Christmas weekend is around the corner. If you didn’t have time to check out the holiday attractions in Ottawa, this is your chance to do so. Have a look at this list!
1. Ottawa Christmas Market
If you haven’t visited this market, this is your last chance! Shop from over 35 vendors, enjoy live music, workshops for kids, beautifully lit decorations, and the tallest Christmas tree in town. FREE.
When: Dec 20-23. From 2pm.
Where: At Lansdowne.
2. Winter Lights Across Canada
Go for a stroll around downtown and enjoy the view of Ottawa’s main buildings and plazas 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.
3. Trees of Hope for CHEO
Admire the Trees of Hope decorated by companies and organizations competing to raise funds for CHEO hospital. Perfect to take your holiday pictures! FREE.
When: Everyday until January 2nd.
Where: The main spaces at Chateau Laurier.
4. Elf’s Pub
Go for a festive drink in this beautifully decorated cocktail bar inside the Chateau Laurier. It’s near Wilfrid’s on the Lobby level.
When: Wednesday to Sunday until Dec 31st
Where: 1 Rideau Street
5. Taffy Lane
Go for a walk to Taffy Lane in the Orleans neighborhood. The entire street is a show of multicoloured lights and amazing decorations. FREE.
When: Everyday
6. Ice skating at the Rink of Dreams
Grab your skates and head to the most popular ice-skating rink in Ottawa for some winter fun! FREE.
When: Everyday from 9am to 11pm
Where: 110 Laurier Ave West.8. Senators vs Detroit Red Wings
7. Ottawa Senators games
Cheer the Senators on at this home game against the Detroit Red Wings on Dec 23 at 7pm; and against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday Dec 27 at 7pm at Canadian Tire Centre.
8. Nach De Ne Saare
Come to dance the night out at this fundraiser event. Bollywood dance, DJ, live music, photo booth. On Dec 23 at the Hellenic Community Centre, 1315 Prince of Wales Drive. Tel: 613 668-7824. Details on Instagram: @aadyaafoundations
9. Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
An exhibition that showcases the wonders of the Sistine Chapel. It has been reproduced in a unique way using licensed high definition photos. From Dec 9 to Jan 23 at EY Centre, 4999 Uplands Drive. Tickets: $20-$26
10. Flights with Santa
See Ottawa’s wintery garb from the air! Saturdays and Sundays from Dec 10 to 31. At the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Parkway. Tickets from $40.
11. Owl Rendez-Vous
Watch live owls in a special outdoor exhibition. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St, from Dec 14 to April 3, 2024.
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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
16. 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
Enjoy!!