Ottawa’s illuminated urban spaces, festive markets, special shows and culinary experiences will dazzle you during the magical holiday season.
Visit the holiday movie capital
This winter, take a break from binging holiday movies and come experience the movie magic yourself in one of Ottawa’s picture-perfect locations! We are the holiday movie capital, after all. Come reconnect with friends and family or simply get into the holiday spirit in Ottawa!
Special holiday events
Ottawa Christmas Market
Get into the holiday spirit at Ottawa’s European-style Christmas market—the perfect place for great food, warm drinks, traditional kiosks and a…
Winter Lights Across Canada
Starting in December, nearly 300,000 lights are installed in Canada's Capital Region, highlighting various sites and monuments and creating the…
The Museum's Christmas Market
Do your holiday shopping at this festive market with over 80 exhibitors offering delicious treats and unique handmade creations, such as Christmas…
Stanley’s Christmas Village
Bundle up and head over to Stanley’s Christmas Village for a winter wonderland experience. Snap a photo with Santa, grab some hot cocoa and jump on a…
Alight at Night
Stroll through a historic village filled with holiday joy including over one million lights, Christmas music, BeaverTails and more. Just one hour…
A Country Christmas
By day, enjoy pre-cut Christmas trees, hedge mazes, wagon rides, Christmas displays, a Farm Shop with local vendors and more! By night, drive through…
Magic of Lights
Experience the dazzling Magic of Lights drive-through display this winter. Lined with two kilometers of sparkling LED light displays, this event is…
IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship
The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship will be played in Ottawa, Ontario, bringing the World Juniors back to Canada's capital for the first time…
MJ The Musical
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Ottawa in MJ, the multiple Tony…
What’s happening in the Ottawa area
Check out some of the fun events and activities taking place in the Ottawa region this week, including the weekend!
Holiday guide
Christmas movie filming locations to visit in the Ottawa area
Visit the many places in and around Canada’s capital where some of your favourite Christmas movies have been filmed.
Top ten local stocking stuffers you can find in Ottawa
Bring holiday joy to everyone on your list while supporting local businesses with our top 10 Ottawa-themed holiday stocking stuffer ideas for 2024.
Delicious and sweet holiday treats to try in Ottawa
This holiday season, you’ll find all of the warm drinks, decadent baked goods and decorated sweets you and your loved-ones are craving in Canada’s capital.
Best places to get into the holiday spirit in the Ottawa area
Celebrate Christmas or enjoy the holiday season by exploring Ottawa’s quaint villages, decorated neighbourhoods and cool local shops this year.
Free or nearly free winter activities in Ottawa
Free or nearly free winter activities in the Ottawa area.
Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2024
Six Ottawa restaurants make the list of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2024 list.
