This weekend marks the end of a fantastic holiday season. Did you enjoy it? If you haven’t visited the most popular Christmas attractions in Ottawa, this is your last chance. Take advantage of the mild weather! Let’s have a look at them!
1. Winter Lights Across Canada
Go for a stroll around downtown and enjoy the views of Ottawa’s main buildings and plazas, all beautifully decorated with colourful lights! Don’t miss the multimedia projection at Parliament Hill from Thursdays to Mondays. FREE.
When: Until Jan 8.
2. Public Skating at Rideau Hall
UPDATE: This event has been postponed due to weather conditions.
The historic skating rink at Rideau Hall, which dates back 1872, will be open to the public from this Saturday Jan 7 every weekend until March 5. FREE. No reservation required. No parking. Parking allowed on the adjacent streets.
When: Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting) from noon to 5pm.
Where: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive.
Details: gg.ca
3. 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. Although there’s not a fixed end date, it’s very likely that the neighbors will remove all decorations after this weekend.
4. Magic of Lights
Drive your car through a 2km amazing display of lights. This year they are featuring Prehistoric Christmas, Barbie and a BigFoot Monster Truck. Until Jan 7. Everyday from 5pm to 10pm. PAID. Check out: magicoflights.com
5. Alight at Night
Over one million lights decorate the beautiful historic site of Upper Canada Village, 1.5 hour from Ottawa. Ends on January 7th. Morrisburg, Ontario. Check out: uppercanadavillage.com
6. Senators vs Seattle Kraken
Cheers the Ottawa Senators against Seattle Kraken on Saturday Jan 7 at 7pm. At Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Kanata.
7. 67’s vs Owen Sound Attack
Ottawa’s junior hockey team, the 67’s, battles against Owen Sound Attack in this game of the Ontario Hockey League. When: Sunday Jan 8, at 2pm. At TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
8. Sangamam 2023
Dance and musical performances from India by youth for children causes. Adults $15, Children and seniors $10. Jan 7, at 4pm. At Kailash Mital Theatre, Carleton University. 1125 Colonel By Drive. Tel: 613 883-1156; info@sangamam.ca
9. Holiday Magic at three Canadian Museums
Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and Canada Agriculture and Food Museum offer special activities for kids during the holidays. These are included in the regular admission ticket. Admission is free daily between 4pm and 5pm.
When: From 9am to 5pm until Jan 8.
Details: ingeniumcanada.org
10. 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.
11. 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
12. 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.
13. Luck and Lore
Discover all the uses we have for money such as the spiritual, the ceremonial, and the superstitious, and the surprising roots of some very familiar traditions. FREE.
When: Jan 5-15.
Where: Bank of Canada Museum, 30 Bank Street.
Details: bankofcanadamuseum.ca
14. Optik, an Engaging Art Exhibit
This exhibition runs until February 20 in the Byward Market. There are three locations: William Street Performance Area (Across from Starling Restaurant); 74 George St; and behind The Hudson’s Bay (Across from the Ottawa School of Art).
Enjoy!!