42 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa – Dec 22-24

The Christmas weekend is almost here! Here is your weekly roundup of the main events happening this weekend through the holiday season in the Ottawa area. Notice that some events are ending this weekend. Don’t miss them!

1. Ottawa Christmas Market

These are the last days of this market. If you haven’t visited it, this is your last chance! Over 45 vendors, live music, workshops for kids, food and cocktails, beautifully lit decorations, and the best vibe! FREE.
When: Wednesday Dec 20 to Friday Dec 22, 5pm-10pm. Saturday Dec 23, 10am-10pm.
Where: Lansdowne Park.

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. 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

4.Senators vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Cheer on Ottawa’s Senators when they face the Pittsburgh Penguins. Theme night: Christmas. The first 7,000 fans will receive a Sens Belt Bag.
When: Dec 23 at 7pm.
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive.

5. 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.
When: Starting Nov 17 until Jan 7. Monday to Sunday from 5pm.
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 411 Corkstown Rd.

6. 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!
When: Dec 1-23.
Where: At Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd A, Ottawa.

7. Stanley’s Christmas Village

Visit Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm Christmas Village every Saturday and Sunday from December 2 to 23, from 10am to 4:30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance. There’s also a Holiday Stroll over 2K of forest trails from Wednesdays to Saturdays, 6pm-9pm, until Dec 30.
Where: 2452 York’s Corners Rd. Edwards, ON

8. Alight a Night

Over one million lights decorate the beautiful historic site of Upper Canada Village, which recreates life in an English Canadian setting in 1866. It’s a 1.5 hour drive from Ottawa.
When: From December 1st to January 6th.
Where:  Morrisburg, Ontario.

9. 613 Holiday Night Market

Shop from over 125 vendors selling eclectic goods, handmade crafts, antiques, vintage clothing, great food, and one-of-a-kinds! FREE.
When: Dec 22 from 5pm to 10pm.
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.

10. Flights with Santa

This year Santa will be trading in the reindeer for a vintage Cessna 172, and can’t wait to bring all the children for an adventure over the city! Prices from $45-$55 per person. December 9-26. (Saturdays and Sundays). At the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Parkway.

11. Christmas with Music and Beyond

Featuring Karina Gauvin and highlighting beloved Christmas classics to get you in the holiday spirit. Prices from $20-$40 for general admission. Thursday December 21 at 7:30pm. At the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St.

12. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

9th Hour Theatre Company brings back the deep magic of Narnia. Prices go from $29 (age 14 years and under) to $49. December 19 to 23 at 7pm. At the Les Lye Studio Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr.

13. Hungry Eyes

An experiential film series fundraiser in support of the Ottawa Art Gallery. Watch a movie and try a multi-course menu that creatively incorporates the foods and beverages that are referenced in each film. Ticket price starting at $145. Thursday December 21 at 6pm. Movie: ‘It’s a wonderful life’. Located at the Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge.

14. Home for the Holidays at Billings Estate

Press pause and take a moment for yourself this holiday season at Billings Estate National Historic Site. Relax as you enjoy the beautiful, period-appropriate, festive décor accenting Ottawa’s oldest wood-frame house. Explore the exhibition at your own pace as you discover personal stories and artefacts from the lives of the Billings family. PAID. Dec 2-23, 10am-5pm. 2100 Cabot Street, Ottawa.

15. Brilliance Symphonique

This concert by the Orchestre Symphonique de Jeunes d’Ontario, features music by Mozart, Brahms, and Smetana. Tickets $7, $12. December 21 at 7pm. At the Notre-Dame Cathedral, 385 Sussex Dr.

16. Sea Shanties, Carols, and Empty Beer Barrels

Bytown Sea Shanty Collective is joining forces with Brigid’s Well Pub and The BBQ Joint to
raise money for the Dalhousie Food Cupboard. Entrance by donation, $20 is suggested. Friday December 22 at 7pm. Located on the Entrance to Brigid’s Well Pub on Cumberland St.

17. Kichesippi Holiday Pop Up 

Kichesippi beer company is bringing their products to lift the holiday spirit! Tuesday Dec 19 to Saturday Dec 23. Open from 12pm to 7pm. Admission is FREE. Located at 187 Sparks Street. 

18. Social Rollerskating: Ottawa Quad Session

Ottawa Quad Sessions are all about fun on eight wheels. Any style of skating, all levels, no instruction, lots of watch-and-learn. We quad to tunes. Tickets from $9.31. Friday Dec 22 from 9pm to 10:45pm. At Norm Fenn Gym, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr. Ottawa.

19. Gloucester Holiday Night Market

Enjoy Friday night shopping at Gloucester. Support local vendors and shop handmade crafts. Just in time for Christmas. Friday 22 from 5pm to 9pm. At the Gloucester Centre, 1980 Ogilvie Road, Ottawa.

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