Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, December 19. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
Ongoing | Discover the roles, art and architecture of Parliament on a free guided tour of the Senate of Canada Building or the House of Commons at West Block. Available weekdays and weekends over the holidays.
For crossing off presents for everyone on your list…
- Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22| Meet 100+ vendors inside the Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park at the Lansdowne Farmers' Market! FREE!
- Ongoing | With twinkling lights, holiday décor and cozy vibes, the ByWard Winter Market is the perfect place to shop, eat, and celebrate winter. FREE!
- Ongoing on weekends | Get into the holiday spirit at Ottawa’s Christmas Market at Aberdeen Square—the perfect place for great food, warm drinks, traditional kiosks and a festive atmosphere, with over 50 vendors. FREE!
- Ongoing | Enter to win big this holiday with the Glebe Spree! For every $15 spent at a participating Glebe business, you will receive a sticker for your passport.
- Ongoing | Find great, local gifts for everyone on your list while supporting Canadian artists and the Ottawa Art Gallery at the Art + Parcel : A Holiday Sale. FREE!
- Ongoing | Enhance your décor with hand-made wreaths, garlands, kissing balls, and festive centerpieces at the Parkdale Public Market. FREE!
For getting into the Holiday spirit...
- Thursday, December 19 | Discover everything you need for the holidays at Hintonburg Holiday Shopping Nights!
- Thursday, December 19 to Sunday, December 23 | Unwind in a 19th-century village lit by over a million lights at Alight at Night happening at Upper Canada Village.
- Friday, December 20 to Sunday, December 22 | Enjoy a postcard-perfect heritage village from the 1920s and '30s, beautifully decorated for the holiday at the Vintage Village of Lights.
- Saturday, December 21 to Sunday, December 22 | Bundle up and head over to Stanley’s Christmas Village for a winter wonderland experience.
- Until Tuesday, December 24| Visit Santa’s Village at Tanger Ottawa! Bring your holiday cheer and share your wishes with the jolly old man himself. FREE!
- Ongoing | Fly with Santa over this Christmas with up to 3 passengers! Happening at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.
- Ongoing | YOW Tours invites you to experience an interactive, family-friendly Christmas Adventure through Ottawa’s twinkling streets, charming holiday markets, and hidden corners of the city.
- Ongoing on weekends | Come aboard the Thursty Pedaler! This 14-passenger party bike will take you on a merry ride from the Ottawa Christmas Market through the Glebe, where you'll sing along to holiday hits during a one-of-a-kind Carol-oke crawl.
- Ongoing | Be in awe of Winter Lights Across Canada where nearly 300,000 lights are installed in Canada's Capital Region, highlighting various sites and monuments and creating the Pathway of lights for families and friends to explore. FREE!
- Ongoing | Immerse yourself in the festive season with specially curated cocktails at the Elf’s Pub Holiday Pop-Up.
- Ongoing |Experience the dazzling Magic of Lights drive-through display this winter. Lined with two kilometers of sparkling LED light displays, this event is great for the whole family to safely enjoy from the comfort of your car.
- Ongoing | Kick-start the holiday season with Trees of Hope for CHEO, a magical fundraiser event! Experience in-person or take a virtual tour of the beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the Fairmont Château Laurier halls then vote for your favourite. FREE!
- Ongoing | Celebrate the winter season with Illuminating Curiosity: Explore the Wonders of Light and Glow!, engaging, light-inspired activities at the Canadian Children’s Museum in Ottawa.
- Ongoing | Experience the magic of the season as Sparks Street transforms into a sparkling Winter Wander-land with holiday-themed light displays. FREE!
- Ongoing | Don’t miss Oh Canada Eh? a family friendly musical production celebrates all things Canadian! The two-hour show features famous characters singing Canadian hits, plus an optional Canadian meal.
For arts, culture and a good time...
- Fridays and Saturdays | Dance the night away at Club Aléa at the Hôtel-Casino du Lac-Leamy, with its line-up of talented DJs!
- Friday, December 20 to Sunday, December 22 |The Blind Hockey League (BHL) is excited to announce that the 2024 Carnegie Cup will take place in Ottawa, Ontario, just in time for the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
- Sunday, December 22 | Get ready to shimmy and skate! Join the epic outdoor DJ sets of the ByWard Winter Market Sundays with Solé Day Party next to the fabulous synthetic ice rink.
- Until Sunday, December 22 | Check out FLOP! An Improvised Musical Fiasco, where world-class performers scramble to create a miraculous new musical in this highwire act of skill, comedy and desperation – happening at the Great Canadian Theatre Company.
- Tuesday, December 24 | Escape the holiday rush and unwind with the whole family at Nordik Spa-Nature.
