COVID-19 Update

Ottawa Tourism’s top priority is the health and safety of our community and our visitors. While the local COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving, our website may not reflect current offerings. Please contact each business or entity directly before making plans.

Christmas Lights Across Canada

December 2021, dates to be announced

From early December to early January each year, in honour of the holiday season, thousands of colourful lights illuminate buildings, parks and streetscapes in Canada’s capital.

The Christmas Lights Across Canada event presents hundreds of thousands of dazzling holiday lights throughout downtown Ottawa from 5:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. each evening. The pathway of lights includes Confederation Boulevard, Canada’s ceremonial route, which encompasses Wellington Street, Mackenzie Street, Elgin Street and Sussex Drive in downtown Ottawa, as well as Laurier Street in Gatineau and the Alexandra Bridge. A virtual version of the tour will also be available.

This year, you can also visit a new artistic light installation on Parliament Hill. Entre les rangs is a sensory experience that takes you on a stroll through an urban field.