Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, December 11. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
Visit Parliament with free tickets to the Senate of Canada Building, the House of Commons at West Block or Parliament: The Immersive Experience. Don’t forget to stop by the Parliamentary Boutique at West Block for unique holiday gifts!
For getting into the Holiday spirit...
- Ongoing | Nearly 300,000 Winter Lights Across Canada are installed in Canada's Capital Region, highlighting various sites and monuments and creating the Pathway of lights for families and friends to explore.
- 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 | Immerse yourself in the festive season with specially curated cocktails that come with a delightful holiday twist and so much more at 1912 on Yuletide Lane at the Fairmont Château Laurier.
- 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 | Experience the magic of the season as Sparks Street transforms into a sparkling Winter Wander-land with holiday-themed light displays. FREE!
- Fridays through Sundays | Create treasured memories at the Vintage Village of Lights! Enjoy a postcard-perfect heritage village from the 1920s and '30s, beautifully decorated for the holidays.
- Ongoing | Cruise around the Ottawa Christmas Market and sing your fav holiday hits on the Thursty Pedaler’s festive party bike. At the Ottawa Christmas Market.
- Ongoing | 1D Studios invites visitors behind the scenes of season 2 of Magic of Christmas, an immersive indoor walkthrough filled with festive sights.
- Thursdays through Sundays | Unwind in a 19th-century village lit by over a million lights at Alight at Night happening at Upper Canada Village. Enjoy activity stations and visit St. Nicolas, stop by the sound and light show as the lights dance to your favorite holiday music.
- Ongoing | Embrace the festive spirit with A Country Christmas at Saunders Farm! Enjoy the Elf Academy Stage Show, meet Santa, and explore snow-covered hedge mazes.
- Thursday, December 11 to Saturday, December 13 | The National Arts Centre Orchestra presents Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert featuring a screening of the film while the musical score is performed live by the orchestra!
- Saturday, December 13 | Step into the sparkle of the season at Jingle Jazz with dazzling circus acts, and holiday cheer all wrapped into one unforgettable show! Held at LabO theatre.
- Sunday, December 14 | Enjoy the NAC Orchestra's beloved FanFair! This festive concert includes favourite classics — it's fun for everyone!
- Saturday, December 13 to Sunday, December 14 | Enjoy Baobab, a canonical children’s theatre classic on stage just in time for the holidays, with an array of traditional African instruments, magnificent puppets and infectious songs.
For crossing off presents for everyone on your list…
- Ongoing | Check out the Art + Parcel sale at the Ottawa Art Gallery with unique gift-giving opportunities with Canadian-made ceramics, jewellery, homewares, kids crafts, art prints, books and much more.
- Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays |Get into the holiday spirit at Ottawa’s European-style Christmas market—the perfect place for great food, warm drinks, traditional kiosks and a festive atmosphere! FREE!
- Friday, December 12 | Explore over 140 vendors featuring unique gifts, delicious food, and seasonal treats at the 613Holiday Night Market.
- Saturday, December 13 | Celebrate pets and the holiday season at the 3rd Annual Pet Day & Holiday Market. Browse over 40 pet-themed vendors and 150+ local artisans
- Saturday, December 13 to Sunday, December 14 | Experience and support the work of talented Indigenous women artists and artisans at the National Arts Centre’s Gail & David O’Brien Atrium.
- Saturday, December 13 | Explore a vibrant selection of local artisans, crafters, and creators showcasing their talents at the All of My Favourite Things Artisan Market Series held in the ByWard Market.
- Ongoing | Mādahòkì Farm celebrates the holiday season with Indigenous-inspired programming and over 60 Marketplace vendors add to the festive atmosphere.
- Sunday, December 14 | Explore over 85 local vendors year-round at Lansdowne Farmers’ Market every Sunday. FREE!
For arts, culture and a good time…
- Thursday, December 11; Saturday, December 13 to Sunday, December 14 | Le Petit Chef brings its imaginative dining experience to Ottawa, blending 3D projection with creative gastronomy. Held at the Tulip Restaurant and Bar.
- Fridays and Saturdays | Dance the night away at Club Aléa in the Casino du Lac-Leamy with its lineup of talented DJs!
- Friday, December 12 | Catch the Ottawa Black Bears, Ottawa’s lacrosse team at the Canadian Tire Centre.
- Sunday, December 14 | Enjoy affordable, family-friendly junior men’s hockey games with the Ottawa 67’s at TD Place Arena at Lansdowne, in the lively downtown Glebe neighbourhood.
