Looking for things to do in Ottawa this holiday season?
Explore the magic of the season in Canada’s capital with the best holiday activities.
Here are the top things to do in the Ottawa area leading up to the holidays, from festive sightseeing to seasonal shopping and more.
Ottawa glows up when the Winter Lights Across Canada program is on. From December 5 to January 7, stroll around Ottawa’s downtown and see hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights brightening a pathway to various sites and monuments.
Or, fill your car and head to Wesley Clover Parks for its Magic of Lights show. From November 22 to January 4, drive through two kilometres of holiday scenes and characters draped in dazzling LED lights. Kids and adults alike will be glued to their windows!
Another magical marvel? The Alight at Night Festival at Upper Canada Village, open select nights from November 29 to January 4. Stroll through more than a million lights adorning the historic village and discover activities for the whole family. It’s an enchanting experience you won’t want to miss.
If you love Christmas markets, there are plenty in Ottawa this holiday season, including the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne (Nov. 22 – Jan. 5). It’s one of the city’s most eagerly awaited: 25 days of food, warm drinks, music, lights, local vendors and more. And while you’re there? Why not explore the vibrant charm of the Glebe neighbourhood.
Here are a few other holiday markets coming up:
View the Ottawa Tourism events calendar for more holiday markets.
Santa Claus is coming to town. Wherever you’ll be in Canada’s capital region, you’ll hear those sleigh bells jingling at one of the many Santa Claus parades happening until early December.
Not sure where to start? Check out the stunning floats at Santa’s Parade of Lights in Orléans on Saturday, November 30, starting at 6 p.m.
Other parades to keep on your radar include the Manotick Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade (Nov. 29), the Riverside South Community Association Toy Mountain Parade (Nov. 30) and the Stittsville Parade of Lights (Dec. 7).
Ottawa is surrounded by nature, the perfect backdrop for a Christmas village. A short drive from the city will bring you to Saunders Farm, which turns into a whimsical winter wonderland, A Country Christmas, from November 30 to December 30. Whatever you want from a holiday experience, you’ll find it here, including snowy hedge mazes, cozy campfires, an ornament workshop and more.
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm is another great destination to soak up some holiday spirit. Enjoy its immersive Christmas Village or peaceful Holiday Stroll through the woods from December 1 to 28.
Grab a loved one and warm up with some yuletide arts and culture. From the classic ballet The Nutcracker (Dec. 5 – 8) to a screening of the movie Elf accompanied by a live orchestra (Dec. 11 – 13), the NAC’s holiday programming is sure to make you feel festive.
With so much going on in and around the city, Ottawa is a magical place this time of year. At the very least, if all you do is grab a drink at the Instagrammable Elf’s Pub, returning November 26 to the Fairmont Château Laurier, you’re guaranteed to fill your festive cup both figuratively and literally.
Stay up to date on upcoming events and ideas to plan your next trip to Ottawa with friends, family or on your own by signing up for the Ottawa Tourism Newsletter.
