So, we have arrived at the first weekend of the last month of the year! Has the Christmas spirit already hit you?? If not, here are a bunch of holiday events for you to enjoy this weekend!! Share this post and tell us where you are heading this weekend!
1. Stittsville Parade of Lights
This parade attracts thousands of spectators along Stittsville’s Main Street. After the parade, people are encouraged to stay for the lighting of Village Square Park, and to share in some hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit with Santa.
When: Saturday Dec 2 at 6pm.
Where: From Brown’s YIG to Carleton Cathcart.
Details: stittsvilleva.com
2. Pibon Winter Festival
Celebrate the change of season with authentic Indigenous programming: Pow wow, Inuit Throat Singing, Indigenous Makers and Farmers Market, interactive creative workshops, a taste of Indigenous winter comfort meals, and meet the rare Ojibwe Spirit Ponies. FREE admission and parking, but donations are encouraged. The workshops are paid.
When: Dec 2-3 from 10:30am
Where: Madahoki Farm, 4420 West Hunt Club Road, Nepean.
Details: https://madahoki.ca/pibon-winter-festival/
3. Ottawa Christmas Market
This is probably the most popular Christmas event in the capital. It runs for 5 weekends. There are over 45 vendors, live music, workshops for kids, beautifully lit decorations, and the tallest Christmas tree in town.
When: Nov 24 to Dec 23.
Where: Lansdowne Park.
Details: ottawachristmasmarket.com
4. Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk
This is a 5km Fun Run and 1km Elf Walk for all ages and skill levels aimed at raising funds for the Salvation Army. Wear your funkiest festive running attire for a day of laughter and fun. There will be best-dressed contests!
When: Saturday Dec 2. 1Km starts at 10am, 5K starts at 10:30am.
Where: Lansdowne Park.
Details: santashuffle.ca
5. World AIDS Day Flag Raising Multicultural Show
The AIDS Committee of Ottawa invites the public to take part in the ceremony to commemorate World AIDS Day. A flag will be raised at the Centennial Flame in front of Parliament Hill. Special guests will speak, and afterwards there will be a reception and performances at the National Arts Centre. FREE. No reservation required.
When: Dec 1, 10-11am: Red Ribbon Flag Raising Ceremony. 12-2pm: Reception & Performances at the NAC. Lunch provided!
Where: Parliament Hill and NAC, 1 Elgin St.
6. 613 Christmas
This is the biggest holiday shopping pop-up with over 200 vendors. FREE.
When: Dec 2-3, Saturday 10am-5pm. Sunday 10am-4pm.
Where: The Fieldhouse at Carleton University, 85 University Drive.
Details: 613flea.ca/613christmas
7. Marché Autour du Monde
This market will take you on a trip around the world. You’ll find unique products from the five continents. There will be a Santa visit, carols, face painting, kids’ games, prizes and much more.
When: Saturday Dec 2 from 10am to 7pm.
Where: At the Palais des Congrès, 50 Boul Maisonneuve, Gatineau.
Details: marcheexpo.ca
8. Manotick Kiwanis Parade of Lights
This parade will go along Main Street. After the parade there will be a community tree lighting with Santa and Mrs Claus at Watson’s Mill.
When: Friday Dec 1 at 7pm.
Where: Along Main Street
Details: manotickvillage.com
9. Senators vs Seattle Kraken
Cheer on the Ottawa Senators against the Seattle Kraken. Grab your brightest colour clothing and join us for Neon Night! Tickets from $35 tax incl.
When: Saturday Dec 2 at 7pm.
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive.
10. Free horse-drawn carriages rides
Join the fun with these free carriage rides at the Byward Market on Sundays Dec 3, 10, and 17 from 12pm to 2pm. Pick-up point is on George Street Plaza at 55 Byward Market Square.
11. Hot Wench Festivus
Enjoy this immersive experience featuring: Over 25 local vendors and artists, a diverse array of offerings, including: vintage clothing, handmade gifts and homeware, accessories, and more! Mark your calendars for an exceptional day filled with unique finds and artistic treasures. Dec 2, 10am-6pm. Gallery 55, 55 Byward Market Square, 2nd floor.
12. Prison Dancer
Award-winning musical created, produced and played entirely by Filipino-Canadians. It was inspired by the very first viral video that showed 1,500 Filipino inmates dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller in 2007. Awesome music, singing and dancing! Tickets start at $31 or just $15 for people under 30. Nov 23 to Dec 2. At the National Arts Centre.
Buy your tickets here: https://c.nac.ca/PrisonDancer
13. Domaine Perrault holiday market
Get ready to indulge in a festive atmosphere filled with local vendors, live music, kids craft station, a visit from Santa and of course, incredible wine. Whether you’re searching for unique gifts or simply want to treat yourself, this event has something for everyone. FREE. Dec 2, 10:30am – 3:30pm. 1000 Perrault Rd.
14. BMH Events Market Under the Mistletoe
Christmas market hosted by BMH Events. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with 45+ local vendors offering artisanal goods and unique products. PAID. Dec 2-3, 10am to 3pm. Horticulture Building, Lansdowne, 1525 Princess Patricia Way Ottawa.
15. 67`s weekend games
Cheer on the 67’s, Ottawa’s junior hockey team!
vs Flint Firebirds: Saturday Dec 2 at 7pm.
vs North Bay Battalion: Dec 3, at 2pm.
At TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
16. A Country Christmas
From visits with Santa, Christmas activities, shopping for unique gifts at The Farmshop or delighting in the sights of beautiful twinkling lights, there is a lot to enjoy! Dec 1-23. At Saunders Farm. Check out: saundersfarm.com
17. Christmas Market at Watson Mill and Dickinson House
Over 30 vendors will be set up each weekend in our two historic buildings. Don’t forget to stop by the Used Book Store too! Admission by donation. Dec 2-3, 10am-4pm. 5525 Dickinson Street.
18. Parkdale Market
Over 20 vendors featuring different products throughout the year, December: Christmas trees, wreaths, firewood. FREE. Dec 6. 366 Parkdale Avenue.
19. Almonte Christmas Night Parade
The parade will leave Almonte Civitan Club at 5pm sharp, with the help of the OPP it will cross Highway 29 and travel down Almonte Street. Next it will make a right turn on Mill Street, travel through downtown (you can get some of the best vantage points here!) and make another right on Bridge Street, ending at the John Levi Community Centre. FREE. Sunday Dec 3 at 5pm. Start point: 500 Almonte Street.
20. Stanley’s Old Maple Lane Farm Christmas Village
Every Saturday and Sunday from December 2nd to 23rd, from 10am to 4:30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance. There’s also a Holiday Stroll over 2K of forest trails. 6pm-9pm. Check out: stanleysfarm.com
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