The first weekend of December is here with tons of things to do in Ottawa! Many new Christmas attractions are opening their doors, as well as the Rink of Dreams. Enjoy Christmas concerts, holiday markets, Santa Claus parades, hockey games, and much more! Check out this post and share it with your friends.
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17 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Rink of Dreams Opening
The most popular outdoor refrigerated rink in Ottawa opens for the season! Skate rentals and sharpening are available on site. Also a changing room and a BeaverTail kiosk. Open every day from 7am to 11pm. FREE.
When: Saturday Dec 6 from 3pm.
Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier St W.
2. Christmas Concert
The annual Christmas concert by the choir of the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of those must-attend events during the holidays in Ottawa. Enjoy amazing voices and music with the backdrop of the majestic cathedral. FREE.
When: Sunday Dec 7 at 2:30pm
Where: Notre Dame Cathedral, 385 Sussex Drive.
3. 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.com
4. Mayor’s Annual Christmas Celebration
Celebrate the festive season in the fresh outdoors, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, roast marshmallows around a campfire, and enjoy hot chocolate, maple fudge, taffy on snow, and horse-drawn wagon rides. BeaverTails for only $2. Bring your skates because the Rink of Dreams opens this day. Admission is a donation for the Ottawa Food Bank.
When: Saturday Dec 6, 3pm–6pm
Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier St W.
5. Stittsville Parade of Lights
Enjoy dozens of beautifully decorated community floats as they parade
along Main St. Stay afterwards 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 6 at 6pm.
Where: Along Stittsville Main Street from Brown’s YIG to Carleton Cathcar.
6. Paskong Pinoy sa Ottawa
Come for a festive holiday market, the Filipino way! Shop for holiday
goodies and gifts made by local Filipino businesses and artisans, learn how to make a parol (lantern), and enjoy listening to Filipino Christmas carols. FREE.
When: Sunday Dec 7, from 9am to 5pm.
Where: National Arts Centre, Peter A. Herrndorf Place, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
7. Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival 2025
Celebrate creativity and cinema with the 2025 Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival, a showcase of local short films, the 60-Day Challenge screenings & awards, plus networking, after-parties and more. Tickets from $15 (festival pass $60).
When: Dec 5–6.
Where: OAG Alma Duncan Salon, 10 Daly Ave, Ottawa, ON.
8. Ottawa Senators vs New York Rangers & St. Louis Blues
Experience back-to-back nights of high-stakes NHL action with the Ottawa Senators taking on the New York Rangers and then the St. Louis Blues. Tickets starting at $56.35.
When: Thursday Dec 4 at 7pm vs NY Rangers. Saturday Dec 6 at 7pm vs St. Louis Blues.
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa.
9. Ottawa 67’s Games
Enjoy fast-paced OHL hockey action and cheer on the home team. Tickets start at $34.
When: Friday Dec 5 at 7pm vs Barrie Colts. Sunday Dec 7 at 3pm vs Flint Firebirds.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
10. Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk
Come to the 2025 Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk, a festive 5 km fun run or 1 km Elf Walk at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa that welcomes people of all ages and skill levels. Dress up in your most festive outfit, enjoy the holiday spirit, and support a good cause. Registration starts at $34.62 (children) / $50.81 (individual).
When: Saturday Dec 6. 1K starts at 10am, 5K starts at 10:30am.
Where: Lansdowne Park, Ottawa.
11. The Nutcracker
A magical holiday ballet where toys come alive, snowflakes twirl, and the Sugar Plum Fairy rules a wonderland. A festive treat for all ages. Ticket price starts around CAD 31.
When: Dec 3–7, Wed–Fri evenings at 7pm; Sat & Sun 1:30pm and 7pm.
Where: Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
12. A Country Christmas
13. Stanley’s Christmas Village – Holiday Magic at the Farm
Step into winter wonder at Stanley’s Christmas Village at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, featuring sleigh rides, a cozy farm shop, festive treats, and a chance to meet Santa. Tickets vary by age. Runs weekends.
When: December 6–7, 13–14, and 20–23, 2025.
Where: Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 Yorks Corners Road, Edwards.
14. Osgoode’s Christmas in the Village
Celebrate the holidays with Osgoode’s Christmas in the Village, a festive weekend full of community cheer, featuring a Parade of Lights, tree-lighting ceremony, Breakfast with Santa, family crafts, an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, and more holiday fun for all ages. Entry is FREE or by ticket for some activities.
When: Dec 5–6.
Where: Village-wide, Osgoode, ON (parade route from Nixon & Main St to Foodland parking lot).
15. Cumberland Farmers’ Market Christmas Market
Get into the holiday spirit with local treats, handmade gifts, festive food and warm community vibes. Perfect for early Christmas shopping and cozy holiday feels. FREE.
When: Saturday, Dec 6, 9am–3pm
Where: Various venues in Cumberland, including R.J. Kennedy Hall, a community mosque, and local halls around the village.
16. Stanley’s Holiday Stroll
Take an evening walk through a forest decorated with colourful holiday lights and festive displays—think twinkling trees, glowing paths, warm fire pits, and plenty of photo-worthy holiday magic. Perfect for a cozy, seasonal outing. Tickets from $10.
When: Dec 4–Jan 3, 6–9pm
Where: Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 York’s Corners Rd, Edwards, ON
17. 613Holiday Night Market
A festive indoor market with 140+ vendors: handmade gifts, vintage finds, tasty treats, and local goodies. A chill, cozy spot to find unique holiday gifts. FREE.
When: Dec 5, Dec 12, Dec 19, 5pm to 10pm.
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Thursday and Friday
18. Mountains on Stage
A mountain film festival bringing breathtaking adventure documentaries about climbing, skiing, and wilderness to the big screen; perfect if you love travel, outdoor challenges, and spectacular mountain views without leaving the city. Tickets $28.
When: Thursday Dec 4, 7pm
Where: Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St, Ottawa
A beloved annual holiday celebration that transforms downtown Almonte into a glowing winter festival. This community favourite features live music, festive performances, twinkling lights, and a joyful atmosphere for all ages. FREE.
When: Friday, Dec 5, 7pm
Where: Mill Street, Almonte (Mississippi Mills), ON
20. Osgoode’s Christmas in the Village – Parade of Lights
A cheerful, community-driven holiday parade that brings Osgoode Village to life with glowing floats, festive music, and the warmth of small-town holiday spirit. Families line Main Street as local groups, businesses, and volunteers showcase creative light displays — all leading up to Santa’s arrival. FREE.
When: Friday, Dec 5, parade begins at 7pm
Where: Main Street, Osgoode Village, Ottawa, ON
Saturday
21. Fetch Local Markets
Browse a lively, dog-friendly market featuring 30+ local makers, from handmade crafts and art to goodies, treats, and quirky finds. Great for a relaxed outing (yes, pups on leash are welcome too). FREE.
When: Saturday Dec 6, 10am to 3pm
Where: Tony Graham Recreation Complex, Walter Baker, Kanata.
22. Perth Santa Claus Parade
A charming small-town holiday tradition that fills downtown Perth with glowing floats, festive music, and classic Christmas spirit. This community-driven celebration beautifully captures the magic of the holidays in one of Ontario’s most picturesque towns. FREE.
When: Saturday, Dec 6, 5pm
Where: Downtown Perth, ON — starting at The Factory on Sunset Blvd and winding through the town’s main streets
23. Richmond Santa Claus Parade
A festive parade bringing holiday cheer to Richmond Village, just 25 minutes southwest of downtown Ottawa. Expect colourful floats, joyful music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. FREE.
When: Saturday, Dec 6, 5:30pm (tree lighting at 5:15pm)
Where: Richmond Village, ON
24. North Pole Express
Presented by the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, this magical holiday train ride takes families on a festive journey filled with Christmas cheer. Board the decorated train for holiday music, stories, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
Tickets: $25.57
When: Saturday, Dec 6, 11am–6pm
Where: 90 William Street West, Smiths Falls, ON
Sunday
25. Almonte Christmas Night Parade
A joyful holiday parade that lights up the streets of Almonte with colourful floats, festive music, and a special visit from Santa. Families and friends gather to enjoy a simple, fun celebration that kicks off the Christmas season. FREE.
When: Sunday, Dec 7, 5pm
Where: Begins at the Rexall parking lot on Ottawa Street and continues through downtown Almonte, ON
Next Week
26. OrKidstra Heron Gate Hub Holiday Concert
Celebrate the incredible talents of students and enjoy the joy of music in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. No tickets required! The show will be approximately 1 hour in length. FREE. Donations in support of OrKidstra’s mission to empower kids and build community through music are warmly welcomed.
When: Monday Dec 8 at 6:30pm.
Where: Ellwood Hall, Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, 1265 Walkley Road, Ottawa.
27. OrKidstra Vanier Hub Holiday Concert
Enjoy a festive array of classical, jazz, holiday favourites, and music from around the world! The show will be approximately 70 minutes in length and features a relaxed atmosphere; tickets are not required. FREE.
When: Wednesday Dec 10, 6:30pm.
Where: Theatre at Ottawa Technical Secondary School, 485 Donald Street.
More recurring events in Ottawa
28. 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/
29. 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: Nov 28-Dec 21, 4pm to 9pm
Where: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road, Ottawa
Details: https://ottawa.ca/en/
30. 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.
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. 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.
35. 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
39. 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
40. 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.