Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, November 27. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
For getting into the Holiday spirit...
- Check out this list of free or nearly free activities you can enjoy in the Ottawa region when you visit during the winter season.
- 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 | Enter to win big this holiday with the Glebe Spree.
- 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.
- Starting Saturday, November 29 | 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.
- Friday, December 5 to Saturday, December 6 | Celebrate this year's holiday season with Les Petits Ballets and their production of The Nutcracker! At Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe.
- Saturday, December 6 | All aboard Santa’s Holiday Train! Celebrate the season with the Bytown Railway Society aboard a vintage train car, where visitors can meet Santa and take a cherished photo. At the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
Starting Monday, December 8 | 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.
For crossing off presents for everyone on your list…
- 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 5 | Explore over 140 vendors featuring unique gifts, delicious food, and seasonal treats at the 613Holiday Night Market.
- Saturday, December 6 | 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 7 | Explore over 85 local vendors year-round at Lansdowne Farmers’ Market every Sunday. FREE!
For arts, culture and a good time…
- Fridays and Saturdays | Dance the night away at Club Aléa in the Casino du Lac-Leamy with its lineup of talented DJs!
- Thursday, December 4; Saturday, December 6 | Cheer on the Ottawa Senators at TD Place.
- Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7 | Don’t miss Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival, the leading filmmakers’ festival in Ottawa, valuing artistic achievement and excellence.
- Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7 | Rendez-vous de la bande dessinée de Gatineau offers activities for all comics fans: live drawing performances, round tables, workshops, and conferences. Come see and participate! Presentations are in French.
- Friday, December 5; Sunday, December 7 | 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
- Sunday, December 7 | Mochitsuki Market will be packed with exciting Japanese cultural performances and martial arts demonstrations.
