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14 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. Winter Lights Across Canada
Be dazzled by thousands of multicoloured lights decorating emblematic places of downtown Ottawa like the National War Memorial, Confederation Park, the Peacekeeping Monument, Jacques Cartier Park (Gatineau) and other spots. FREE.
When: Dec 8-Jan 9
Where: Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.
2. Originals Christmas Craft Sale
Showcasing the work of more than 200 talented artists, artisans, makers, and designers from across Canada offering one-of-a-kind handmade products. Tickets: $5, $10.
When: Dec 10-14
Where: EY Centre, halls 2 & 3, 4899 Uplands Drive
Details: originalsshow.ca
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. Pique Winter Edition
Take a trip to the wild side as the Pique Winter Edition returns, bringing you the best in underground music, forward-thinking art, and bold performances from Korea Town Acid, MonsieurMadam and the always popular Queertopia kiki ball. Tickets are pay what you can, rec: $5.
When: Saturday Dec 13, from 6pm-2am
Where: Arts Court, 10 Daly Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://thisispique.
5. Orkidstra Holiday Concert
See the stars of tomorrow today when the Orkidstra Holiday Concert brings music to the season. Over 150 young musicians on stage, playing holiday favourites from around the world to make the season bright. FREE (Donations accepted)
When: Wednesday Dec 10 at 6:30pm
Where: Ottawa Technical Secondary School (485 Donald Street)
Details: https://orkidstra.ca/
6. Metcalfe Santa Parade
Santa continues his tour of the Ottawa area with a stop at the Metcalfe Santa Parade. The bands, the floats, the jolly old elf himself, plus after-parade activities in Victoria Park with hot chocolate and Santa photos. Food and unwrapped toys will be collected for the Food and Toy Drive. FREE.
When: Sunday Dec 14, at 2pm
Where: Victoria St to 8th Line Road, Metcalfe
Details: https://www.
7. Ottawa 67’s vs Windsor Spitfires
Time to see if the Ottawa 67s get their Christmas hockey wish of dousing the Windsor Spitfires. It’s also Ugly Christmas Sweater Night, so be sure to show off yours and enjoy the holiday music. Plus, Santa will be at the game to cheer on the team. Tickets from $25.
When: Sunday Dec 14, at 3pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
Details: https://chl.ca/ohl-
8. Ottawa Black Bears vs Saskatchewan Rush
Not here to hibernate, the Ottawa Black Bears look to slow down the Saskatchewan Rush in pro lacrosse action. Plus, the team is wishing all the fans a happy LAXmas by turning the arena, for one night only, into a Winter LAXmas wonderland. Tickets from $38.
When: Friday Dec 12, at 7:30pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Kanata
Details: https://
9. Ottawa Guild of Potters Holiday Pottery Sale
The return of the Ottawa Guild of Potters Holiday Pottery Sale, where clay meets form, function and fine art. Ottawa’s finest potters are gathered together under one roof, offering everything from usable mugs and wares to decorative pieces and even ornaments for the tree. Find your unique holiday gifts here. FREE.
When: Dec 12–14. Fri 3pm-9pm; Sat 10am-8pm; Sun 10am-5pm.
Where: Horticulture Building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa.
Details: https://www.
10. Metcalfe Farmers’ Christmas Market
Explore festive local vendors, seasonal treats, handmade gifts, and family-friendly activities perfect for holiday shopping. FREE
When: Saturday Dec 13, 9am-1pm
Where: Greely Community Centre – 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
11. Art Lending of Ottawa Holiday Art Show
Discover unique local artworks, meet Ottawa artists, and shop original pieces ideal for holiday gifting. FREE
When: Saturday Dec 13, 10am-4pm
Where: Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, 1265 Walkley Road, Ottawa
Details: www.
12. Annual Pet Day & Holiday Market @ Robert Plante Greenhouses
Celebrate with adorable pet-friendly activities, festive vendors, photo opportunities, and seasonal treats for all ages. FREE
When: Saturday Dec 13, 9am-4pm
Where: Robert Plante Greenhouses, 4228 Navan Road, Navan
Details: www.
13. Adàwàning: Indigenous Women’s Art Market @ Atrium O’Brien
Celebrate Indigenous women creators showcasing handcrafted art, jewelry, textiles, and meaningful cultural pieces. FREE.
When: Dec 13-14, 11am-5pm
Where: Atrium O’Brien, Ottawa Art Gallery, 1 Elgin Street Ottawa
Details: https://nac-cna.ca/
14. 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
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
15. A Celtic Christmas Celebration
Join the Rideau Ramblers for an unforgettable evening of toe-tapping
tunes! Delight in a captivating blend of Celtic Christmas traditions,
as we celebrate the season with lively tunes and cherished songs that
will have you singing along. $30. When: December 10, 7:30pm. Where:
National Arts Centre, 4th Stage, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
16. Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol — Live in Concert
The classic Muppet retelling of Dickens’ tale comes to life on the big screen with the NAC Orchestra performing the score live, adding richness and warmth to every song and story beat. Festive atmosphere, playful Muppet humour, and a cinematic-concert experience that feels tailor-made for a December tradition. Tickets: from $31. When: Dec 11-13. Thu-Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm. Where: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa.
17. The Ottawa Wine Auction
18. The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition
Step into a winter wonderland where Tchaikovsky’s timeless score meets iconic Canadian landscapes — expect snow-dusted forests, Mountie-style charm, dancing loons, raccoons and bears, and the magical journey of Clara brought to life in a uniquely Canadian holiday ballet. Tickets: from $47. When: Friday, Dec 12, 7pm; Saturday, Dec 13, 1pm & 4:30pm. Where: Mainstage, Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean
Saturday
19. From Carol to Table
Concert Fundraiser for the Ottawa Food Bank. A celebration of Christmas classics to feed hearts and homes, featuring singer Luc Lalonde and pianist Frédéric Lacroix. $40/adults, $25/students. When: Saturday December 13, 4pm. Where: Trinity Anglican Church, 1230 Bank St, Ottawa
Tickets: www.universe.com/
20. Baobab Drum & Dance Community Performance
Experience vibrant West African rhythms, energetic community drumming, and captivating dance celebrating cultural traditions. FREE
When: Saturday Dec 13, 2pm
Where: The School of Dance, Ottawa
Details: www.baobabtree.org
21. Flights with Santa
Don’t miss Santa trading reindeer for a vintage Cessna 172 to take kids on magical city flights. Tickets from $51
When: Saturday Dec 13, 9am
Where: Carp Airport, 1500 Thomas Argue Rd, Carp
Details: https://www.
22. Sing-Along! White Christmas
Get ready to sing your heart out to holiday classics — the 1954 Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye film plays with on-screen lyrics so you and your friends can belt out “White Christmas,” “Sisters,” “Snow,” and more. Enjoy a cosy, joyous crowd atmosphere, complete with nostalgic charm and good-cheer warmth. Tickets: from $15.98 When: Saturday, Dec 13, 1pm. Where: Bytowne Cinema, 345 Rideau St, Ottawa
23. Rideau Chorale: Messiah
A swirl of orchestra, soloists, and nearly 60 voices fills Southminster United Church with the warmth and grandeur of Handel’s classic — a neighbourhood-rooted performance that still feels impressively full-scale. Expect glowing acoustics, expressive solo arias, and that unmistakable jolt of energy when the “Hallelujah” chorus lifts the whole room. Tickets: from $35; FREE for children under 12. When: Saturday, Dec 13, 7:30pm. Where: Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Ave, Ottawa.
24. Noches de Despecho
Collective karaoke to sing and relive the hits that fill your heart
with warmth. Tickets: $20, $25.
When: Saturday Dec 13, 8pm-1am.
Where: Barrio, 115 Rideau St.
Sunday
25. Breakfast with Santa
Start your morning with warm bannock-French toast or waffles, eggs, sausage, bacon, and a hot drink — all served as you chat with Santa and soak in the cozy farm atmosphere. Kids (and adults) can mingle with barnyard animals and ponies, clamber on hay structures, and breathe in real country-air charm right within the city. Tickets: From $35. FREE for children under 2. When: Sunday, Dec 14, 10am–12pm. Where: Mādahòkì Farm, 4420 West Hunt Club Road, Nepean
Next week
26. Jonas Brothers — JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour
The Jonas Brothers are bringing their long-awaited tour to Ottawa for one night only, blending two decades of hits with new songs and surprises in a high-energy, nostalgia-packed show. Sing-alongs, solo moments, possibly guest appearances, and an atmosphere packed with excitement from fans old and new. Tickets: from $59.35. When: Monday, Dec 15, 7:30pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa
More recurring events
27. Rink of Dreams
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.FREE. When: Open every day from 7am to 11pm. Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier St W.
28. A Country Christmas
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. 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/
32. 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/
33. 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.
34. 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
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. 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
42. 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
43. 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.