Want to welcome 2023 dancing the night out on the 31st, or having a delicious diner, toasting and counting down at midnight? There are tons of parties in Ottawa. Check out this list of some of the most high-profile events this weekend!
1. Hogman-eh!
The Scottish Society of Ottawa features the Scottish NYE celebration of Hogman-eh! with live music, pipes and drums, and fireworks at midnight. All ages! Tickets $12/15.
When: Dec 31, 4pm-1am
Where: Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way.
Details: ottscot.ca
2. Denim and Diamonds New Year’s Eve Bash
Rideau Carleton Casino is hosting a big NYE party featuring Canadian Country Music star Jason McCoy, live DJ, and draws for prizes such a diamond ring, and tickets for the Super Bowl in February in Arizona. Tickets: $67.09
When: Dec 31 from 8pm
Where: 4837 Albion Road.
Details: https://www.rideaucarletoncasino.com/events.htm
3. Hammond New Year’s Masquerade
Receive the new year with cocktails, canapes, fun shows and unique entertainment! Don’t forget your masquerade mask. Tickets: $103.04
When: Dec 31, 7pm-1am.
Where: 600 Du Golf Road, Hammond. ON. K0A 2A0
Details: At eventbrite.ca
4. An Elegant Affair Singles Party
A NYE party for singles at the Ottawa Sheraton, Rideau Room. Three course diner, dance party, photo station, giveaways, and champagne midnight toast. Tickets: $129
When: Dec 31, 6:30pm-1am
Where: 150 Albert Street.
Details: At eventbrite.ca
5. Glam & Champagne NYE Party
Celebrate the new year with a Gatsby-inspired deco, 3 course menu, bubbles, canapés, photo booth, live music, and DJ starting 12am. Tickets: $62.16 – $184.14
When: Dec 31 from 6:30pm
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Gatineau. 1170 Chemin d’Aylmer.
Details: At eventbrite.ca
6. NYE at Casino Lac-Leamy
Ring in the new year with a live show, amazing DJs and performances throughout the casino. Tickets: $160
When: Dec 31 from 1pm onwards.
Where: 1 Blvd du Casino, Gatineau
Details: https://casinos.lotoquebec.com/en/lacleamy/events/new-years-eve-party
7. 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 starting 5:30pm. FREE.
When: Dec 8 to Jan 8.
8. 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, 1 Rideau St.
9. 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, Thursday and Sunday from 5pm to 9:45pm. Friday and Saturday from 6pm tp 10:45pm. Until Dec 31st
Where: 1 Rideau Street
10. 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
11. 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. You can rent skates there!
When: Everyday from 9am to 11pm
Where: 110 Laurier Ave West.
12. 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
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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
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. Last Holiday Stroll at Stanley’s Old Maple Lane Farm
Dec 29 from 5pm to 9pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Check out: stanleysfarm.com
Enjoy!!
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