48 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa – Dec 15-17

Christmas is around the corner! Have you seen the beautiful lights that decorate downtown Ottawa? Have you been to the popular Christmas Market at Lansdowne? Have you seen the beautiful decorations at the most festive street in the city? Check out this list of weekend events and share it with your family and friends! Enjoy!

1. Breakfast with Santa

Have breakfast with Santa and support the OSEG Foundation, which provides opportunities for children and youth to play, learn and develop through sports. Child ticket $20. Adult ticket $25
When: Sunday Dec 17, 8:30am-10am and 10:30am-12pm.
Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way.

2. Winter lights across Canada

Take a stroll downtown to enjoy the sight of Ottawa’s parks, squares and public spaces beautifully decorated with thousands of multicoloured lights. Some of the best places are: National War Memorial, Confederation Park, Mackenzie King Avenue. FREE.
When: Dec 7 to Jan 7
Where: Downtown

3. Ottawa Christmas Market

Over 45 vendors, live music, workshops for kids, food and cocktails, beautifully lit decorations, and the tallest Christmas tree in town. Fridays to Sundays. FREE.
When: Nov 24 to Dec 23. 
Where: Lansdowne Park.

4. Taffy Lane

Visit the most festive street in Ottawa. These Orleans area neighbors are pretty serious about decorating their houses for the holiday season. FREE.
When: Through the holidays
Where: Taffy Lane, Orleans

5. Adawaning Indigenous Women’s Art Market

Featuring the diverse and amazing work of Métis, Inuit and First Nations women makers. You’ll find jewelry, beadwork, paintings, sculptures, mittens, moccasins, coffee, crafts, and much more. FREE.
When: Dec 15, 3:30pm; Dec 16, 10:30am.
Where: National Arts Centre, Atrium O’Brien, 1 Elgin St.

6. 613 Holiday Night Market

Shop from over 125 vendors selling eclectic goods, handmade crafts, antiques, vintage clothing, great foods and one-of-a-kinds! FREE.
When: Dec 15 from 5pm to 10pm.
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.

7. Metcalfe Farmers’ Christmas Market

Come for the second annual Christmas market. Shop from 50 local vendors. There will be fresh, hot prepared food and live music. FREE admission and parking.
When: Saturday Dec 16 from 9am to 2pm.
Where: Greely Community Centre – 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely.
Details: @metcalfefarmersmarket

8. 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! PAID.
When: Dec 1-23. 
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd A, Ottawa.

9. Vintage Village of Lights

Travel back in time to a 1920s and 1930s rural village, beautifully decorated with Christmas lights at the outdoor Cumberland Museum. PAID.
When: December 15-17 (Last weekend)
Where: Cumberland museum, 2940 Old Montréal Rd, Cumberland. Oh

10. Magic of Lights

Drive your car through a 2km amazing display of colourful lights. This year there is a special station at the end of the route where people can have Beaver Tails, explore an illuminated forest trail and take pictures at Instagram-worthy displays. Monday to Sunday from 5pm until Jan 7 at Wesley Clover Parks.

11. Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm Christmas Village and Holiday Stroll

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. At 2452 York’s Corners Rd, Edwards, ON.

12. Wrap It Up Holiday Market

Shop from local crafters, makers and vendors. Gift wrapping, lunch and coffee. FREE. Saturday Dec 16 from 10am to 2pm. At Bells Corners United Church, 3955 Old Richmond Rd, Ottawa.

13. Holiday Flymarket

Vintage clothing and streetwear. Music by Sacha Foster. Saturday Dec 16 from 11am to 6pm. At Dom Polski Hall, 379 Waverley St, Centre town.

14. Free horse-drawn carriages rides

Join the fun with these free carriage rides at the Byward Market on Sunday Dec 17 from 12pm to 2pm. Pick-up point is on George Street Plaza at 55 Byward Market Square.

15. Nine Lessons and Carols 

Beautiful carols will be sung on Sunday Dec 17 from 7pm to 8:30pm. Admission is FREE. Located at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 217 First Ave, in the Glebe. 

16. Christmas with The Tenors 

Join The Tenors, Canada’s most beloved vocal group, for a night of cherished Christmas memories. A live joyous representation of the album. Saturday Dec 16 at 8pm. Tickets starting at $69. At the National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street. 

17. Art Lending of Ottawa Holiday Art Show 

Gorgeous artwork by various different artists, available for sale or rent. Dec 16 from 10am to 4pm. Admission is FREE. Located at R.A.Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive. 

18. Joy of Art Holiday Art Exhibit 

Annual art exhibition, priced for gift-giving. Open everyday except for Mondays, until January 7. Check their website for times. Admission is FREE. Located at Foyer Gallery, Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave. 

19. Kichesippi Holiday Pop Up 

Kichesippi beer company is bringing their products to lift the holiday spirit! Tuesday Dec 12 to Saturday Dec 16. Open from 12pm to 7pm. Admission is FREE. Located at 187 Sparks Street. 

20. Concert: Christmas waltzes 

This holiday concert will take place on Sunday, December 17, at 3 p.m. in the auditorium of the Nicolas-Gatineau Secondary School. On the program: works by Bizet, Offenbach, Brahms, Strauss, Tchaikovsky and many others! Adults: $15 • 17 years and under: $5 Tickets will also be available at the door for $20 (adults). 

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