Christmas is fast approaching. Don’t miss the holiday vibes all around Ottawa, from Christmas markets to Christmas lights shows and concerts, there are a lot of things to do. Check out this post and share it with your friends!
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9 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. 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
2. 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.
3. Ottawa Senators vs Chicago Blackhawks
Cheer on the Ottawa Senators as they take on the Chicago Blackhawks in an NHL matchup. Tickets start at $51.20. When: Saturday Dec 20 from 7pm.
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa
4. 613Flea Holiday Night Market
Browse local vendors, handmade gifts, vintage finds, food, and seasonal treats at the festive 613Flea Holiday Night Market inside the Aberdeen Pavilion. Entry is FREE.
When: Friday Dec 19 from 5pm to 10pm. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa
5. Ottawa 67’s vs Peterborough Petes
Watch the Ottawa 67’s host the Peterborough Petes in an Ontario Hockey League matchup. Tickets start at $25.
When: Friday December 19 at 7pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
6. Ottawa 67’s vs Brantford Bulldogs
Catch the Ottawa 67’s take on the Brantford Bulldogs in an Ontario Hockey League game. Tickets start at $25. When: Saturday Dec 20 at 7pm.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
7. Maestro: Competitive Improv Comedy
Experience Maestro, where ten improv comedians compete in fast-paced, audience-driven scenes until one performer is crowned the MAESTRO. Advance tickets are $10.
When: Saturday Dec 20 from 9pm to 10:30pm.
Where: Arts Court, Atelier, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa
8. All My Favourite Things Artisan Market Series
Explore local artisans, crafters and creators showcasing handmade goods and unique finds in the outdoor market along William Street. Entry is FREE. When: Saturday Dec 20 from 11am to 4pm.
Where: 55 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa
9. Capital Sessions
A free, all ages house dance experience at the National Arts Centre where DJs spin soulful beats and dancers lead fun, beginner-friendly sessions. You can dance, learn a few moves, or just soak up the vibes in a lively community atmosphere. Ticket price – FREE.
When: Sunday, Dec 21, 1:30pm to 3:30pm.
Where: Peter A. Herrndorf Plaza, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
More things to do in Ottawa
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
10. Sisters Matsumoto
This moving and heartfelt theatrical production follows three sisters returning to post-World War II California after being confined in a U.S. internment camp, exploring identity, loss, resilience, and the lasting impact of history on family bonds. Tickets $31, Students $21.
When: Dec 17-20, 7:30pm.
Where: Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa, ON.
11. Dogs Do Magic: A Canine Christmas
Prepare for a festive stage show where clever pups, dazzling tricks, and laugh-ready illusions come together for a holiday treat the whole family will enjoy. Expect comedy, canine acrobatics, and mind-blowing feats as magician Aaron Matthews teams up with world-class dogs for one unforgettable performance. Tickets from $52.50
When: Friday, Dec 19, 7pm, Saturday, Dec 20, 2:30pm
Where: Harold Shenkman Hall, Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd, Ottawa
12. Jana Salameh in a Christmas Soirée
This festive holiday concert features Jana Salameh in an intimate evening of music where nostalgia meets imagination, with holiday classics and unique arrangements blending Arabic, French, and English influences. Tickets start at $46.
When: Friday, Dec 19, 8pm.
Where: Azrieli Studio, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON.
13. A Sherlock Carol
This creative holiday written by Mark Shanahan play mixes the beloved characters of Dickens and Conan Doyle in a clever, crowd-pleasing mystery where Sherlock Holmes is drawn into investigating the unusual death of Ebenezer Scrooge amid the spirits of past, present, and future. Tickets at $32.
When: Dec 19-20, 7:30pm.
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, ON.
Saturday
14. Hansel and Gretel Go West
This funny holiday musical brings a wild west twist to the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel with toe-tapping songs, slapstick humour, colourful characters, and plenty of audience participation. Tickets $60 adults, and $47 children 12 and under.
When: Preview: Saturday, Dec 20, 2pm and 7pm, Opening Night: Sunday, Dec 21, 7pm.
Where: Great Canadian Theatre Company (Irving Greenberg Theatre), 1233 Wellington St W, Ottawa, ON.
15. Gaudete! – A Holiday Choral Concert
Celebrate the season with soaring a cappella voices as the Stairwell Carollers weave together timeless carols and festive favourites in a warm, uplifting performance that sets a joyful tone for the holidays. Tickets: $25
When: Saturday, Dec 20, 2pm to 4:30pm
Where: St. François d’Assise Church, 20 Fairmont Ave, Ottawa.
16. Noëls – Stairwell Carollers
Celebrate the festive season with this joyous Christmas carol concert featuring traditional favourites and contemporary a cappella pieces performed by this acclaimed Ottawa choir under the direction of Pierre Massie. The performance brings holiday spirit and beautiful vocal harmonies to life in a beautiful church setting. Tickets $25, Children FREE. When: Saturday, Dec 20, 2pm.
Where: Saint-François d’Assise Church, 20 Fairmont Avenue, Ottawa, ON.
17. Christmas Gems with Seventeen Voyces
Enjoy an intimate holiday concert featuring Ottawa’s chamber choir weaving together festive favourites and seasonal choral gems, a warm, melodic way to welcome the season’s spirit. Tickets $20–$30.
When: Saturday, Dec 20, 7:30pm. Sunday, Dec 21, 4pm
Where: St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 130 Glebe Ave, Ottawa
• St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, 125 McKay St, Ottawa
18. Christmas Tea
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea in a historic setting, complete with seasonal décor and a three-tiered spread of finger sandwiches, scones and mini desserts served with tea, coffee or hot chocolate. A warm way to savour holiday flavours and heritage. Ticket price: Around $32 per person.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Dec 20 & 21, 11:30am & 2:30pm
Where: Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot St, Ottawa
Sunday
19. Christmas with Music & Beyond
Celebrate the season with this festive concert blending beloved holiday music and classical favourites performed by top Canadian soloists and ensembles. It’s a heartwarming way to kick off the holidays with rich, joyful sound. Tickets $20 to $110.
When: Sunday, Dec 21, 7:30 pm
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St, Ottawa
20. Home Alone with Cheese Pizza
Get into the holiday spirit with a fun family screening of Home Alone the way Kevin McCallister would want, complete with a slice of cheese pizza included with every ticket. Join other movie fans for this festive film event where laughter, nostalgia, and cheesy goodness meet on the big screen. Tickets $21.50, Children $15.99.
When: Sunday, Dec 21, 12pm.
Where: ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau Street, Ottawa.
More recurring events in Ottawa
21. 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.
22. A Country Christmas
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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/
26. 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/
27. 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.
28. 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
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. 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.
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
36. 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
37. 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.