48 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa – Dec 28-Jan 1

We have arrived at the last weekend of the year!! Certainly, 2023 was a year full of awesome events in Ottawa. Hope you enjoyed them to the fullest, and if not, get ready for 2024. I’m sure it will be even better! From this blog, I wish you all the best for the new year. May your wishes and dreams come true!

1. Hogman-eh! Great Scot party

Celebrate the arrival of the new year with a family party Scottish style. Visit the Hall of Origins for your clan research, and enjoy Ceilidh music and highland dancing. FREE. (Paid party afterwards with Celtic-style bands at the Aberdeen Pavilion)
When: Sunday Dec 31 from 2pm-6pm
Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park,

2. All the Glitters and Rolls 2023 Roller Party

Enjoy roller skating with lights, sparkles & tunes. There will be roller rentals. All ages. Tickets: $15, $25. (There will be an adult only session from 8:30pm to 11pm)
When: Friday Dec 29 from 5pm to 7:30pm
Where: Horticulture building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way.
Details: At Eventbrite.

3. Glow Party

Come to the National Gallery of Canada for an all-ages Glow Party. Enjoy art making, glow-inspired face painting for all, and visits to the exhibitions. Come in your winter whites or best neon to experience the full effect. FREE. Drop-in activity. No registration needed.
When: Thursday Dec 28 from 5pm to 8pm.
Where: Scotiabank Grand Hall, 380 Sussex Drive.

4. Senators games

Cheer on the Senators for the final games of the year.
When: Friday Dec 29 at 7pm against New Jersey Devils
Sunday Dec 31 at 6pm against Buffalo Sabres.
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive.

5. Ottawa Kwanzaa 2023

Featuring cultural dancers, drumming, singing, music, poetry, and authentic African and Caribbean cuisine for the entire family. Tickets: $25, $35, $45
When: Saturday Dec 30 from 4pm to 11pm.
Where: Mosaic Convention Centre (3750 N Bowesville Rd).

6. New Year’s Run

Start the New Year off establishing or maintaining an active lifestyle. Races: 5K and 10K. The start line begins at Lansdowne Park and continues along Queen Elizabeth Drive towards the Dows Lake Pavillion and then back to Lansdowne Park for the 5k; 10k runners do this same route twice.
When: Dec 30
Where: Lansdowne Park

7. Kids New Year’s Countdown

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with your little kids with games, dancing, colouring, crafts and a New Year’s “countdown” every hour! Snacks will be available for purchase. FREE.
When: Sunday Dec 31 from 3pm to 7pm.
Where: Pineview Community Hub, 1700 Blair Road.
Details: At Allevents

8. 67’s vs Kingston Frontenacs

Cheer on Ottawa’s junior hockey league against Kingston Frontenacs. Tickets from $25.
When: Saturday Dec 30 at 3pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St

9. PWHL 

Big news for hockey and women! The Professional Women Hockey League is about to start for the first time ever. Home opener game will be in the capital in January 2nd between Ottawa and Montreal. Tuesday Jan 2 at 7pm at TD Place, 1015 Bank St.

10. Sleeping Beauty

This is the triumphant return of OttawaMusicals’ annual panto! With a sprinkle of fairytale dust, madcap humor, lively music and a whole lot of heart, this family musical promises to be a magical holiday experience. PAID. Dec 27 – Jan 7. Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave,

11. Outerbridge Magic – Mysteries of the Keyhole House

If you like spine tingling tales and spectacular magic, you are going to love this. Mysteries of the Keyhole House will unlock secrets and showcase some of the ghostliest manifestations live on stage. PAID. Dec 26 – 31. Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave, Ottawa. 

12. Annual NYE Comedy Night

Don’t miss your chance to ring in the New Year with top comedians. PAID. Dec 31. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard.

13. Beckwith New Years Eve Family Fireworks

New Years Eve Family Fireworks, fireworks at 6pm! Horse drawn sleigh rides and a bonfire brought to you by the Beckwith Volunteer Fire Department. Sunday Dec 31, 4 – 7pm. Beckwith Park, 1319 9th Line, Carleton Place.

14. Bell Capital Cup

The 23rd Annual Bell Capital Cup brings together boys and girls from across 3 continents to compete in hockey. With over 200 teams in the U10 – U13 House League and Competitive divisions (A, AA & AAA) there are also games that include visually impaired athletes (Canadian Blind Hockey), para-athletes (Sledge Hockey) and special needs athletes (adaptive hockey) all in one gigantic tournament! FREE. Dec 28 – Jan 1. At the Canadian Tire Centre Arena, and other venues.

NYE Parties

15. Masquerade Magic: New Year’s Eve at Speakeasy Tapas Lounge

Step into a world of mystery and glamour and welcome 2024 with an enchanting Masquerade Party! Indulge in an evening filled with sophistication, exquisite cuisine, and mesmerizing entertainment.

Enjoy a lively party starting at 10:30 pm, featuring a sensational live burlesque performance by the one and only Koston Creme and Pastel Supernova. Plus, enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at the stroke of midnight to make the moment even more magical! 🥂🎆

🎧 Beats by Green Mile Entertainment:
Dance the night away as our DJ from Green Mile Entertainment spins the hottest tracks. 

🍽️ Dinner option:
Choose from two exclusive seatings for a lavish 3-course dinner at 6 pm or 8 pm, featuring culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds. A live saxophonist will enhance the dining experience, setting the perfect tone for an evening of elegance.

🍾 Exclusive Bottle Service Booths:
For those seeking a VIP experience, indulge in our exclusive Bottle Service booths with prime views of the festivities. Elevate your celebration with top-notch service and a selection of premium beverages. Call to reserve your VIP booth!

 

16. Lowertown New Year’s Eve Wrap Party

Join us for our New Year’s Eve Wrap Party. We’re wrapping up 2023 by diving into the top listening moments of the year! Tickets from $8.79. Sunday Dec 31 at 9pm. At Lowertown Brewery, 73 York St, ByWard Market.

17. NYE at Hotel Casino Lac Leamy

Celebrate the new year with an exclusive, immersive, and spectacular NYE Party. From unique shows and amazing performances throughout the casino to a one-of-a-kind countdown and delicious dine-in offers! Sunday Dec 31 from 4pm. 1 Blvd du Casino, Gatineau.

18. Light Up The Night NYE 2024

Ring in the New year with this retro music party. Travel back in time with the talented artists of Neon Nostalgic featuring all your favourite songs. Sunday Dec 31 from 8:30pm at The Joint, Rideau Carleton Casino, 4837 Albion Road.

19. New Year’s Eve, ‘A Black & White Affair’

This celebration for singles will be at the Ottawa Sheraton – Rideau Room where you can dine, dance and chime Aulde Lang Syne when the clock strikes midnight. PAID. Dec 31, 6:30pm – Jan 1, 1am. Sheraton Ottawa Hotel, 150 Albert Street Ottawa.

20. 2024 New Year’s Eve Celebration with PDTO and Assumption Church

The Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa (PDTO), along with the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, is hosting a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. This is a fundraising event. There will be a cultural presentation, traditional food, games and a 50/50 draw, live DJ and dancing. PAID. Dec 31. Assumption Church, 231 Cody St, Vanier.

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