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Top 10 Festive Activities in Ottawa
Embrace this holiday season with our guide to the top 10 festive activities in Ottawa. There’s no shortage of exciting activities to engage in and magical moments to savour in Canada’s capital region. From the shimmering lights adorning the city, to the joyous echoes of skating rinks and markets. Ottawa becomes a winter wonderland inviting locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the warmth of holiday cheer.
But the merriment doesn’t stop there! This year, soar to new heights of festivity with Ottawa Aviation Adventures’ special airplane rides alongside Santa. This magical experience offers a unique aerial perspective of the city’s holiday glow. And for those seeking a touch of whimsy, step into The Elf’s Pub at Chateau Laurier. Enjoy a festive beverage that will surely add a sprinkle of magic to your seasonal celebrations. Prepare to unwrap the gift of joy that Ottawa has in store for you this December.
Vintage Village of Lights
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Ch. Old Montréal Rd, Cumberland
📅 Until December 17th
Step into a holiday tale at the Vintage Village of Lights, where timeless memories await. Transport yourself to the magic of Christmas past as you stroll through a picturesque 1920s and 30s village at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Immerse yourself in an enchanting atmosphere created by festive light displays, seasonal decorations, and meticulously recreated buildings. Witness the craftsmanship of carpentry, leatherwork, and blacksmith demonstrations that harken back to the traditions of yesteryear. Warm up by the bonfire, test your skills on the ball hockey rink, and let the magic of the Vintage Village of Lights unfold.
Visit the Ottawa Christmas Market
325 Marché Way Unit 107, Ottawa
📅 Until December 23rd
Get Festive with Ottawa’s BIGGEST annual outdoor Christmas market! Every year, the Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne is transformed into the most magical Christmas Market! You can enjoy browsing through 35+ vendors while sipping a delicious hot chocolate and listening to some awesome local live music. The market includes crafts, traditional Christmas-themed items, as well as delectable food and beverages. And of course, don’t forget to sneak in a quick visit with Santa, he is normally on-site as well! Bring your camera for tons of great photo ops with beautiful twinkle lights and signs.
Winter Lights Across the City
Various Locations
📅 December 7th – January 7th
Embark on a magical journey through Ottawa and Gatineau. Watch the festive spirit come alive as you follow the pathway of lights. Stop by the National War Memorial, the glistening Rideau Canal Park, and the radiant charm of Confederation Park. The Mackenzie Triangle, Reconciliation: The Peacekeeping Monument, Jacques-Cartier Park, and the Garden of Provinces and Territories are just a few of the shimmering stops along the way. Let the lights guide you through a magical journey, where even the Supreme Court of Canada is aglow with the spirit of the season.
Enjoy a Festive Skate
Various Locations
📅 All winter long!
Glide into the holiday spirit with the quintessential Canadian tradition of skating! Embrace the festive magic of Christmas with a twirl around one of Ottawa’s enchanting skating rinks. While the beloved Rideau Canal Skateway might not open until January, fear not! Ottawa offers a plethora of other delightful options! From charming refrigerated outdoor rinks to whimsical pathways through snow-kissed forests, there’s a skating experience for every winter enthusiast. Click the link below to explore our complete list of Ottawa’s most enchanting skating spots. Make this Christmas season a celebration on ice!
Catch a Festive Performance
Various Locations
📅 Various Dates (see link for full list)
Get ready to be swept away by the enchanting music and performances that make Ottawa a hub for live entertainment during the holiday season. Immerse yourself in the festive magic with Christmas-themed spectacles like “ABBA Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. Delight in the Candlelight Concerts at the NAC, basking in the warm glow of musical brilliance. Experience the soulful melodies of “A Johnny Reid Christmas” or embark on a magical journey with “The Lion, the Witch & The Wardrobe.” And for a dose of holiday cheer, don’t miss “Christmas at Shenkman” and other equally magical performances that promise to make your Christmas season merry and bright!
Take an Airplane Ride with Santa!
Ottawa Aviation Museum
📅 December 9th – 26th
Embark on a whimsical adventure high above the snowy landscapes of Ottawa with Flights with Santa. Bring up to 3 people on this magical experience offered by Ottawa Aviation Adventures. Soar through the winter sky in the company of the one and only Santa Claus. And watch the city below transforming into a sparkling canvas of festive lights. This unique and enchanting journey provides an unparalleled view of Ottawa’s holiday charm, making it an extraordinary way to celebrate the season.
Have a Festive Drink at Elf's Pub
Elf’s Pub, Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau St, Ottawa
📅 Until December 31st (walk in’s only)
Step into the enchanting world of Elf’s Pub, the holiday pop-up sensation at Château Laurier. This festive hotspot, nestled near Wilfrid’s on the Lobby level, immerses you in a whimsical wonderland adorned with vibrant and cheerful holiday décor. The ambiance sets the stage for a magical mixology experience. Specially curated cocktails take center stage with delightful holiday twists. The Elf’s Pub welcomes guests daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM for walk-ins, ensuring a spontaneous yet unforgettable holiday experience. Please note that guests under 19 must be accompanied by an adult.
Drive Through the Magic of Lights
Wesley Clover Parks, 411 Corkstown Drive, Kanata
📅 Until January 6, 2024
Embark on a luminous journey through the enchanting Magic of Lights. This spectacular drive-through holiday lights experience promises to dazzle and delight. This year, the magic is bigger and brighter than ever, boasting over a mile of breathtaking light displays that transform the night into a festive wonderland. Your kids are going to love the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the mighty Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and the whimsical world of Prehistoric Christmas with life-sized dinosaurs. Load up the car with loved ones and immerse yourselves in the holiday spirit!
Home for the Holidays at Billings Estate
Billings Estate, 2100 Cabot Street, Ottawa
📅 Until December 23rd
Take a pause from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the festive charm of Ottawa’s oldest wood-frame house. The beautifully adorned décor will transport you to a bygone era, where the spirit of the season takes on a timeless allure. At Billings Estate, the holiday experience is not just about the sights but about creating moments of tranquility and reflection. Explore the exhibition at your own pace, delving into the personal stories and artifacts of the Billings family’s lives.
Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Various Locations
Make lasting memories with your loved ones by embarking on an adventure to a Christmas tree farm around Ottawa. Wander through expansive fields of evergreens as you search for the ideal tree to adorn your home. A few top locations to explore are Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm, Log Cabin Orchard, Fallowfield Tree Farm, MacGowans Christmas Tree Farm and Ian’s Christmas Adventure Park.
We hope you can make this December truly unforgettable by embracing the magic and merriment that the holiday season brings. From the dazzling lights of Parliament Hill to the timeless traditions at the Vintage Village of Lights, the capital city is alive with the spirit of Christmas.
Whether you’re soaring through the skies with Santa, gliding on your skates, or finding the perfect Christmas tree at a local farm, each activity adds a unique sparkle to your holiday celebrations. Ottawa, with its array of events, performances, and festive charm, offers a canvas for creating cherished memories with family and friends.
As we bid farewell to this guide, we hope it has inspired you to explore, indulge, and revel in the joyous atmosphere that surrounds you. May your December be filled with laughter, warmth, and the magic of the season. From our winter wonderland to yours, happy holidays!
