Merry Christmas to all of you! This post-Christmas weekend in Ottawa will be filled with hockey fever through the end of the year—pure fun for the whole family! Check out this post and share it with your friends!
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Contents
12 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
- 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship
For the first time in 15 years, Ottawa will welcome teams from across the globe as they compete for junior hockey’s most prestigious title. The United States is the defending champion after defeating Sweden in 2024. Canada will face Finland on Dec 26, Latvia (Dec 27), Germany (Dec 29) and USA (Dec 31). Tickets from $30 to $149. When: Dec 26-31; Jan 2, 4, and 5. Where: Canadian Tire Centre and TD Place. Details: hockeycanada.ca 
2. World Juniors Fanfest
Fan Fest is free, family-friendly fun for all ages to enhance the World Juniors experience. Includes family-friendly activities, watch parties, beer gardens, live bands, the ESSO synthetic ice rink and ball hockey rinks, merchandise, exhibits, games, inflatables, prizes and much more! FREE. When: Dec 26-31; Jan 2, 4, and 5. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St. 
3. Fanfest NYE Celebration
Alongside the IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, there will be family friendly activities on Dec 31 until midnight, which will end with a display of fireworks! Enjoy free skates, watch the game Canada vs USA (8-10:30pm) enjoy live music (10:30-11:30pm) and fireworks at midnight! FREE. When: Tuesday Dec 31 from 2pm to midnight. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St. Details: hockeycanada.ca
4. Bell Capital Cup
This hockey tourney will have 258 teams, including 58 international teams, involving over 4000 boys and girls. 600 games will be played in just 5 days. The event will feature several inflatables, activities and games for the kids, Sens Street Team, food and beverage service, and a 16-foot giant screen to watch all the World Junior action live from TD Place Arena and the Canadian Tire Centre. All events are FREE. When: Dec 27-31. Where: Gifford Carr Field House at the Bell Sensplex, 1565 Maple Grove Rd, Stittsville. Details: bellcapitalcup.ca
5. Ottawa Christmas Market
As of December 26, the Ottawa Christmas Market will be open everyday from 2pm to 10pm! On December 31 it will be open until midnight, and until 5pm on January 1. Take in the holiday lights, decorations, food and drinks, live music, skating, and workshops. 50+ vendors. Fun for all ages! FREE. When: Dec 26-Jan 5. Where: 425 Marché Way, Lansdowne. Details: IG @ottawa.xmas.market
6. 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-Jan 7. Where: Downtown Ottawa. Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winter-lights.html
7. Ottawa Kwanzaa Celebration
This is the largest non-religious cultural celebration that brings together people of African descent during the holiday season in Ottawa. The event showcases many traditions, performances, and educational activities. Tickets: $35-$55. When: Saturday Dec 28, 4pm-10pm. Where: 3750 North Bowesville Road. Details: jakukonbit.com
8. Synthetic Ice Rink Activities
Enjoy lawn games and skating under the stars on Thursdays from 5:30pm to 7:30pm; and vibrant lights and music on Fridays from 6pm to 8pm. FREE. When: Thursday Dec 26 and Friday Dec 27. Where: William St, Byward Market. Details: IG @bywardmarket
9. Riveroak Skating Trail
Hit the ice and glide through Ottawa’s 3 km orchard skating trail this season! Tickets from $15. Check out the website for updates. When: Open daily, 9am-8pm. Where: River Oak, 2900 York’s Corners Road, Ottawa. Details: https://www.riveroak.ca/
10. 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 to 10pm. Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean. Details: https://magicoflights.com/locations/ottawa-on/
11. 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/
12. 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
13. Public Guided Tours at the National Gallery
Enjoy a 45-minute tour exploring iconic architecture, works of art, and new mini exhibitions. Tickets: $3 (plus admission). When: Thursday Dec 26 and Friday 27. Where: National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Drive.
14. Cocktails and Crafts at Santa’s Workshop
Come with your friends to enjoy this workshop in a heated private cabin. The ticket includes cocktail, craft supplies, instructor and service staff. Ticket: $82.36. When: Dec 26-28, 8pm-10pm. Where: Ottawa Christmas Market, Lansdowne Park. Details: https://www.
15. Boxing Day Free Play-Unlimited Games+DJ KJ MAXX
Celebrate Boxing Day with unlimited games, DJs, and live music at House of TARG!! Tickets $15. When: Thursday Dec 26, 8pm. Where: House of TARG, 1077 Bank St, Ottawa. Details: https://www.houseoftarg.com/
16. Stankfest
Get ready for Stankfest: Two nights of Ottawa-Gatineau’s finest funk and jazz!! Tickets from $15. When: Friday Dec 27; Saturday Dec 28, 7:30pm. Where: The Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street, Ottawa. Details: https://therainbow.ca/events
17. Cinderella (A Panto)
Enjoy a traditional British pantomime of Cinderella with humor and magic for all ages! Tickets from $35. When: Friday Dec 27-Monday Dec 30. Where: Kanata Theatre, The Ron Maslin Playhouse, 1 Ron Maslin Way, Kanata. Details: https://kanatatheatre.ca/play/2024-cinderella-a-panto
18. Candlelight Christmas Classic
Experience holiday magic with a string quartet performing Christmas classics by candlelight! Tickets from $49.50. When: Friday Dec 27; Sunday 29; 6:30pm and 8:45pm. Where: Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa. Details: https://feverup.com/m/254756
Saturday
19. The Humbug Hustle: A Holiday Phantom-ime
Experience a festive twist on Dickens’ classic with “The Humbug Hustle” this holiday season! Tickets from $37. When: Saturday Dec 28, 7pm; Sunday 29, 2pm and 7pm. Where: Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington Street West Details: https://www.gctc.ca/events/phanto
20. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Experience the magic of the season with free horse-drawn wagon rides by Cundle Stables. FREE. When: Saturday Dec 28 and Sunday Dec 29, 2pm-4pm. Where: Pick up at the corner of William St with York St in front of Giulia restaurant.
Sunday
21. Candlelight Christmas Classic
Experience holiday magic with a string quartet performing Christmas classics by candlelight! Tickets from $49.50. When: Friday Dec 27; Sunday 29; 6:30pm and 8:45pm. Where: Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa. Details: https://feverup.com/m/254756
Next week
22. Hogman-eh!
Join the lively celebration rooted in Scottish history, with great music, dancing, delicious food and drinks, and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Admission: FREE. Tuesday, Dec 31 from 2pm onward. At Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Drive, Ottawa.
More recurring events in Ottawa
23. Flights with Santa
Our favourite sleigh pilot is returning to Ottawa! This year Santa will be trading in the reindeer for our vintage Cessna 172, and can’t wait to bring all the children for an adventure over the city! Tickets: $48, $58. When: Dec 14-31. Where: Rockcliffe Airport, Ottawa Aviation Museum. Details: https://www.
24. Outdoor Winter Fun at Countryside Adventure
Make the most of your holiday break and explore the outdoors at Countryside Adventures in Moose Creek. Whether skating through their 3km forest trail, trying your feet at snowshoeing, racing down the slopes on their tubing hill or munching on a Moose ear, it’s a Winter Wonderland for the Winter people. Tickets from $8. When: Saturday Dec 21-onwards, 10am-10pm. Where: Countryside Adventures, 16495 Sixth Rd, Moose Creek Details: https://countrysideadventures.
25. 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
26. Holidays High Tea
Celebrate the festive season with a traditional high tea experience at Fairmont Château Laurier with a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delectable pastries, all accompanied by a variety of premium teas. Tickets: $42-$85. When: Nov 25-Jan 5, daily 11am-3:30pm. Where: Zoe’s at Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau Street, 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
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.
Enjoy!!
Came across your blog and love how you share the many amazing things to do in and around Ottawa! Keep it up!
Thank you so much for your support!