35 fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend | Nov 21-23

3. Help Santa Toy Parade

Line the streets to cheer on Santa and watch the joyful parade go by, collecting toys and donations so children in need can have a gift this Christmas. FREE.
When: Saturday Nov 22 at 11am
Where: From Queen Elizabeth Drive at Somerset St, all the way to Lansdowne Park at TD Place
Details: toyparade.ca

4. Kanata Santa Claus Parade 2025

The Kanata Santa Claus Parade brings festive floats, community spirit, and donations collected along the route for the Kanata Food Cupboard. FREE.
When: Saturday Nov 22 from 10–11am
Where: Starting at Holy Redeemer Church, then down Rothesay, across Glamorgan to Castlefrank, up Castlefrank to Abbeyhill, and ending at Hazeldean Mall.

5. Tree Lighting in Orléans Town Centre

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Orléans Town Centre’s 3rd Annual Tree Lighting with performances by School of Rock, a Night Market, kids’ crafts, and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. FREE.
When: Friday Nov 21 from 5–7pm (tree lighting at 6:30pm)
Where: 260 Centrum Boulevard, Orléans

6. Trees of Hope 2025

Visit Fairmont Château Laurier to see the beautifully decorated Christmas trees displayed for the 28th annual Trees of Hope fundraiser supporting the CHEO Foundation.
When: Nov 17 to Jan 6
Where: Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau St

7. Ottawa Charge vs New York Sirens

Catch the Ottawa Charge take on the New York Sirens in a high-level women’s pro hockey matchup. Enjoy fast-paced action and a thrilling night on the ice. Tickets from $32.86.
When: Saturday Nov 22 at 7pm
Where: TD Place

8. Magic of Lights

Experience a dazzling drive-through holiday light show at Wesley Clover Parks benefitting CHEO. Drive through over 2 million LED lights across a 2km route, including Ontario’s longest light tunnel and a winter village pit stop. Tickets per car from $31.58.
When: Nov 21 to Jan 3 (evenings)
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd

9. One World Bazaar

Discover unique décor, clothing, jewellery, and furniture handcrafted by global artisans, plus weekend performances and activities. Last chance—closing weekend! Mumtaz Henna (Saturday all day). FREE.
When: Nov 21–23 (Fri–Sun 10am–5pm)
Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Rd, Manotick

10. Gala Noël: Holiday Kickoff!

Celebrate the season with chamber music, jazz, and opera performed by top Canadian artists in a festive setting. Tickets: $45 to $65. Student/community discount using the code GOODVIBRATO.
When: Saturday Nov 22, 7–9pm
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St

11. Winter Wonders Market

Shop from 50+ local artists and makers and enjoy a free workshop. FREE admission.
When: Sunday Nov 23, 10:30am–3pm
Where: Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave
Details: @squarelemon_ottawa

12. ADAAWE Indigenous Holiday Market

A festive celebration of Indigenous entrepreneurship featuring 20+ local Indigenous vendors selling beadwork, art, clothing, and more. Enjoy free bannock, tea, and giveaways. FREE.
When: Saturday Nov 22, 10am–4pm
Where: ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub, 338 Somerset St W

13. Watson’s Mill Christmas Craft Market

Shop artisan-made treasures across two historic floors with 30+ vendors offering pottery, jewelry, baked goods, and woodwork. Admission by donation (suggested $2).
When: Nov 22–23, 10am–4pm
Where: Watson’s Mill & Dickinson House, 5525 Dickinson St, Manotic

14. Merivale United Church Christmas Marketplace & Luncheon

Browse handmade gifts—from knitted toys to Indigenous crafts—then enjoy a cozy luncheon. FREE.
When: Saturday Nov 22, 9am–2pm
Where: Merivale United Church Hall, 1876 Merivale Rd, Nepean

15. Fetch Local Markets

A dog-friendly market with 30+ local makers, good vibes, and unique finds. Leashed pups welcome! FREE.
When: Sunday Nov 23, 10am–3pm
Where: Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1585 Tenth Line Rd, Orléans

16. Thomas Tree Farm

A charming 50-acre tree farm where you can find your perfect Balsam, Spruce, or Scotch Pine, then warm up with complimentary hot chocolate by the firepit.
When: Opens Friday Nov 21.
Daytime: Thurs–Sun 9am–5pm
Evenings: Thurs–Sat 5–8:30pm
Where: 6421 McCordick Rd, North Gower

17. Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm

Pick and cut your own tree or choose a pre-cut one, ride a tractor-drawn wagon, and enjoy cozy treats by the firepit. Pets welcome on leash. FREE entry.
When: Nov 22–23, 9am–5pm
Where: 951 8th Concession South, Pakenham

More things to do in Ottawa this weekend

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

18. Pop-Up at Preston Square

A new weekly indoor holiday mini-market supporting the Ottawa Food Bank.
When: Nov 19–Dec 19 (Wed–Fri, 11am–4pm)
Where: 347 Preston St

20. St Andrew’s Night Scottish Showcase

A lively celebration of Scottish music and dance with bagpipes, jigs, reels, and a rousing finale. Tickets: $49.50.
When: Friday Nov 21 at 7:30pm
Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe: Les Lye Studio Theatre

21. Les Belles Sœurs

Phoenix Players presents Michel Tremblay’s iconic dark comedy about sisterhood, class, envy, and chaos. Tickets: $30.
When: Nov 21–29, 7:30pm & 2:30pm
Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave

22. Annie

Orpheus Musical Theatre brings the beloved classic to life with songs like Tomorrow and It’s the Hard-Knock Life. Tickets: $37–$59.
When: Nov 21–30, 2pm & 7:30pm
Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe (Mainstage)

23. 5th Annual Brosseau Family Holiday Market

A family-run market with handmade treasures. For every visitor, the family donates $5 to the Ottawa Food Bank. Wheelchair accessible; street parking available.
When: Nov 21–23, 10am–4pm
Where: 1648 Neptune Way, Ottawa

Saturday

24. Always ABBA: Celebrating the Music of ABBA

A high-energy tribute concert featuring top Canadian performers bringing ABBA’s greatest hits to life. Tickets: $56.75.
When: Saturday Nov 22 at 8pm
Where: Harold Shenkman Hall, Shenkman Arts Centre

25. Whisky Tasting Fundraiser

Enjoy curated whisky tastings, gourmet pairings, and spy-themed fun inside Canada’s iconic Cold War bunker. Tickets: $155.
When: Saturday Nov 22 at 6:30pm
Where: Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum

Sunday

27. Choir! Choir! Choir! – Un-Silent Night: An EPIC Holiday Sing-Along

A fully interactive holiday sing-along—no experience needed. Tickets from $15.
When: Sunday Nov 23 at 3pm & 8pm
Where: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre

Next weekend