We’re fast approaching Christmas and most definitely the holiday vibes are everywhere in Ottawa! Here’s a list of one-day events as well as Christmas attractions that run continually until the first week of January. Take a look!
1. Breakfast with Santa
Join Santa for a hearty pancake breakfast! Proceedings will provide opportunities for children and youth to play, learn, and develop through sports. Tickets: $15 (child) and $20 (parent)
When: Dec 17 from 8:30am-10am; and 10:30am-12pm
Where: At the Horticulture Building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way.
Details: canadahelps.org
2. Winter Lights Across Canada
Ottawa’s main buildings and plazas will look beautifully decorated with colourful lights! Don’t miss the multimedia projection at Parliament Hill from Thursdays to Mondays. FREE.
When: Dec 8 to Jan 8.
Where: Downtown
Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winter-lights.html
3. The Fanfare Before Christmas
A silent disco with electrifying holiday lights and projections. Headphones are free as well as admission.
When: Dec 17 from 8pm to 12m
Where: At Eggspectation Ottawa, 171 Bank St.
Details: @downtownbank
4. Ho Ho Holiday Craft Market
Over 40 vendors. Free workshop onsite. Free admission.
When: Dec 17 from 10:30am to 3pm.
Where: Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave.
Details: @squarelemon_ottawa
5. Christmas Farmer’s Market
Presented by Metcalfe Farmers’ Market. Over 60 vendors.
When: Dec 17 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Where: Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive.
Details: https://facebook.com/events/s/christmas-farmers-market/1353255861876286/
6. Adawaning: Indigenous Women’s Art Market
Shop jewelry, paintings, sculptures, moccasins, coffee, crafts, and much more. Details
When: Dec 16-17.
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street
Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/32284
7. Ottawa Christmas Market
It will run 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. FREE. Check out: ottawachristmasmarket.com
8. Wrap it Up Holiday Market
Shop from over 40 artisans unique gifts for all ages, and they will wrap them up for you FREE! Dec 17, from 10am to 2pm. At Bells Corners United Church, 3955 Old Richmond Road. FREE.
9. Hintonburg Pottery Holiday Open House
Tour a pottery shop and studio, watch wheel throwing demonstrations and decorate a heart ornament. Dec 17, from 12pm to 4pm. At Hintonburg Pottery, 1242 1/2 Wellington St. West. FREE.
10. Pop Up Holiday Market
Vendors, food, cocktails, DJs. All ages. Dog friendly.
Dec 17 from 2pm to 9pm, Dec 18 from 2pm to 7pm
Location: Restays Courtyard, 101 Queen St. FREE.
11. French Board Game Night
A perfect occasion to practice your French! Dec 16 from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Alliance Française, 352 Rue MacLaren.
12. 67’s games
Cheer the 67s, the local junior hockey team, against Oshawa Generals on Friday Dec 16 at 7pm, and against Hamilton Bulldogs on Saturday Dec 17 at 2pm. At TD Place. Tickets from $13.7
13. Digi60 Filmmakers Festival
Screenings, panels, workshops, and networking for new Ottawa filmmakers. Dec 16-18 at the Ottawa Art Gallery and Arts Court. PAID. For details check out @digi.60 on Instagram.
14. River of Lights at Brockville
This is a light and music show that runs everyday until January 2 between 6pm and 10pm. The show lasts 40 minutes before repeating. At Blockhouse Island Parkway, Brockville. Details: brockville.com
15. Taffy Lane
Taffy Lane’s neighbors are pretty serious about decorating their houses for Christmas. The entire street is a show of multicoloured lights and amazing decorations.
16. Magic of Lights
Drive your car through a 2km amazing display of lights. This year they are featuring Prehistoric Christmas, Barbie and BigFoot Monster Truck. Everyday until Jan 7 from 5pm to 10pm. PAID. Check out: magicoflights.com
17. A Country Christmas
Explore the snow-covered mazes, and the Woodland Adventure play structure, take a wagon ride, join Santa’s elves workshops, visit Santa in his cabin, and shop at the Town Square Christmas Market. At Saunders Farm. Check out: saundersfarm.com
18. Alight at Night
Over one million lights decorate the beautiful historic site of Upper Canada Village, 1.5 hour from Ottawa. From Dec 1st to January 7th. Morrisburg, Ontario. Check out: uppercanadavillage.com
19. Vintage Village of Lights
Travel back in time to a 1920s and 1930s rural village, beautifully decorated with Christmas lights at the Cumberland Museum. Check out: ottawa.ca/Cumberlandmuseum
20. Stanley’s Old Maple Lane Farm Christmas Village
Every Saturday and Sunday from Dec 3rd to 18th, from 11:00am to 4:30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance. There’s also a Holiday Stroll that started on Dec 1st. Check out: stanleysfarm.com
Enjoy!!
Heads Up!
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