The last weekend of November is coming with an exciting lineup of awesome events. If you’re looking for things to do in Ottawa this holiday season, check out this post, share it with your friends, and start making plans for the weekend!
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18 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. The Museum’s Christmas Market
Make this Christmas historic with gifts from the Canadian Museum of
History’s Christmas market. There are over 100 vendors offering
everything from holiday decorations and artistic woodworking to
gourmet food products and
original jewellery. With a chance to meet the artisans, including
Indigenous creators, it is truly a cultural shopping
experience. FREE.
When: Thursday Nov 27 – Sunday Nov 30, from 11am-8pm
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 rue Laurier, Gatineau
Details: https://www.historymuseum.ca/
2. Ottawa Christmas Market
Enjoy the most festive event of the holiday season in Ottawa. Expect beautiful Christmas photo opps, 50 vendors, craft cocktails and hot drinks, Santa workshops for kids, live music, DJs, and a skating rink. FREE.
When: Nov 21-Dec 31
Where: Lansdowne Park
Details: ottawachristmasmarket
3. Santa Parade of Lights
Santa Claus is coming to town, specifically Orleans, when the Santa
Parade of Lights arrives. Plenty of bands, floats and of course the
jolly old elf himself. This year, Santa’s helpers will be walking the
route collecting new
unwrapped toys and cash donations to help the needy, so if you can
give, please do. FREE
When: Saturday Nov 29, at 6pm
Where: Along St Joseph Blvd, Orleans
Details: https://paradeoflights.org/
4. Daily Light Show
Looking to light up the holidays? Then head down to the Byward Market
to take in the Luminaire Daily Light Show. It’s a mesmerizing light
show experience coupled with a live DJ to provide the tunes to match.
Showing
twice daily through the holidays, it’s bound to brighten your seasonal
mood. FREE.
When: Nov 26-Dec 31, at 5:30pm and 7:30pm
Where: George St Plaza, Byward Market, Ottawa
Details: IG @bywardmarket
5. 613 Christmas Market
Christmas is a time to go big, and the 613flea Christmas Market is one
of the biggest in town. Over 200 local vendors for your shopping
pleasure including 613flea’s famous vintage items and antiques, all
offering a special
something for everyone on your list. Get all your shopping done in one
spot. FREE.
When: Nov 29-30, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Where: Carleton University Fieldhouse, Bronson Ave at Sunnyside, Ottawa
Details: IG @613flea
6. Riverside South Toy Mountain Parade
Don’t just make a pile, make a mountain at the Riverside South Toy
Mountain Parade. It’s the 9th annual parade and it’s bigger than ever.
Come for the floats and fun, and if you can, bring a new unwrapped
gift for The Salvation
Army. Let’s make a Mountain together. FREE.
When: Saturday Nov 29, at 11am
Where: Along Spratt Rd (4330-4170), Ottawa
Details: https://riversidesouth.org/
7. Christmas at Madahoki
There’s just so much to celebrate this Christmas season at Madahoki
farm. Experience the lights and wonders of the Trail of Lights where
you’ll learn about Christmas through an Indigenous perspective. A
craft market, workshops
and feasts blending traditional and Indigenous foods. So much to make
your holidays unique and memorable. Craft market is FREE, all other
events have prices from $10.
When: Nov 27-Dec 28, various times
Where: Mādahòkì Farm, 4420 West Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, Ontario
Details: https://madahoki.ca/christmas/
8. Manotick Parade of Lights
Celebrate the season with dazzling lights, festive treats, and a
joyful parade that fills the village with holiday cheer. FREE
When: Friday Nov 28, 7pm
Where: Main Street, Manotick, Ottawa
Details: https://manotickvillage.com/
9. 613 Holiday Night Market
Explore 140+ vendors of unique gifts, food treats and dog-friendly fun
with friends. FREE
When: Friday Nov 28, 5pm
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
Details: https://www.613flea.ca/
10. European Union Film Festival
For the 40th edition of this festival, one film from each of the 27 European Union member states will be presented. A selection of European films will also be available for online screening across Canada from December 1 to 15.
Single ticket: $15
When: November 14–29, various times
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, Alma Duncan Salon, Level 3, 10 Daly Avenue
Details: https://www.cfi-icf.
11. Ottawa 67’s Games
Don’t miss high-energy OHL hockey as the 67’s take on Oshawa Generals
and North Bay Battalion in home games. Tickets from $25
When: Friday Nov 28, 7pm vs Oshawa Generals. Sunday Nov 30, 3pm vs
North Bay Battalion.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
12. CPKC Holiday Train
Watch one of the season’s most magical traditions roll into town, the
CPKC Holiday Train lights up with thousands of sparkling lights, a
live 30-minute free concert and a chance to support your local food
bank. Bring a non-perishable food item or a cash donation, stay warm,
and be part of the festive crowd. FREE.
When: Thursday, Nov 28
Where:
Finch: 2:45pm-3:15pm (James Street between William Street & George Street)
Merrickville: 5pm-5:30pm (south side of Broadway Street railroad
crossing near By Street)
Smiths Falls: 6:30pm-7pm (63 Victoria Avenue)
Perth: 8pm-8:30pm (Wilson Street railway crossing)
13. Ottawa Black Bears vs San Diego Seals
Join the lacrosse thrill for the home-opener as the Black Bears battle
the Seals. Tickets from $37
When: Saturday Nov 29, 7pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, 1000 Palladium Drive.
Details: https://ottawablackbears.com/
14. Colonel By Classic
Experience the intense rivalry in this double-header of men’s and
women’s university hockey. Tickets from $20.69
When: Saturday Nov 29, 1pm (women) and 4pm (men)
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St Ottawa
Details: https://www.uottawa.ca/en/
15. Vintage Village of Lights
Explore a 1920s-30s heritage village with gingerbread decorating,
Santa visits and bonfires. Tickets $26.14 per group (1-6 people)
When: Friday Nov 28, 4pm to 9pm
Where: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road, Ottawa
Details: https://ottawa.ca/en/
16. Alight at Night
Upper Canada Village lights up its 19th-century streets and buildings
with more than a million LED lights, including the signature
illuminated forest path and waterfront display. Guests can explore the
village on foot, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, or book a horse-drawn
carriage ride for a quieter view of the lights. Tickets: $9, $17, $18.
When: Nov 28–Jan 15, 5pm–9pm.
Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg.
17. Jurassic Quest
An immersive dinosaur experience featuring life-sized animatronic
dinosaurs including a 60-foot Spinosaurus and an 80-foot Apatosaurus that roar, move and tower above you. Younger guests can dig for real fossils, ride “walking” dinosaurs, explore LEGO-themed build zones and
meet baby dinos up close. Tickets: from $41.37.
When: Friday, Nov 28, 12pm-8pm; Saturday, Nov 29, 8am-8pm; Sunday, Nov 30, 9am-5pm.
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa.
18. Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade
This annual evening parade brings the town together for a large-scale,
illuminated community procession featuring themed floats, local
organizations, marching bands, and holiday displays. Volunteers
collect food donations along the route for the local food bank and
Christmas Basket Program. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 29, 5pm–6:30pm.
Where: Begins at Carleton Place High School (215 Lake Ave W),
continues along Lake Avenue and Bridge Street, and ends at Carambeck
Community Centre, 351 Bridge Street, Carleton Place.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Thursday and Friday
19. Big Stuff
Married comedy duo Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus invite you to join them as they explore some Big Stuff. Admission: $15-58.
When: Tuesday, Nov 25-Dec 7 at 2pm or 7:30pm.
Where: The Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington Street West, Ottawa.
20. Breaking the Ice: A Conversation on Growth and Progress in Women’s Hockey
If you love women’s hockey, then this is the event for you! Mannon McMahon from the Ottawa Charge and Béatrice Bilodeau from the Gee Gees Hockey team will be chatting, and doing a meet and greet with Ottawa supporters! Tickets only $10. Tickets on Eventbrite.
When: Thursday Nov 27, 7pm-8:30pm.
Where: Minto Sports Complex at Ottawa University Campus
21. Kanata Winter Night Market
Three days of food, fun and winter vibes! Street food, music, holiday shopping and warm drinks. FREE admission.
When: Nov 28-30. Fri 2pm-10pm; Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-8pm.
Where: Hazeldean Mall, 300 Eagleson Rd, Kanata.
22. Freedom Soirée
Capital Rainbow Refuge is excited to welcome guests for an unforgettable evening celebrating community, resilience, and love. This inspiring fundraising gala features a delicious buffet dinner, live performances by local artists, and a vibrant night of connection, all in support of LGBTQI+ newcomers building new lives in Ottawa. Every ticket helps create a more welcoming and inclusive community. Tickets starting at $82. Details on Eventbrite.
When: Friday Nov 28, 6pm.
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 290 Lisgar Street, Ottawa.
23. Randy Feltface
As seen on Netflix and heard on BBC Radio 4, Randy Feltface has written and performed a dozen solo stand-up comedy shows, released eight comedy specials, sold out around the world and been nominated for Best Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Admission: $46-75.
When: Friday, Nov 28 at 7pm or 9:30pm.
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave
Saturday
24. Scottish Tea and Christmas Bazaar
Step into the seasonal charm at this heritage-style afternoon event
featuring high tea, live bagpipes, and a curated selection of
treasures including hand-crafted gifts, jewellery, books, linens and
Christmas décor. All proceeds benefit local charities through the
Women’s Guild. Tickets: FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 29, 1pm-3:30pm.
Where: St. Andrew’s Church, 82 Kent Street, Ottawa.
25. Socks Your Run Off!
Join the Ottawa running community as they gather 1000 new pairs of socks for The Ottawa Mission. Stick around for a 5k run/walk along the Rideau Canal pathway. All ages. All fitness levels. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 29, 10am
Where: Little Victories, 44 Elgin St
26. Ukrainian Christmas Market
Explore traditional Ukrainian culture and holiday fare at this annual
market hosted by the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada – Ottawa
Branch. Indulge in homemade delicacies, varenyky (pierogies), cabbage
rolls, borshch, smoked bacon and baked goods, and browse handcrafted
items including beeswax candles, traditional icons and festive gifts.
FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 29, 10am-2pm.
Where: Ukrainian Banquet &
Convention Hall, 1000 Byron Ave., Ottawa.
27. Radio Rush – The Moving Pictures Story
RADIO RUSH – The Moving Pictures Story tells the story of the transformation that catapulted Rush from arena rock to world radio, with a complete playlist that includes the songs that inspired and were inspired by their greatest work, Moving Pictures. Admission: $61.
When: Saturday, Nov 29, at 8pm.
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre (Harold Shenkman Hall), 245 Centrum Blvd, Orléans.
Sunday
28. St. Elias Christmas Market
This market is fun for all ages: lots of shopping, a wonderful selection of delicious foods (savoury and sweet), dazzling decor, free all-day craft table for kids and special guests. Admission: FREE. When: Sunday, Nov 30 from 11:30am-5pm. Where: St Elias Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave, Ottawa.
29. Christmas with Johnny Reid
Catch JUNO Award winner and multi-platinum selling recording artist Johnny Reid and his band live on stage in a joyful celebration of holiday spirit, sharing personal favourites, cherished classics and inspiring stories to usher in the holiday season. Admission: $100+. When: Sunday, Nov 30 at 8pm. Where: Rock Hotel & Casino, 4837 Albion Rd S, Gloucester.
30. Music for a Sunday Afternoon – Fall Edition
Brass takes centre stage in this radiant fall edition of Music for a Sunday Afternoon, curated by Chris Lee, Principal Tuba of the NAC Orchestra. Admission: $31. When: Sunday, Nov 30 at 3:30pm. Where: St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 82 Kent St, Ottawa.
31. 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
32. 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.
33. 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
34. 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.
35. 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)
36. Winter Wander
Enjoy beautiful Christmas décor along Sparks St, transformed into a picture-perfect winter wonderland that brings festive cheer to downtown Ottawa. FREE. When: Nov 18-Jan 5. Where: Sparks St.
37. The Festival of Small Halls
The event brings first-rate Canadian artists to small-town halls for cozy performances, storytelling, foot-stomping and song singing. Expect shows at beloved halls in rural communities, both new and long-standing venues, featuring artists like Chantal Kreviazuk, Ashley MacIsaac, The Arrogant Worms, Irish Mythen, and many others. Tickets: various prices depending on the venue.
When: Oct 3-Dec 6.
Where: Various small halls across Eastern Ontario, including around Ottawa and neighbouring towns.
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 by reserving online. When: Dec 6, 2024-Jan 6, 2026. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature. Details: nature.ca
41. 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
42. 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.