos during the tour. The tour overview states that the tour includes a guided walking tour through historic Old Montréal, so participants can freely snap photos as they explore the festive sights and holiday traditions.
Are There Any Health or Accessibility Requirements for the Tour?
We don’t see any specific health or accessibility requirements mentioned for this tour. However, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the tour operator if you have any special needs to confirm they can accommodate you.
Recap
The Old Montréal Small-Group Christmas Tour offers a festive and informative exploration of the historic district’s holiday traditions. Enjoy the enchanting ambiance, gain insights into local customs, and discover the evolution of Christmas culture at the captivating Santa Claus exhibit. This memorable experience promises to delight and engage visitors seeking a unique holiday outing in the heart of Montréal.
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