41 fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend | Nov 29-Dec 1

The festive spirit is in full swing in Ottawa! Don’t miss these amazing events, including Santa Claus parades, holiday light displays, vibrant Christmas markets, and more. Share this post with your friends! There’s so much happening in Ottawa this weekend!

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15 events you wont’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa

1.Santa Parade of Lights

One of the most festive Santa Claus parades in Ottawa. It will start on the corner of Saint Joseph Boulevard with Youville St. and go along St Joseph Blvd. The firefighters will collect along the route toys and donations for children in need. When: Saturday Nov 30 at 6pm.. Where: St Joseph Boulevard, Orleans. Details: paradeoflights.org

2. Ottawa Christmas Market

Take in the holiday lights, decorations, food and drinks, live music, and workshops. 50+ vendors. Fun for all ages! This is the most popular Christmas event in Ottawa. FREE. When: Nov 22-Jan 5. Fri 5pm-10pm. Sat 10am-10pm. Sun 10am-8pm. Everyday as of Dec 26.Where: 425 Marché Way, Lansdowne. Details: IG @ottawa.xmas.market

3. World Multicultural Festival

Come celebrate multiculturalism! 70 countries under one roof. Nonstop entertainment, dance, music, workshops, vendors, and food from several regions of the world. FREE admission. When: Saturday Nov 30 from noon to 10pm. Where: Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre, 355, Cooper Street , Ottawa. Details: On Facebook

4. Toy Mountain Parade

This parade aims at helping the Salvation Army collect a mountain of toys to distribute among children in need. The parade will make its way from St. Jerome Elementary (4330 Spratt Rd) and head north to École Bernard-Grandmaître (4170 Spratt Rd) for the enjoyment of all! FREE. When: Saturday Nov 30 at 11am. Where: Riverside South. Details: https://riversidesouth.org/toy-mountain-parade

5. European Union Film Festival (EUFF)

An annual celebration of European cinema showcasing 28 films—one from each EU member state plus a special Ukrainian film (Saturday Nov 30) as a gesture of solidarity. The festival is also offering an online viewing option from December 1 to 15 for select films. When: Nov 27 to 30. Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Ave, level 3. Alma Duncan Salon. Details: cfi-icf.ca

6. Christmas in the Village Manotick

Enjoy two days of fun for the whole family at Manotick. Activities include a parade, a tree lighting and caroling (Friday, 8pm), breakfast with Santa, workshops, horse-drawn wagon rides, lunch with the Grinch, and more. FREE or by donation. When: Nov 29-30. Friday from 7pm. Saturday 9am-3pm. Where: Different locations in Manotick. Details: https://manotickvillage.com/christmas/

7. Kiwanis Parade of Lights

Enjoy a magical parade along Main Street with special appearances from Santa, Mrs. Claus & their elves! Free hot chocolate provided by Wilson Law Office. FREE. When: Friday Nov 29 at 7pm. Where: Along Main St. Details: https://manotickvillage.com/christmas/

8. 613 Christmas Market

This is a popular and massive Christmas market with over 200 fabulous vendors. Enjoy holiday entertaining, festive decor, delicious bites, unique gifts and delightful finds. FREE. When: Saturday Nov 30 (10am-6pm) and Sunday Dec 1 (10am-4pm). Where: The Fieldhouse at Carleton University, 85 University Drive- (Bronson Ave. at Sunnyside Ave.) Details: 613flea.ca

9. 67’s games

Cheer on Ottawa 67’s in OHL action! Tickets from $24. When: Friday Nov 29, 7pm vs Peterborough. Sunday Dec 1, at 2pm vs London Knights. Where: TD Place. Details: https://chl.ca/ohl-67s/

10. 613 Holiday Night Market

Find unique gifts for everyone at 613Christmas, Ottawa’s largest holiday marketplace! FREE. When: Friday Nov 29, 5pm-10pm. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park. Details: https://www.613flea.ca/

11. Vintage Village of Lights

Experience holiday magic at the Vintage Village of Lights – festive fun awaits! Tickets $26.14 per group. When: Friday Nov 29-Dec 22, 4pm-9pm. Where: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road, Cumberland. Details: https://ottawa.ca/en/arts-heritage-and-events/museums-and-historic-sites/cumberland-heritage-village-museum#upcoming-events-and-programs

12. Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade

Celebrate Christmas in Carleton Place with a magical parade and giving spirit! FREE. When: Saturday Nov 30, 5pm-6:30pm. Where: BEGIN at Carleton Place High School, Carleton Place, 215 Lake Avenue West, Details: https://carletonplace.ca/event/santa-claus-parade

13. A Country Christmas

Create magical memories at Saunders Farm with lights, treats, Santa, and more! Tickets from $25. When: Friday Nov 29-Dec 30. Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Road, Ottawa (Munster). Details: https://saundersfarm.com/country-christmas-days/

14. Stanley’s Christmas Village

Discover Christmas magic at Stanley’s Farm with festive villages and holiday strolls! Tickets from $13.27. When: Sunday Dec 1-23, 10am. Where: Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 Yorks Corners Road, Edwards. Details: https://stanleysfarm.com/christmas-village/

15. Alight at Night

Explore a 19th-century village illuminated with a million lights, featuring music, activities, and dining! Tickets from $14. When: Friday Nov 29, 5pm -Jan 4. Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg. Details: https://www.uppercanadavillage.com/event/alight-at-night/

More things to do in Ottawa this weekend

Thursday and Friday

16. The SpongeBob Musical

Immerse yourself in this musical explosion! SpongeBob and his friends come together to defend their underwater village when the people of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will erupt, endangering their beloved home. An unlikely hero steps in when everything is on the line, and hope is dwindling. Tickets from $20 to $75. From Thursday, Nov 28, to Saturday, Dec 7, at 1:30pm and 7:30pm. At The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa.

17. Experience Rumba with Las Migas

Celebrating their 20th anniversary with a new album and an extensive tour, Las Migas has put the NAC down as one of their stops. They have won several awards, including a Latin Grammy for the Best Flamenco Album. It’s a show you don’t want to miss. Thursday November 28 at 7:30 pm. Ticket price starting at $34. Babs Asper Theatre – 1 Elgin St.

18. Michael McIntyre: Magnificent

Outback Presents are thrilled to announce that global comedy superstar Michael McIntyre is expanding his Canadian footprint and will take to the Ottawa stage for the first time. Admission: $78-$146. Thursday, November 28th at 7:30pm. At the arena at TD place,1015 Bank St, Ottawa.

19. CPKC Holiday Train near Ottawa

The CPKC Holiday Train brings joy to our community as you experience the wonder of the season! Enjoy live music and Tyler Shaw and Shawnee Kish’s unique holiday presentations while supporting your neighbourhood food banks.  This event is free, but you could help the cause by donating food or money. Thursday, Nov 28. At 2:45 pm in Finch, ON and 5 pm in Merrickville, ON. The first location is James Street between William & George Street, Finch, ON, and the second is 103 East Broadway & Country Road 2, Merrickville, ON.

20. Come Correct competition presented by Pieces of Us

Twelve talented artists will take the stage, competing across three thrilling rounds for a cash prize and the coveted title of this year’s Come Correct Champ. Admission: $49.26. Thursday, Nov 28, from 7pm to 10:30pm. At Club SAW, 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa.

21. Martin Levac – Phill Collins & Genesis Live

Take a musical journey through time with Martin and his talented band and celebrate over 20 years of performing the timeless hits of Phil Collins and Genesis. Tickets from $63.89 to $81.13. Friday, Nov 29 and Saturday, Nov 30, at 8 pm. At Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 Bd du Casino, Gatineau, QC.

22. Ottawa Black Bears vs Toronto Rock

National Lacrosse League – Ottawa Black Bears inaugural season. Friday Nov 29 at 7pm. Ticket price starting at $34. Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa

Saturday

23. Colonel By Classic Men’s and Women’s hockey teams

Get ready for the excitement of the annual Colonel By Classic! Cheer on both the men’s and women’s hockey teams as they hit the ice for this thrilling showdown. Spend a night packed with intense competition and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss out on this must-see event! Tickets at $26,78. Saturday, Nov 30 at 1pm. At The Arena at TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa.

24. Wolfgang Sessions #24

Enjoy a memorable evening of daring and dynamic chamber music performed by your favourite NAC Orchestra musicians. Prepare yourself for a new interpretation of classical music in a lively, small-scale environment. Tickets $31. Saturday, Nov 30, at 9pm. At Club Saw, 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa, ON.

25. Family Escape Day

You´re invited to step away from the stresses and routines and dive into a day filled with engaging activities tailored just for you. FREE. Saturday Nov 30 at 11am. Saint Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Avenue.

26. Scottish Tea and Christmas Bazaar

With the skirl of bagpipes, sprigs of heather, and a high tea, this event is a highlight of autumn! Enjoy a vast selection of hand-crafted gifts, art collectibles, attic treasures, Christmas decor, jewellery, bake table, books, and linens! Gift baskets are lovingly made by the Women’s Guild. Proceeds are used by the Women’s Guild to support over a dozen local charities. Cash only. The venue is well served by public transportation: within two blocks each of Lyon and Parliament LRT stations. Parking is available at the Supreme Court and the Library and Archives lot. When: Saturday Nov 30, 1pm-3:30p.m. At St Andrew’s Presbyterian, 82 Kent St. Details: http://www.StAndrewsOttawa.ca

27. Classic Albums Live Queen

Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live takes the greatest albums and recreates them live on stage – note for note, using the best musicians. Saturday Nov 30 at 8pm. Ticket price starting at $34. At Southam Hall – 1 Elgin St.

28. OttawaDance Moms

If you’re over 40 and love to dance, this is for you, round up your girlfriends or grab your partner to dance the night away. Featuring DJ Tom THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. Saturday Nov 30. Doors open at 8pm. Ticket price $20. One Up Cocktail Pub – 1 Beechwood Ave. 2nd Floor.

29. GamerCon

GamerCon is a convention dedicated to everything game-related including 80 tables of video games, board games, RPG, trading cards, action figures, toys and miniatures. Admission: $5 (kids 12 and under: FREE). Saturday, Nov 30 from 10am to 4pm. At Nepean Sportsplex, Halls A&B, 701 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa.

30. Christmas Oratorio

The JUNO award-winning Bach Choir opens its 23rd season with Bach’s glorious Christmas Oratorio featuring six cantatas celebrating the feast days between Christmas and Epiphany. With the Theatre of Early Music baroque orchestra, and fabulous soloists, including soprano Myriam Leblanc, countertenor Daniel Taylor, British tenor Charles Daniels and baritone Geoffrey Sirett, this timeless work of profound spiritual expression is a must-see during the Christmas season. Tickets: $20-$60. Saturday Nov 30 at 7pm at St Francois d’Assise Church, 20 Fairmont Avenue, Ottawa.

31. North Pole Express

Experience a heartwarming holiday adventure aboard the trains and immerse yourself in the magic of the season. Santa Claus will greet young passengers and pose for professional photographs in the historic 1899 Dining Car. Enjoy a variety of activities, including crackling fire pits, live carolers, warm refreshments, face painting, reindeer games, and vendors. Tickets: $25.57. From Saturday, Nov 30, to Saturday, Dec 7, from 11am to 6pm. At Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, 90 William Street West Smiths Falls, ON.

Sunday

32. St Elias Christmas Market

Get your Christmas shopping done and support small business by shopping local artisans, crafters and vendors, for unique and thoughtful gifts. Admission: FREE. Sunday, Dec 1 from 11:30am to 5pm. At St. Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave, Ottawa.

Next week

33. The Nutcracker -Les Grands Ballets Canadiens

Dazzling sets, shimmering costumes, elegant pas de deux and comical turns—this spectacular show has it all. Admission: $31-138. SOLD OUT. December 5-8. At Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa

Other recurring events in Ottawa

34. ByWard Winter Market

Come to the market to enjoy the Christmas spirit. When: Nov 22-Jan 30. Thursday-Sat 12pm-8pm. Sun 12pm-6pm. Where: Byward Market. Details: IG @bywardmarket

35. 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/