Christmas and holiday vibes are everywhere in Ottawa now! Some exciting events are happening this weekend—don’t miss the parades, concerts, markets, hockey games, and the opening of the Rink of Dreams! Fun for all ages!
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18 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Winter Lights Across Canada
Thousands of lights will brighten downtown Ottawa offering a whimsical and beautiful ambiance. Take a stroll around the National War Memorial, Confederation Park, Rideau Canal Park, Supreme Court of Canada and other sites. FREE. When: Dec 5 to Jan 7.Where: Downtown Ottawa. Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winter-lights.html
2. Christmas Concert at the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
The Choirs of Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica present their annual Christmas Choral Celebration in conjunction this year with the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral on December 8. All are welcome. FREE. When: Sunday Dec 8 at 2:30pm. Where: Sussex Drive across the National Gallery of Canada. Details: notredameottawa.com
3. Mayor’s Annual Christmas Celebration
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe will host this event in support of the Ottawa Food Bank. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, roast marshmallows around a campfire, enjoy hot chocolate, taffy on snow, horse-drawn wagon rides, and Beavertails for just $2. The Rink of Dreams opens (weather permitting) for the skating season on Saturday, Dec 7. Don’t miss the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Marion Dewar Plaza at 5pm. Admission: Donation to the Ottawa Food Bank. When: Saturday Dec 7, 3pm-6pm. Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier St W. Details: https://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/city-news/newsroom/mayor-host-annual-christmas-celebration-city-hall-1
4. Originals Christmas Craft Sale
Shop at this uniquely Canadian handmade marketplace in Ottawa that features the works of over 200 artists, artisans, makers, and designers from coast-to-coast. Tickets: $5, $8, $10. Youth 17 and under free. When: Dec 4-8. Wed-Fri 10am-9pm. Sat 10am-6pm. Sun 10am-5pm. Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive. Details: IG @originalsottawa
5. 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
6. Stittsville Parade of Lights
This event is a community favourite, drawing thousands of spectators along the Stittsville Main Street parade route. Merry makers are also encouraged to stay for the lighting of Village Square Park, and to share in some hot chocolate, cookies, musical entertainment, and a visit with Santa immediately following the parade. FREE. When: Saturday Dec 7 at 6pm. Where: Stittsville Main Street from Brown’s YIG to Carleton Cathcart. Details: https://www.stittsvilleva.com/parade/
7. Ottawa Charge vs Victoire Montreal
Cheer on the Ottawa Charge, the capital’s professional women’s hockey team, as they face Victoire Montreal in their second home opener following their victory against Toronto. Join us Friday, Dec 6, at 7 pm at the Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive.
8. Ottawa Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk
Thousands of enthusiastic Ottawans, dressed as Santa Claus or elves, run every year in support of The Salvation Army. The Santa Shuffle will be available for both in-person and virtual attendance this year. There will be best-dressed contests and other surprises. The registrations are already closed. FREE to watch. When: Saturday Dec 7 at 10am. Where: Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St. Details: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/89916/santa-shuffle-fun-run-and-elf-walk-2024-ottawa
9. Breakfast with Santa 2024
Time to dine with the jolly old elf. Enjoy a festive pancake breakfast with Santa, with photos, kids’ activities, and a visit from the Ottawa Redblacks. In support of the OSEG foundation. Adults $25, children (2-12) $20. When: Saturday Dec 7, at 8:30am. Where: Horticulture Bldg Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa. Details: https://www.tdplace.ca/event/breakfast-with-santa/
10. Senators Games
Spend your weekend cheering on the Sens at not one but two home games at the CTC. It’s a Saturday evening matchup against the Nashville Predators and a Sunday night battle with the NY Islanders. Tickets from $40. When: Saturday Dec 7, at 7pm (Predators) Sunday Dec 8, at 5pm (Islanders) Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa Details: https://www.nhl.com/senators/
11. Ottawa 67’s Games
A weekend of Junior hockey awaits as the 67’s host the Sarnia Sting on Friday, and the Barrie Colts on Sunday. The Sunday game also includes the annual Teddy Bear toss for local charities, so bring your plushies and bears and be ready to toss them on the ice after the 67s first goal. Tickets from $24. When: Friday Dec 6, at 7pm (Sting). Sunday Dec 8, at 2pm (Colts). Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa. Details: https://chl.ca/ohl-67s/
12. 613 Holiday Night Market
Fill yourself with festive cheer and fill your stockings with presents. The 613 Holiday Night Market offers over 140 vendors for your shopping needs, plus many delicious snacks and holiday treats to keep your tastebuds feeling jolly. FREE. When: Friday Dec 6, from 5pm–10pm. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa. Details: https://www.613flea.ca/
13. Almonte Christmas Parade
Enjoy the ambiance filled with music and lights while colourful floats parade the streets of Almonte. The parade begins at 5 pm at the Rexall parking lot (430 Ottawa St.) and will proceed down Ottawa St./Main St., will turn left onto Mill St. then right on to Bridge St. and will end at the John Levi Community Centre, 182 Bridge St. Free hot dogs and hot chocolate in the Upper Hall at the John Levi Community Centre after the parade. Also, free public skating! FREE. Sunday Dec 8 from 5pm to 8pm. Mill St, Almonte.
14. Make the Season Kind CBC Fundraiser
CBC in support of the Ottawa Food Bank is looking to brighten the holidays for those less fortunate with their Make the Season Kind spectacular. CBC radio personalities Hallie Cotnam and Alan Neal host an evening of comedians, music and some surprise guests too. FREE but on-site donations of non-perishables / cash / electronics to the Food Bank are appreciated. When: Friday Dec 5, doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 7pm. Where: Sacred Heart High School, 5870 Abbott St E, Stittsville. Details: https://www.cbc.ca/kind/ottawa
15. Stanley’s Holiday Stroll
Stroll through both the wonders of nature and the holidays at Stanley’s Olde Maple Farm Holiday Stroll. Walk through the nearly 2km of trails decorated especially for the festive season but be sure to warm yourself by the fires along the way. Tickets from $10.When: Friday Dec 5 – Sunday Dec 7, from 6pm–9pm. Where: Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 Yorks Corners Rd, Edwards. Details: https://stanleysfarm.com/holiday-stroll-2/
16. Wellington Village Holiday Shopping Night
Pay a visit to Wellington Village for their Holiday Shopping Night. The stores are staying open later for you to peruse their special offerings of gifts, treats, and more. Expect fun family activities and even Santa to drop in too. FREE. When: Thursday Dec 5, from 4pm-8pm. Where: Wellington Village, 1292 Wellington St West, Ottawa. Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1250499696247044/
17. Osgoode Christmas in the Village and Parade of Lights
Celebrate the festive season with the Osgoode community at this beloved annual event. Enjoy two days filled with family-friendly holiday activities like Ugly Christmas Sweater Party or Breakfast with Santa as well as local crafts, festive treats, and a spectacular Parade of Lights (Friday at 7pm) showcasing dazzling floats and holiday spirit. Perfect for kicking off the holiday season with cheer and charm! FREE. When: Dec 6–7. Where: Main Street, Osgoode, Ottawa. Details: https://www.osgoodevillage.org/christmas-in-the-village.html
18. Cumberland Christmas Market
The Cumberland Farmers Market presents its annual Christmas market with over 100 vendors across 4 locations in Cumberland. Saturday Dec 7 from 10am to 3pm. At 1115 Dunning Road. Cumberland.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Thursday and Friday
19. The Nutcracker Celebrate the holiday season with Les Petits Ballets’ magical production of The Nutcracker. Follow Clara’s enchanting journey with dazzling costumes, charming sets, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic music. Perfect for all ages, this cherished tale brings festive wonder to life. Tickets: $20–$27.50. When: Dec 6, at 7pm; Dec 7, at 1:30pm & 7pm. Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Ottawa.
20. Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
Experience the enchanting tale of Matilda, a clever and courageous young girl with a gift for the extraordinary. This celebrated musical brings Roald Dahl’s beloved story to life with captivating songs, humour, and heartwarming moments that will delight audiences of all ages. Tickets: $25.50–$40. SOLD OUT. When: December 4–8. Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa
Saturday
21. 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.
22. Women Composers Through Space and Time
Hypatia’s Voice presents this concert featuring a variety of women composers from Canada and beyond. Pay what you can tickets starting at $15. Saturday Dec 7 at 7pm at St Matthew’s Anglican Church, 217 First Avenue. The Glebe.
23. A very Retro Christmas
Hop in a time machine and travel back to the 70s, 80s, and 90s for a nostalgic holiday celebration at the Nepean Museum. Families can enjoy retro toys and vintage games, themed crafts, a scavenger hunt, and more. Ideal for kids aged 6–12. Tickets: $7.59 for individuals, $12.55 for pairs, $20.12 for families (pay at the door). When: Saturday, Dec 7, 10am-4pm. Where: Nepean Museum, 16 Rowley Ave, Nepean.
24. Paskong Pinoy
Enjoy a Filipino Christmas Market shopping gifts from talented Filipino artisans and treat yourself to homemade baked goods. FREE entry. Saturday Dec 7 from 10am to 4pm at the National Arts Centre. 1 Elgin St, Ottawa.
25. Festival of Lights Illuminated Walk at the Chutes
Enjoy a magical evening stroll at The Chutes, illuminated by thousands of lights creating a festive atmosphere. Join Jacques as he travels far away to start cutting trees and preparing the log drive in the spring, then takes an incredible journey to fulfill his promise to be home for Christmas. Great for all ages, great opportunity to meet Santa, taste some hot chocolate and rest by the bonfire during the festive season. Tickets: $6-$10, free for children 5 and under. When: Weekends throughout December, 5pm-9pm. Where: Coulonge Falls Park, 100 Parc-des-Chutes Drive, Mansfield-et-Pontefract
26. 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
27. Mochitsuki Market
Celebrate Japanese culture at the Mochitsuki Market, hosted by the Ottawa Japanese Community Association & Cultural Centre. Enjoy live mochi pounding, traditional Japanese food, cultural performances and martial arts groups showcasing. Don’t forget about a marketplace with Japanese vendors from Ottawa and Montreal featuring food, clothes, crafts and accessories. Tickets: $5 (members) / $10 (non-members). Pre-orders available. When: Sunday, Dec 8, 12pm-5pm. Where: Preston Event Centre, 523 St Anthony St, Ottawa, ON.
28. Saint Nicholas and a ceremony of Carols
Celebrate the festive season with the Cantata Singers of Ottawa as they perform Britten’s Saint Nicolas and A Ceremony of Carols. Featuring Nils Brown as Saint Nicolas, the Boys and Girls Choirs of Christ Church Cathedral, and talented young instrumentalists from Ottawa. Tickets: $10–$100. Options include premium seating ($100), adult tickets ($40), seniors ($35), and students ($10). When: Sunday, Dec 8, at 4pm. Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks Street, Ottawa
Other recurring events in Ottawa
29. 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
30. 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/
31. 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
32. 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/
33. 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/
34. 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/
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.