39 fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend | Dec 13-15

Don’t know what to do this weekend in Ottawa? Check out this lineup of events and things to do. There is something for everybody! Like this post and share it with your friends!

Want to receive all this information straight to your inbox? Subscribe to the free newsletter and stay in the loop! Elevate Your Weekends

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

1. Butterflies in Flight

Back by popular demand! Enjoy a delightful exhibition of live tropical butterflies including the impressive large blue morpho. Tickets: $6 in addition to the cost of general museum admission. Until Dec 16, get a 10% discount reserving online. When; Dec 6, 2024-Jan 6, 2026. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature. Details: nature.ca

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. Special presentation of Viva Mexico on Sunday Dec 15 at noon. 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. Winter Lights Across Canada

Thousands of lights 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

4. 613 Holiday Night Market

Shop from 140 vendors. Find unique gifts for everyone at 613Christmas, Ottawa’s largest holiday marketplace! FREE. When: Friday Dec 13, 5pm-10pm. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park. Details: https://www.613flea.ca/

5. World Juniors Team Canada vs U SPORTS ALL STARS

The players competing for a place on Canada’s National Junior Team will face an all-star group of the top university hockey players in the country. Tickets: starting $35. When: Dec 12-13. Thursday 3pm; Fri 12pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St. Details: hockeycanada.ca

6. Ho Ho Holiday Craft Market Shop from over 50 local artists and makers. Free admission. When: Saturday Dec 14, 10:30am-3pm. Where: Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave. Details: IG @squarelemon_ottawa

7. Pique

Featuring eclectic musical, visual and multimedia artists. Pique’s winter edition brings live music performances, art installations, DJs and an art market. Tickets from $35 (Pay what you can). When: Saturday Dec 14, 5pm-2am. Where: Arts Court, 67 Nicholas St.

8. Adawaning Indigenous Women’s Art Market

Featuring the diverse and amazing work of Métis, Inuit and First Nations makers. Browse jewelry, beadwork, paintings, sculptures, mittens, moccasins, coffee, crafts, and much more. Cash or card depending on the vendor. ATM on site. FREE. When: Saturday Dec 14, 10:30am to 4:30pm. Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St.

9.Senators vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Cheer for Ottawa Senators as they battle Pittsburgh Penguins in NHL action! Tickets from $55. When:  Saturday, Dec 14, 7pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr. Details: https://www.nhl.com/senators/

10. Ottawa Guild of Potters Holiday Pottery Sale

Explore unique pottery, meet local artists, and find stunning one-of-a-kind pieces! FREE. When: Friday, Dec 13, 3pm-9pm; Sat, 14, 10am-6pm; Sun, 15, 10am-5pm. Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park. Details: https://ottawaguildofpotters.ca/

11. 67’s vs Peterborough Petes

OHL excitement! Watch Ottawa 67’s take on Peterborough Petes in thrilling action! Tickets from $24. When: Friday, Dec 13, 7pm. Where: TD Place. Details: https://chl.ca/ohl-67s/

12. Bear Grease

Bear Grease returns! Festive twist, music, laughter, unforgettable holiday fun awaits! Tickets from $31. When: Tuesday Dec 10-Friday Dec 13, 7:30pm; Saturday Dec 14, 4pm. Where: Babs Asper Theatre, 1 Elgin Street. Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/35999

13. Metcalfe Farmers Christmas Market

Shop local at the Metcalfe Farmers’ Christmas Market! Unique gifts, food, and holiday cheer! FREE. When: Saturday, Dec 14, 9am-2pm. Where: Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely. Details: https://www.metcalfefm.com/

14. Ottawa Black Bears vs Buffalo Bandits

Don’t miss the National Lacrosse League’s Ottawa Black Bears’ inaugural season vs. Buffalo Bandits! Tickets from $34. When: Friday Dec 13, 7pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre. Details: https://ottawablackbears.com/

15. Capital Sessions

Experience free community house dance workshops—dance, connect, and have fun together! FREE. When: Sunday Dec 15, 1:30pm. Where: Peter A. Herrndorf Place, 1 Elgin Street. Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/37390

More things to do in Ottawa this weekend

Friday

16. A Holiday Concert

Join the choirs and orchestra of the Societe Philarmonique du Nouveau Monde for an enchanting evening of classical music and glorious carols by John Rutter. Ticket price $38.61. Friday Dec 13 at 8 pm. Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street.

17. New Orleans Blues

The music of Louisiana will be in the spotlight, immersing the audience in the culture of the Southern United States. It will be an evening full of jazz, bluegrass, funk, gospel and many other warm sounds in a lively production directed by Normand Brathwaite. Friday Dec 13 at 8pm. Ticket price starting at $74.73. Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy – 1 Blvd du Casino, Gatineau.

Saturday

18. 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 14, 10am-4pm. Where: Nepean Museum, 16 Rowley Ave, Nepean.

19. Navidad Dominicana

Celebrate, learn and share the beauty of Dominican Culture. An event for the whole family. Ticket price $15. Saturday Dec 14, from 2:30pm to 6:30pm. Pure Havana, 190 MacLaren, Suite 205.

20. A Choral Kaleidoscope Christmas Concert

The Ottawa Carleton Choristers with Director, Laurie Hamilton, and accompanist Maureen Hutchinson, present a Christmas Concert, with special guest violinist Colin McFarland. FREE. Saturday Dec 14 at 7pm. At Woodroffe United Church, 207 Woodroffe Avenue.

21. Multicultural Charity Show

Come and help to raise funds for local charities such as CHEO, Ottawa Food Bank, Celiac Canada, Fibromyalgia Association Canada anf others. Vibrant performances, delicious food by TAJ Indian Cuisine, and networking. Saturday Dec 14, 5pm-8pm. At Kailesh Mital Theatre, Carleton University.

22. Annual Pet Day and Market at Robert Plante Greenhouses

Bring your pets to Robert Plante Greenhouses for their 2nd annual Pet Day and Holiday Market. Enjoy 150+ vendors, festive fun, and pet photos with Santa. Saturday Dec 14 from 9am-4pm. Robert Plante Greenhouses, 4228 Navan Rd, Orleans.

23. CrakdNutz: A holiday circus dream

This is an adaptation and continuation of the traditional Nutcracker story, reminding us that when surrounded by a community of support, dreams can come true. Tickets: $47.68. Saturday, Dec 14, 2pm & 6:30pm. Sunday, Dec 15, 10:30am & 2pm. At LabO Theatre (entry via Daly Avenue Ottawa Art Gallery, 60 Waller Street, Ottawa.

24. 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. Saturday, Dec 14, from 11am to 6pm. At Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, 90 William Street West Smiths Falls, ON.

Sunday

25. Christmas Practitioners

The Christmas doctors are in. Prescribing multiple carols new and old, two doses of cheer, and fourteen rattles of sleigh bells. Side effects may include: uncontrollable sing-a-long-ing, seasonal smiling disorder, and the occasional sprouting of hooves, antlers and/or a red nose. Sunday Dec 15, 8pm-10:30pm. Doors open at 7pm. At Red Bird, 1165 Bank St, Ottawa. Buy your tickets here: https://www.showpass.com/the-christmas-sisters-2/

Next week

26. Orkidstra Centre Hub Holiday Concert

Bring a friend and celebrate the sounds of the season. Featuring over 150 young musicians onstage, experience the magic and music of Orkidstra. This family friendly show is an Ottawa holiday favourite and a joy for all ages. FREE. Donations welcome. Tuesday Dec 17 at 6:30pm. Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street.

Other recurring events in Ottawa

27. 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:  Dec 12-14, 19-22 and 27-28, from 6pm–9pm. Where:  Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 Yorks Corners Rd, Edwards. Details: https://stanleysfarm.com/holiday-stroll-2/

28. 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

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/