Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, November 14. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
For crossing off presents for everyone on your list…
- Thursday, November 21 to Sunday, November 24 | Do your holiday shopping at the Canadian Museum of History's Christmas Market with over 80 exhibitors offering delicious treats and unique handmade creations. FREE!
- Starting Friday, November 22 | With twinkling lights, holiday décor and cozy vibes, the ByWard Winter Market is the perfect place to shop, eat, and celebrate winter ahead of Ottawa’s iconic Winterlude festival. FREE!
- Ongoing on weekends from Friday, November 22 | 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 on weekends | Meet 100+ vendors inside the Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park at the Ottawa Farmers' Market! FREE!
- Starting Friday, November 22 |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 | Experience the magic of the season as Sparks Street transforms into a sparkling Winter Wander-land with holiday-themed light displays. 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.
- Friday, November 22 | Join in for the Christmas Market Social in collaboration with Station 11 for a festive and fun-filled evening!
- Saturday, November 23 | Kicking-off the annual holiday tree and decor sales with a market boasting all the hallmarks of the season, check out the Parkdale Public Market! FREE!
- Saturday, November 23 | Join the ADAAWE Indigenous Holiday Market! Discover unique products and gifts from over 20 local Indigenous vendors, perfect for your holiday shopping. FREE!
- Saturday, November 23 | Experience a tribute to Sting like never before with Sound of Sting live in The Joint at Rideau Carleton Casino.
- Sunday, November 24 | Celebrate that old-fashioned Christmas feeling at the Goulburn Museum’s Outdoor Artisan Market and get a head start on your holiday shopping. FREE!
- Tuesday, November 26 | 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!
- Tuesday, November 26 | Celebrate the upcoming festive season at the Ottawa Jazz Festival’s Holiday Special happening at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre.
For arts, culture and a good time...
- Thursday, November 21 ; Saturday, November 23 ; Monday, November 25 | Show your support for the Ottawa Senators as they go head-to-head with the Vegas Golden Knights, the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames at the Canadian Tire Centre.
- Friday, November 22 | Celebrate the powerful women in cinema at the Know Her Name - Film Screening held at Library and Archives Canada.
- Friday, November 22 | Discover the School of the Photographic Arts: Ottawa Centre with an exhibition reception, live music, the launch of the SPAO annual publication, and a holiday sale featuring limited edition art prints—perfect for the gift-giving season. FREE!
- Saturday, November 23 | Join the FILMharmonique Orchestra for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back at the Arena at TD Place.
- Saturday, November 23 | Don’t miss Janette King, a Caribbean-Canadian alternative RnB artist at the National Arts Centre.
- Sunday, November 24 | Don’t miss Sebastian Maniscalco: It Ain't Right Tour at the Canadian Tire Centre!
- Ongoing | The European Union Film Festival presents 27 films from all 27 European Union member states – happening at the Ottawa Art Gallery.
- Sunday, November 24 | Get ready for an energetic, family-friendly dance party like no other at Lansdowne Get Down! Featuring The Flava Factory Crew! They are bringing all the hype and freshest dance moves!
