Looking for fun ideas for what to do this weekend? Don’t let the cold turn you off! Have a look at these 20 events happening in Ottawa!
1. Winter Lights Across Canada
Ottawa’s most important buildings and plazas will feature beautifully decorated, colourful lights! Don’t miss the multimedia projection at Parliament Hill from Thursday to Monday. FREE.
When: Dec 8 to Jan 8.
Where: Downtown
Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winter-lights.html
2. Pibòn Festival
Come to celebrate the indigenous winter festival with a night market, workshops, horse-drawn wagon rides, Pow Wow dances, and more. FREE admission. Workshops are paid.
When: Dec 8-9, 5-8pm. Dec 10-11 from 10:30am.
Where: Mādahòkì farm. Address: 4420 West Hunt Club Rd, Nepean.
Details: madahoki.ca
3. Mayor’s Annual Christmas Celebration
Come to City Hall for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate, and BeaverTails for just $2. Admission is by donation to the Ottawa Food Bank.
When: Dec 10, 2pm-5pm
Where: 110 Laurier Ave West.
Details: https://ottawa.ca/en/mayors-events/mayors-20th-annual-christmas-celebration
4. Santa Shuffle
Enthusiastic Ottawans of all ages join this run that aims to help the Salvation Army in its goal to support vulnerable people.
When: Dec 10. First run 1K starts at 10am. The 5K run starts at 10:30am
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
Details: santashuffle.ca
5. Art Battle Ottawa
This is a timed, live painting competition in which the public chooses the winner. Tickets from $23.73.
When: Dec 8, 7pm-10pm
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave.
Details: @artbattleottawa
6. Enchanted Evening
A winter soirée with hot chocolate, treats, music, film projections and a photobooth. FREE but a reservation is required.
When: Dec 8, 4pm-7pm
Where: 101 Queen St.
Details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/restays-enchanted-evening-tickets-467649170257?aff=ALLEVENTS
7. The North Pole Express
A magical ride of approximately 2km that starts at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Tickets: $15. Free for children under 2.
When Dec 10, 11:00am-5:30pm
Where: 90 William St West, Smiths Falls.
Details: rmeo.org
8. Japanese Film Festival
The 40th Japanese Film Festival will run on Dec 11 (4pm) and 13 (7pm) at the Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge. Free admission. Check out: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-40th-japan-film-festival/500015605431833/
9. Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade
The Metcalfe Community Association invites you to participate in their Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony on Dec 10 at 6pm at Victoria Park, and in the Santa Claus Parade Food and Toy Drive on Dec 11 at 2pm. They will be collecting donations in both events. Check out: https://m.facebook.com/MetcalfeCA/
10. Senators vs Anaheim Ducks
Dec 12 at 7:30pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive. Kanata.
11. Carp HCA Santa Claus Parade
They will be collecting non-perishable food items in support of the West Carleton Access Centre. Dec 10, from 6pm to 7pm. Details: hca-carp.ca
12. Holiday Lights Walking Tour
Tour around downtown with a guide, enjoy the Christmas lights that decorate Ottawa’s streets and plazas, and learn its history. Where: 90 Wellington.
Dec 10 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. Book a free ticket: ottawawalkingtours.com
13. Pique Winter Edition
Will feature live music, audio visual performances, visual art installations, a vendor market, artists workshops and panels. Entry is PAY WHAT YOU CAN, with a suggested donation of 20-40 dollars. Dec 10 at 4pm. Where: Arts Court & the OAG, 67 Nicholas Street Ottawa. Booking required at eventbrite.
14. Signatures Originals
Handmade marketplace that features the work of over 150 artists and artisans from all over Canada. Dec 7-11 at EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa. Tickets $5-$10.
15. Raw Ottawa Portal
Features local artists in music, visual arts, photography, craft, tech and more. There will be drinks, live music, fashion shows and vendors. Tickets: $25. Dec 9, 7pm-12am.
16. Holiday Sale by the Ottawa Guild of Potters
Pottery sale event at Lansdowne. Dec 9, 3-9pm; Dec 10, 10am-6pm; Dec 11, 10am-5pm. At the Horticulture Building. Free admission. Details on Instagram: @ottawapotters
17. Hoppy Holiday Makers Market
Over 25 vendors, DJ, tree lighting, food and beer. Dec 11 from 11am to 4pm. At Broadhead Brewery. Details on Instagram: @broadheadbeer
18. Christmas at the Craft Club
Sip warm cider, shop local crafts makers, decorate a festive cookie and wrap your gifts. Dec 10 from 10am to 3pm. At the Beacon Hill Craft Club, 2200 Montreal Rd.
19. Holiday Skate
Join Laura Dudas, Orleans Councillor, for an afternoon of free skating and treats. They will be collecting donations of non-perishable items. Dec 11 from 1pm to 3pm at the Bob MacQuarry, Recreation Complex.
20. Christmas Market Pop Up
Dec 10-11 from 10am to 4pm at 1063 Bank St.
Enjoy!!
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