Hey there! 2025 is coming to an end! Want to know what’s happening in Ottawa during the last days of the year? Take a look at this post and share it with your friends!
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10 events you won’t want to miss in the last days of 2025 in Ottawa
1. NYE Fireworks
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with a historic first at the Ottawa Christmas Market! Enjoy a massive New Year’s Eve bash featuring live fireworks at midnight, live music, and a DJ party starting at 9pm.
When: Wednesday, Dec 31, midnight–1am
Where: Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St
Details: ottawachristmasmarket
2. Ottawa Christmas Market
Enjoy the most festive event of the holiday season in Ottawa! Expect beautiful Christmas photo ops, 50 vendors, craft cocktails and hot drinks, Santa workshops for kids, live music, DJs, and a skating rink. FREE
When: Dec 26–28 and Dec 30–31
Where: Lansdowne Park
Details: ottawachristmasmarket
3. Ottawa Charge vs Boston Fleet
The holidays are a great time for hockey as the Ottawa Charge take on the Boston Fleet in PWHL action. It’s the final home game of 2025, so come cheer on the team as they charge into 2026. Tickets from $36.
When: Saturday, Dec 27, at 12pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
Details: thepwhl.com/en/teams/
4. Ottawa 67’s vs Kingston Frontenacs
Create some family memories by catching local hockey as the Ottawa 67’s face the Kingston Frontenacs. With the Ottawa Christmas Market still in full swing, it’s a great chance to double up on the holiday fun. Tickets from $25.
When: Sunday, Dec 28, at 3pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
Details: chl.ca/ohl-67s
5. Ottawa Black Bears vs Philadelphia Wings
Before hibernating for the holidays, the Ottawa Black Bears have one final battle as they take on the Philadelphia Wings. Join the fun and celebrate a potential Black Bears victory. Tickets from $38.
When: Saturday, Dec 27, at 7pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa
Details: ottawablackbears.com
6. Bell Capital Cup
Cheer on a global hockey celebration in Canada’s capital, featuring elite youth teams from around the world.
Tickets: Vary
When: Dec 28–31
Where: Various venues across Ottawa
Details: bellcapitalcup.ca
7. Stankfest
Get ready for Stankfest, a celebration of funk and jazz featuring some of the best musicians from Ottawa-Gatineau. Don’t miss the groove. Tickets from $15.
When: Saturday, Dec 27, at 8pm
Where: Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray St, ByWard Market, Ottawa
Details: therainbow.ca
8. New Year Festival by Capitalfest
Don’t miss this indoor family festival featuring kids’ activities, local vendors, and free face painting. FREE
When: Sunday, Dec 28, 11am–6pm
Where: Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, 102 Greenview Ave, Ottawa
Details: Facebook event
9. Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Cheer on the Senators as they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in this NHL matchup. Tickets from $45.
When: Monday, Dec 29, at 7pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa
10. Ottawa 67’s vs Guelph Storm
Catch the Ottawa 67’s in action as they face the Guelph Storm. Tickets from $25.
When: Tuesday, Dec 30, at 3pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Friday
11. Ken Ludwig’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas
Enjoy a magical holiday comedy featuring a mischievous mouse, Santa mishaps, and plenty of festive adventure. Tickets from $30.
When: Dec 27–30, various times
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave, Ottawa
Details: kanatatheatre.ca
12. 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: Dec 20-Jan 4, 2pm and 7pm.
Where: Great Canadian Theatre Company (Irving Greenberg Theatre), 1233 Wellington St W, Ottawa.
Saturday
13. Latin Soiree Gala
Say goodbye to 2025 with love and flavor, dancing, dinner, and music with a live band, infused with delicious Caribbean taste, in the wonderful style you already know: Miguel de Armas @migueldearmasmusic & Friends. Come dance to the smooth rhythms of salsa, merengue, and bachata, and let your body express itself freely in shared joy among friends. Tickets are $55 per person (dinner included) and $25 for general admission to the event. When: Saturday, Dec 27, starting at 7pm. Where: Centre Aydelu, 94 Rue Du Patrimoine, Gatineau.
More recurring events in Ottawa
14. 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.
15. A Country Christmas
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. 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/
18. 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.
19. 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
20. 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.
21. 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