24 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa

We’re arriving at the last month of the year, and the holiday spirit is spreading everywhere in Ottawa! Have a look at the amazing events that await you this first weekend of December!

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1. Mayor’s Annual Christmas Celebration

Come to the City Hall to celebrate the holiday season! Visit with Santa and Ms. Claus, enjoy roasting marshmallows over a campfire, hot chocolate, and Beaver Tails for just $2. Admission is by donation to the Ottawa Food Bank. Where: 110 Laurier Ave West. Check out: https://ottawa.ca/en/mayors-events/mayors-20th-annual-christmas-celebration

2. European Union Christmas Concert

This concert of Christmas carols will take place at the beautiful Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. The music will be performed in 25 different European languages. Free admission but registration is required. Friday Dec 2 from 7pm to 9pm. Address: 385 Sussex Drive. Book your spot at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/european-union-christmas-concert-concert-de-noel-de-lunion-europeenne-tickets-465863017827

3. Almonte Santa Claus Night Parade

There will be free hot dogs and hot chocolate for everyone in the upstairs hall at the Almonte Community Centre. Dec 4 from 5:30 pm to 7:00pm. Address: 182 Bridge Street, Almonte. Check out: thehumm.com

4. Perth Santa Claus Parade

It begins at The Factory on Sunset Boulevard in Perth on Dec 3 at 5pm. Check out: perthsantaclausparade.com

5. Orleans Christmas Bazaar

Unique gift ideas from local creative vendors. Dec 3-4 from 11am to 4pm at Shenkman Arts Centre. 245 Centrum Boulevard, Orleans. FREE. Details: https://shenkmanarts.ca/en/orleans-christmas-bazaar

6. 613 Christmas Market

This is 613 Flea’s largest event of the year, showcasing over 200 vendors that will gather at a 40,000 square foot show floor. Dec 3 from 10am to 5pm, and Dec 4 from 10am to 4pm. Where: The Fieldhouse at Carleton University. 85 University Drive. FREE. Check out: https://www.613flea.ca/613christmas

7. Stittsville Parade of Lights

Come to see beautifully decorated floats that will pass by on Stittsville’s main street, and stay for the lighting of Village Square Park to share some hot chocolate and cookies. Dec 3 at 6pm. Check out: stittsvilleva.com

8. Cumberland Christmas Market

Over 125 vendors will offer a variety of products from food, sweets, crafts to artisanal goods. At 4 indoor locations. Dec 3 from 9am to 4pm. Check out: cumberlandfarmersmarket.ca

9. Ottawa Christmas Market

It runs for 5 weekends until Christmas. There are vendors, live music, workshops for kids, beautifully lit decorations, and the tallest Christmas tree in town. Where: At Lansdowne. From November 25 to December 23. FREE. Check out: ottawachristmasmarket.com

10. Coral Performances at Byward Market

From Dec 3 to 18, musical guests will fill with music the ambiance at the Byward Market while you shop for all kinds of Christmas ornaments made by local artisans. Dec 3-4 at 12pm at George St Plaza.

11. Flea Holiday Market

It will run for four weeks in a row until Dec 23 starting this Friday Dec 2 from 5pm to10pm. At the Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park. Dogs welcome. FREE.

12. Student Makers Holiday Market

Features over 20 Carleton student businesses that will offer unique handmade products, hot drinks and treats. Dec 3 from 11am to 6pm. At Haven CUSA, 43 Seneca St. Book your free spot at eventbrite.ca

13. Holiday Night Market

Over 20 vendors, handmade gifts, mulled wine and craft beer, food, outdoor bonfires, s’mores kits, and more. Dec 3 from 5-9pm at Manor Park. 1805 Gaspe Ave. FREE. Check out: manorpark.ca

14. Holiday Pop Up

Bakeries, breweries, artisans, evergreen trees, carolling and holiday music, a visit from Santa, family games and tree decorating. Dec 3 from 10am to 2pm at Parkdale Public Market, 366 Parkdale Ave.

15. Parkdale Night Market

Shop from over 30 vendors, enjoy mulled wine and cider, have delicious snacks, while listening carollers. Dec 7 from 4pm to 8pm. 366 Parkdale Ave.

16. Elgin St Market Holiday Edition

Bring the family to sip on hot cider and have a visit from Santa! Saturday Dec 4 from 3pm to 7pm at Boushey Square, 211-A Waverley St.

17. Ottawa 67’s games

Cheer the 67s, the local junior hockey team, against Flint Firebirds on Friday Dec 2 at 7pm, and against Peterborough Petes on Sunday Dec 4 at 2pm. At TD Place.

18. Light Up the Night at Almonte

This is an open-air concert. There will be singing, dancing, puppets, fireworks, magical twinkle fairies, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Friday, December 2 at 7 pm. Check out: mississippimills.ca

19. Ukrainian Christmas Market

A variety of Ukrainian foods, baking and souvenirs. Saturday Dec 3 from 10am at St John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine, 952 Green Valley Crescent.

20. Carp Christmas Market

A visit from Santa, and live music from Zachary Martin. Dec 2 from 3pm to 8pm and Dec 3 from 8am to 2pm. At Carp Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Road. Free parking and free admission. Check out: https://m.facebook.com/CarpFarmersMarket/

21. Manotick Village Christmas

Celebrate the holiday season with a Parade of Lights on Dec 2 at 7pm, and many activities on Dec 3 like breakfast with Santa, horse drawn wagon rides, crafters market and more. Check out: manotickvillage.com

22. St Elias Christmas Market

There will be holiday inspired music (1pm) and Christmas carolers (4:30pm). Also a kids craft table during the whole event. Dec 4 from 11am to 8pm at St Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave.

23. Holiday Hunt

Free outdoor escape room experience. Free hot chocolate, family activities and live Christmas music. Dec 3 from 5pm to 8:30pm. At 347 Preston Street. Check out @littleitalyottawa on Instagram.