The holiday season kicks off this weekend with exciting events that are part of Ottawa’s festive traditions! Enjoy the iconic Ottawa Christmas Market, the museum’s Christmas market, and the Byward Winter Market, which has a special surprise this year: a synthetic ice skating rink! Don’t miss out!!
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15 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. Ottawa Christmas Market
This is one of the most anticipated Christmas events in Ottawa! Take in the holiday lights, decorations, food and drinks, live music, and workshops. 50+ vendors. Fun for all ages! The tree lighting ceremony will be on Friday Nov 22 at 6pm. FREE. When: Nov 22-Jan 5. Where: 425 Marché Way, Lansdowne. Details: IG @ottawa.xmas.market
2. The Museum’s Christmas Market
Shop a great variety of products from almost 100 vendors occupying the impressive grand hall. This year they will also be at the Panorama Cafe. Don’t miss the tree lighting ceremony on Thursday November 21 at 6pm. FREE. When: Nov 21-24. Thursday-Fri, 11am-8pm. Sat-Sun, 9am-5pm. Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St, Gatineau. Details: IG @canmushistory
3. ByWard Winter Market
Come to the market to enjoy the Christmas spirit. The winter market will be opening on Friday November 22 with a tree lightning ceremony at 5:30pm. There will be free hot chocolate and Beavertails for attendees while supplies last. FREE. When: Nov 22-Jan 30. Thursday-Sat 12pm-8pm. Sun 12pm-6pm. Where: Byward Market. Details: IG @bywardmarket
4. Kanata Santa Claus Parade
This parade will start at Holy Redeemer Church on Rothesay Drive at Eagleson Road, and will end at Hazeldean Mall. Volunteers will be collecting donations along the route for the Kanata Cup Board. FREE. When: Saturday Nov 23 at 10am. Where: Holy Redeemer Church to Hazeldean Mall. Details: On Facebook.
5. Watson’s Mill’s Christmas Craft Market
Find the perfect gift at this traditional market featuring 35 vendors each weekend, all spread out between three historic buildings. Admission by donation. Suggested $2. When: Nov 23-24; Nov 29-Dec 1; Dec 7-8. Where: 5525 Dickinson St, Manotick. Details: watsonmill.com
6. Holiday Craft Market
Shop from over 50 local vendors at this popular market in the Glebe. FREE. When: Sunday Nov 24, 10:30am-3pm. Where: Glebe Community Centre 175 Third Ave. Details: IG @squarelemon_ottawa
7. Holiday Market
The holidays have begun as the Parkdale Public Market ushers in its annual Holiday Market. Listen to the Carollers set the mood, find the right Xmas tree, and sip on some mulled wine as you tour the 30+ vendors in search of that perfect gift. FREE. When: Saturday Nov 23, from 12pm – 5pm. Where: Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa. Details: https://parkdalepublicmarket.ca/events
8. Magic of Lights
Back for a 3rd season to light up your holidays, the Magic of Lights is a drive-thru experience immersing you in your favourite holiday scenes and characters. And to stretch your legs, there is a convenient Pit Stop for you to explore the magical Winter village and munch on a BeaverTail. From $26 per vehicle. When: Friday Nov 22 – Saturday Jan 4, from 5pm – 9pm (10pm after Dec 5). Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean. Details: https://magicoflights.com/locations/ottawa-on/
9. Ottawa Senators vs Vancouver Canucks
Let the puck drop and come cheer on the Ottawa Senators as they take on the Canucks of Vancouver at the CTC. As an added bonus, the first 10,000 fans will also receive a Thomas Chabot Bobblehead. Tickets from $60. When: Saturday Nov 23, at 7pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa. Details: https://www.nhl.com/senators/
10. Sushrava
Sharing, embracing and celebrating diversity, the Great India Festival (TGIF) brings you Sushrava. Enjoy a mesmerizing evening filled with Indian music and dance. FREE. When: Saturday Nov 23, from 4pm – 8:30pm. Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St, Gatineau. Details: https://www.tgifottawa.ca/
11. Orpheus
The uOttawa School of Music’s Vocal Sector invites you to the Orpheus Project, a lyric musical segue depicting the famous myth of Orpheus and Eurydice through dance movements and music from Monteverdi’s Orfeo, Gluck’s Orphée et d’Eurydice and Mitchell’s musical Hadestown. FREE. When: Saturday Nov 23 at 7:30pm. Where: Huguette-Labelle Hall (Tabaret Building) at the University of Ottawa. Details: IG @uottawaopera
12. St Pat’s Artisan & Craft Show
Time to get crafty with your Christmas shopping at the St Pat’s Artisan and Craft Show. Find a gift for everyone on your list with over 125 local artisans offering everything from woodworking to sewing, from salsa to stain glass. A raffle and Café too. Tickets $2 (supporting student groups and teams). When: Saturday Nov 23, from 10am–3pm. Where: St Patrick’s High School, 2525 Alta Vista Dr, Ottawa. Details: https://www.facebook.com/StPatCraftFair/
13. Christmas & Flea Pop Up Markets
Christmas market with a charitable side. While shopping for that unique Xmas gift from their many vendors, with any donation to the Ottawa Food Bank, you’ll receive a complimentary festive ornament for your tree as a memory of how you’ve helped others this season. FREE. When: Sunday Nov 24, 9am–4pm. Where: Mosaic Convention Centre, 2465 Saint Laurent Blvd, Ottawa. Details: https://inmotionevents.ca/event/christmas-flea-pop-up-markets/
14. Adaawe Indigenous Holiday Market
Join the gathering of community and culture to celebrate at the Adaawe Indigenous Holiday Market. Over 20 local indigenous vendors for all your holiday shopping, plus enjoy some complimentary bannock and tea to get you in the festive spirit. FREE. When: Saturday Nov 23 – Monday Nov 25, from 11am–6pm. Where: Adaawe Indigenous Business Hub, 338 Somerset St W, Ottawa. Details: https://ottawatourism.ca/en/see-and-do/adaawe-indigenous-holiday-market
15. Vanier Artisan Christmas Craft Sale
Come join the Vanier Artisans for yet another festive Christmas sale! Shop artwork, photography, soap, candles, comics and prints, jewelry, pottery, fibre arts, baked goods, you name it! FREE. When: Sunday Nov 24, 10am-4pm. Where: Vanier Community Service Centre, 270 Marier Avenue, Vanier.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Thursday and Friday
16. Twelve by Twelve exhibition
Celebrate Canadian art and support Interval House Ottawa with this dynamic exhibition featuring square-foot-sized artworks by 25+ artists. Enjoy accessible art shopping while contributing to transitional housing for survivors of gender-based violence. Tickets: $10 in advance or $10 donation at the door (includes one drink ticket). Artwork available for purchase from $150 to $950. When: Thursday, Nov 21, 5pm-8pm (Opening Night). Where: Wall Space Gallery, 1090 Bank Street, Ottawa
17. Christmas Market Social
Join the Christmas Market Social for a festive evening of networking, shopping, and fun! Explore unique goodies from amazing vendors and enjoy a chance to connect with the community. Tickets: $11.98. $5 from each ticket supports the Parkdale Food Centre. When: Friday, Nov 22, 6–9pm. Where: Station 11, 424 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa.
18. SPAO Open House
Discover the School of Photographic Arts: Ottawa at this engaging event featuring the Material Futures exhibition, live music by Rebecca Noelle, and a holiday art sale. Explore the gallery and enjoy the creative community atmosphere. FREE. When: Friday, Nov 22, 2024, 5pm-9pm. Where: SPAO Centre, 77 Pamilla Street, Ottawa
19. Know Her Name Film Screening
Join a powerful evening celebrating women in cinema at the screening of Know Her Name, followed by a panel discussion featuring the director, Zainab Muse, and producer, Heidi Lasi. Discover stories of underrepresented filmmakers and their legacies. Free (registration required). When: Friday, Nov 22, 7pm. Where: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa
20. Steel Magnolias
Experience the humour, heartbreak, and resilience of six Louisiana women in this beloved play by Robert Harling. Performed by Linden House Theatre, the production takes place at the historic Elmwood School, offering complimentary refreshments during intermission and free parking. Tickets: $33. When: Nov 22–Dec 1. Evening shows: Nov 22, 23, 29, 30 at 7:30pm. Matinees: Nov 24, 30 & Dec 1 at 2pm. Where: Elmwood School, 261 Buena Vista Road, Ottawa.
Saturday
21. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – In Concert
Experience The Empire Strikes Back like never before as the FILMharmonique Orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic Grammy-winning score live. Accompanying the music is a full screening of the remastered 1980 classic on the big screen. Immerse yourself in the Star Wars saga with 70 talented musicians under the baton of Francis Choinière. Tickets: $79–$149.99. When: Saturday, Nov 23, 7pm–9:25pm. Where: TD Place Arena, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa
22. Janette King Live
Experience the soulful sounds of Janette King, a Caribbean-Canadian alternative R&B artist, known for her critically acclaimed debut LP, What We Lost. Having performed at festivals like Montreal Jazz Fest and Ottawa Blues Fest, King is now set to enchant audiences with her dynamic music. Tickets: $15. When: Saturday, Nov 23, 8pm. Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
23. UpDating – Ottawa
Experience “UpDating,” a unique blend of live dating and comedy. Two blindfolded singles meet for a first date in front of an interactive audience, with hosts Brandon Berman and Harrison Forman delivering laughs and raw moments. Tickets: $29.24–$46.79 (19+). When: Saturday, Nov 23, 2024. Doors: 7pm. Show: 8pm. Where: The Prescott, 379 Preston Street, Ottawa
Sunday
24. Lansdowne Get Down
Join the ultimate family-friendly dance party featuring DJ Psychology spinning top hits to keep everyone moving. With The Flava Factory Crew bringing fresh dance moves and interactive fun, this high-energy event promises excitement for all ages. Tickets: $13.89. When: Sunday, Nov 24, 1pm. Where: Lansdowne Park, Ottawa.
25. Presto, Mambo!
Join an interactive and energetic performance that brings the rhythms of Latin America to life with the NAC Orchestra. This family-friendly show invites young audiences to dance and experience the magic of Latin rhythms as Max, a spirited boy, embarks on an unforgettable adventure with Mambo the dog. Tickets: $15. When: Sunday, Nov 24, 3:30pm. Where: Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
26. Old-Fashioned Christmas & Outdoor Artisan Market
Step into the magic of an old-fashioned Christmas with festive activities for the whole family! Meet Santa, feed the ‘Christmas goats,’ roast marshmallows by the fire, create vintage crafts, and enjoy a special holiday story reading. FREE. Donations welcomed! When: Sunday, Nov 24, 10am–3pm. Where: Goulbourn Museum, 2064 Huntley Road, Ottawa
27. Sebastian Maniscalco: It Ain’t Right Tour
Don’t miss Sebastian Maniscalco, dubbed the “hottest comic in America” by The New York Times, as he brings his signature physical comedy to Ottawa. With over two decades of laughter under his belt, Maniscalco takes on modern absurdities in his new, It Ain’t Right tour. Tickets from $58. When: Sunday, Nov 24, 7pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa
Next week
29. Trees of Hope 2024 Opening Night
Celebrate the opening night of the 27th annual Trees of Hope at the Fairmont Château Laurier in support of the CHEO Foundation. Be enchanted by stunning holiday trees, live performances, a silent auction, a raffle, and festive entertainment. When: Monday, Nov 25, 6pm. Where: Fairmont Château Laurier, Governor General’s Entrance, Ottawa
Other recurring events in Ottawa
30. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Step into a world of pure imagination for a spectacular journey through the Wonka Chocolate Factory! Bring the whole family for an event filled with laughter, wonder, and heartwarming moments. Tickets from $37 to $59. From Friday, Nov 15, to Sunday, Nov 24. At Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Ottawa.
31. The Lion in Winter
A thrilling, witty exploration of power, family, and ambition that’s as entertaining as it is dramatic. This brilliant blend of historical intrigue and sharp humour brings you into a royal chess game where alliances shift, loyalties are tested, and every word is wielded like a weapon. Tickets from $24 to $75. From Friday, Nov 15, to Saturday, Nov 23, at 2:30 or 7:30pm. At The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa.
35. Hintonburg Night Market
You can pick up local eats, treats and all things handmade. Be entertained by local musicians, buskers and entertainers. Starting May 30, every Thursday night from 5pm to 10pm. 1088 Somerset St. W. Ottawa.