Christmas events are starting to pop up in and around Ottawa, from Santa parades to Christmas markets, so it’s an exciting time of the year for all Ottawa residents. Check out this list and share it with friends and family.
1. Help Santa Toy Parade
This parade is organized by the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association. The purpose is to collect donations of new toys along the parade route for children in need. The parade will start at 11am at Elgin and Laurier St. FREE.
When: Saturday Nov 18
Where: Elgin and Laurier St, then it will head west to Bank Street. At Bank Street it will turn south heading towards Lansdowne Park.
Details: toyparade.ca
2. Barrhaven Santa Claus Parade
This parade will start at Chapman Mills Drive with Beatrice Drive. Then it will go all along Strandherd Drive and will end at corner of Strandherd and the park & ride.
When: Sunday Nov 19 at 5:30pm.
Details: santaclausbarrhaven.com
3. 613 Flea
Shop from 150 vendors offering a wide variety of items, woodwork, jewellery, home decorations, clothing and much more. FREE.
When: Saturday Nov 18 from 10am to 4pm.
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne, 1015 Bank St
4. 67`s weekend games
Cheer on Ottawa’s junior hockey league this weekend. Tickets from $25.
When: Friday Nov 17 at 7pm, vs Brantford Bulldogs.
Saturday Nov 18 at 3pm vs Mississauga Steelheads.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
5. Christmas Craft Show
The Canterbury Community Association is again this year holding its Christmas craft show with over 80 vendors including the popular The Kid Craft Corner featuring the next generation of crafters. FREE.
When: Sunday Nov 19 from 10am to 3pm.
Where: Canterbury Community Centre, 2185 Arch St.
Details: www.cca-acc.ca/christmas-craft-show
6. Metcalfe Farmers Christmas Market
Join them for the first Christmas market of the season with 50 local vendors. Free parking, live music, hot fresh prepared food. FREE.
When: Saturday Nov 18 from 9am to 2pm.
Where: Greeely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely.
Details: https://www.metcalfefm.com/
7. One World Bazaar
Last weekend of this bazaar. Shop from artisans from around the world. From exquisite jewelry to beautiful woven textiles, these unique creations showcase the creativity and skill of amazing artisans. FREE.
When: Nov 17-19.
Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Road, Manotick.
Details: oneworldbazaar.ca
8. Tis’ The Season To Shop Local Craft Market
Shop from over 40 local vendors in the heart of The Glebe. FREE.
When: Saturday Nov 18 from 10:30am to 3pm.
Where: Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave.
Details: @square_lemon
9. European Union Film Festival
For this 38th edition, one film from each of the 27 European Union member states will be presented. Single ticket: $15. At Alma Duncan Salon in the Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Ave, Level 3.
Thursday Nov 16: Spain and Cyprus
Friday Nov 17: Luxembourg, Portugal and Belgium.
Saturday Nov 18: Netherlands, France and Slovenia.
Sunday Nov 19: Malta, Denmark and Greece.
Details: cfi-icf . ca
10. Free Art + Yoga session
You’re invited to join the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) and 24Hr Yogapalooza for a FREE art + yoga session. Come experience this opportunity to form a deep connection to art and self in this 60-minute practice amongst the current exhibitions and breathtaking event spaces at the OAG. FREE. Nov 19, 10am to 11am. Galerie Annexe (Level 1).
11. Old-Fashioned Christmas & Outdoor Artisan Market
Write letters to Santa and pose for a photo, roast marshmallows over a fire, enjoy holiday music and hot chocolate. Get a head start on holiday shopping with one-of-a-kind handmade gifts from local artisans. FREE. Donations are welcome! Sunday Nov 19 from 10am to 3pm at Goulbourn Museum, 2064 Huntley Rd, Stittsville.
12. Peruvian Film Festival 2023
The Embassy of Peru invites the public to attend the second film screening: “Pantaleón y las Visitadoras” (Captain Pantoja and the Special Services) based on the novel of the same name by Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa, Nobel Prize in Literature. FREE. Friday Nov 17 at 6pm at Saint Paul University Amphitheatre, 110 Hazel St, Ottawa.
13. Annual Fall Art Show
Art in the neighborhood, a small collective of artists and artisans in the Alta Vista area, invite you to their annual fall art show. Sunday Nov 19 from 10am to 4pm at Arch Street Public School, 2129 Arch St. FREE admission and parking.
14. Christmas on Campus
My Local Markets and the North Grenville Arts Guild invite you to an event on the Kemptville Campus that is sure to fill your heart with holiday joy. It will be a festive meeting place, where people can shop homemade Christmas ornaments, decorations, gifts and treasures. FREE. Nov 18, 11am – Nov 19, 4pm. 75 Campus Drive Kemptville, ON.
15. Ottawa Rock and Gem Show
This fall there are thousands of new crystals, gemstones, jewelry, beads and fossils that will knock your socks off! PAID. Children 5 and under: free. November 16-19, 10am-8pm (Sunday: 10am-5pm). EY Centre Hall 1, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa.
16. Hairspray
Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? PAID. Nov 15-19. Southam Hall at National Arts Centre, Ottawa.
17. Collected Strands Concert
Come join the Collected Strands Improvised Music ensemble, with violinist Leah Roseman, cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne, pianist James McGowan and drummer Mike Essoudry for a unique and powerful musical experience. This is a pay-what-you-can event, with a suggested donation of $25. Sunday Nov 19, 8pm-9:30pm. MacKay United Church, 39 Dufferin Rd, Ottawa.
18. Magic of Lights
A unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience with more than a mile of spectacular light displays that bring to life your favorite holiday scenes and characters. One carload, one price for the entire family. PAID. Nov 17-Jan 6. Mon-Thur 5-9pm, Fri-Sun 5-10pm. Wesley Clover Parks 411 Corkstown Drive, Nepean.
19. Ukrainian Christmas Market
Purchase delicious homemade Ukrainian food — perogies, cabbage rolls, borshch, delicious baked goods and other sweet treats! Shop for unique Christmas gifts — one-of-a-kind items, local & imported Ukrainian arts and crafts, beautifully embroidered blouses that Ukraine is known for and lots more! FREE. Saturday Nov 18. Ukrainian Banquet Hall, 1000 Byron Ave.
20. Parliament Immersive Experience
Explore the main Parliament Building, also called the Centre Block, in this innovative experience that includes an exhibition and a 360° multimedia show. FREE. Oct – Dec, 8:30am – 4:30pm. 211 Sparks Street.
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