Top things to do in Ottawa this January 2025
13 Minute Read
Experience the magic of winter in Ottawa with countless indoor and outdoor activities this January. Once you ring in the new year, you can still be festive with many sparkling holiday events within the first week of the month. Go ice skating on urban rinks and nature trails, catch lively sports games, watch musical performances and theatrical shows and join other special events and festivals this month.
Kick-off 2025 with a bang and enjoy these top things to do in Ottawa this January.
New Year's Eve at the HPH
Where: 1020 Wellington St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025
Many restaurants and bars in the city host New Year's Eve festivities, and you can celebrate day or evening at the Hintonburg Public House. From brunch to dinner and on to late-night fun, there is no set menu, but it is sure to be a fun way to celebrate the New Year
Alight At Night Festival
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDfqfPmR81K/
Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg, ON
When: January 1 - 4, 2025
Upper Canada Village and its historic atmosphere transform into a sparkling holiday postcard each winter. You can enjoy the Christmas lights and festive setting into the new year.
Magic Of Lights
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Nightly until January 4, 2025
Stay cozy in your car as you drive along a twinkling holiday trail with colourful lights. Park at the holiday pit stops to explore a winter village with a walk-through portion of the Christmas trail and grab some sweet treats.
Nan's Parlour Christmas Explosion
Where: 73 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON
When: Daily until January 4, 2025
Soak in the last tinsel and glitter of the holiday season at the Nan's Parlour Christmas Explosion. Decked out in decor, you can enjoy a festively themed menu with drinks such as How The Grinch Soured Christmas and the Three French Hens Mocktail, plus eats from pierogies to curried mussels.
Ottawa Christmas Market
Where: Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
When: January 1 – 5, 2025
This magical market will transport you to the cobblestone streets of Europe, filled with activities, treats, and entertainment. Surround yourself with the cheerful atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights and bonfires, sip on hot chocolate, eat a variety of treats and watch bands perform on the main stage.
Thursty Pedaler's: The Pedaler Express
Where: Ottawa Christmas Market, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
When: January 1 – 5, 2025
There is still a chance to sing carol-oke while riding around the sparkling lights of the Christmas market.
The Humbug Hustle: A Holiday Phantom-ime
Where: Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: December 28 – January 5, 2025
Celebrate the holidays post-Christmas with a musical twist on the classic Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol. TT and her lavish mother, Mrs. Cratchit, a greedy heiress, will stop at nothing to seize Scrooge's extensive fortune. Still, a trio of quirky underdog factory workers uncovers their devious plan. Enjoy fake spooky scares, dance-offs and musical numbers.
MJ The Musical
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 31, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Transport yourself back to 1992 with Michael Jackson's iconic songs and artistry as the musical highlights the year's Dangerous World Tour. Glance into the creative mind and collaborative spirit that made MJ a legend.
Fan Fest
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
When: December 26, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Celebrate the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship with free entertainment and activities for hockey fans and their families. You can join watching parties, listen to live bands and DJs, browse merchandise kiosks and more. Don't miss the New Year's Eve fireworks on December 31 after the Canada versus USA game.
There will be an exclusive meet and greet at the Ottawa Tourism Booth on January 4 with Dylan Playfair, star of Letterkenny.
YOW Tours: Christmas Adventure
Where: Flexible locations around Ottawa, ON
When: December 2024 – January 5, 2025
Grab your significant other or a group of friends for an outdoor escape room adventure in Ottawa. Save Christmas by helping to defrost the North Pole. Your story adventure goes that the central heating system is broken, with elves shivering and machinery coming to a halt, with the holiday fate hanging in the balance. Gather ingredients and find a recipe to brew the warm potion needed.
Elf's Pub
Where: 1 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
When: Daily until January 6, 2025
Hang on to some extra festive Christmas cheer into the new year with a visit to Elf's Pub hidden in Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., get there early to avoid a long wait time and get ready to feel like you're sneaking into the North Pole. Sip on holiday-themed drinks surrounded by floor-to-ceiling decorations.
Outerbridge Magic: Mysteries Of The Keyhole House
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: January 2 – 5, 2025
Make your holiday season magical by admiring renowned illusionists Ted & Marion Outerbridge. These two have headlined around the globe with this show inspired by their historic home's renovation. It unearthed an inventory of artifacts holding tales of past lives, possibly even a friendly spirit.
Illuminating Curiosity: Explore The Wonders of Light And Glow
Where: Canadian Children's Museum, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC
When: Daily until January 12, 2025
Included with admission to the Canadian Museum of History, celebrate the season's sparkle with light-inspired activities. Light up the darkest days of the year with your little ones with glowing experiments, illuminating crafts and bright discoveries.
ByWard Synthetic Rink
Where: Byward Market, William St., Ottawa, ON
When: Daily until February 17, 2025
This new synthetic skating rink in Ottawa has been open since the end of November 2024. To glide on the ice, visit the Byward Winter Market from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, except Christmas Day. Skate rentals are through Final Pass Skate Shop, and assistance devices for those learning how to skate are also available on-site.
Museum Skating Rink
Where: Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, 901 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: Open for the season (weather permitting)
Bring your skates and helmets to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum during your winter visit. An outdoor rink glistens under the pavilion in the centre of the museum grounds, so you can enjoy some fresh air activity before or after learning about agriculture in Canada and visiting the farm animals.
Access is included in museum admission. CAA Members enjoy savings of 25% on the single ticket price to the Ingenium Museums in Ottawa, including the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, as well as 10% savings on museum memberships.
Lansdowne Park Skating Court
Where: 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: Daily until the end of March 2025 (weather permitting)
Grab your skates and head to Lansdowne to glide and twirl under twinkling lights and the stars after dark. You'll find skate rentals and sharpening on-site, with accessible washrooms in the Aberdeen Pavilion.
Rink Of Dreams
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON
When: Daily until the end of March 2025 (weather permitting)
This downtown skating rink opens each winter out in front of Ottawa City Hall, and you can warm up with a BeaverTail for a sweet treat post-skate. The rink is open daily through the season until 11 p.m. so that you can glide around glowing lights.
New Year's Run
Where: Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: January 4, 2025
If you want an active start to the new year, get your adrenaline pumping with an annual run. When registering, choose a one-kilometre run or a five-kilometre track, solo or with a team. Refuel with a post-race snack and a mocktail or non-alcoholic beer, and bring your little ones to the Kids Zone. Donations from the run will go to the CHEO Foundation through the Children's Miracle Network.
Ottawa Black Bears game
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 4, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2025
In this professional lacrosse team's inaugural season, head to the Canadian Tire Centre to cheer on the Ottawa Black Bears. The season just started in November, so you can still be one of the first to experience these games until the end of the season in April.
Rideau Hall Skating Rink
Where: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 6 –March 2, 2025
Each winter, Rideau Hall creates an ice rink dating back to 1872. Women's hockey even has its roots in Rideau Hall. Skating is free in this historic space, which is open until 8:30 p.m. daily. Warm up in the Winter Pavilion, a restored heritage building, to lace up your skates.
Nature skating trails typically open around Ottawa during January (weather pending), including Patinage en Forêt, RiverOak Skating Trail, Icelynd Skating Trail and Le Sentier de Petit Pingouin.
Ottawa 67's game
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 8, 10, 17, 19, 25 and 26, 2025
Cheer on Ottawa's home OHL team at TD Place, surrounded by the energy of the stands and Lansdowne. Sport your favourite red and black jersey for a hockey night in Canada.
Book using your CAA Membership and save 25% on select home game tickets plus 10% on official merchandise.
Ottawa Senators game
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 9, 12, 16, 18, 25, 26 and 30, 2025
Take your place in the Sens Army and cheer on the NHL home team as you rock your favourite red, white, and gold merchandise. Fuel up with stadium eats, and keep your eyes peeled for the mascot, Spartacat.
Save big on home game tickets and 10% off Ottawa Senators merchandise with a CAA Membership. Plus, save $15 on parking in Lot 4.
Jerry Seinfeld And Jim Gaffigan
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 11, 2025
Legendary comedians have joined together for a North American comedy tour that needs no introduction. This show is your chance to see Jerry Seinfeld, known for iconic television shows, specials and films; it's sure to be an evening full of laughs.
Ottawa Charge game
Where: TD Place Arena, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 11, 14 and 27, 2025
Experience a hockey night in Canada with the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), which is refining the game. The Ottawa team just made its debut in an electrifying 2023-2024 season, so you can enjoy high-energy hockey that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Animal Tracking On Snowshoes
Where: Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Rd., Chelsea, QC
When: Saturdays and Sundays from January 11 – March 9, 2025
A snowy activity with some new insights along the way? Register online for this free event to avoid disappointment. Join a guided snowshoe walk through Gatineau Park and learn which animals made the various tracks you can spot in the snow. Snowshoe rentals are provided, and space is limited.
Bringing Villagers' Voices To Life: Stories From Sierra Leone
Where: Arts Court, 516 Bay St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 12, 2025
Ottawa's professional storytelling series hosts unique monthly events. In January, the focus is on bringing villagers' voices to life. Nancy Edwards and Dauda Mansaray describe their rural life experiences in Sierra Leone.
Contact Ontarois
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: January 15 – 17, 2025
Discover Francophone artists from across Canada in a three-day showcase where artists perform for 20 minutes each, followed by an interview. Six different artists are highlighted each day.
Yoga Under the Stars
Where: Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory, 2710 March Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: January 15 and 29, 2025
Visit the tropical oasis of Aquatopia, which has lush foliage and natural decor in a glass building so you can stay warm while admiring the winter night sky. Participate in a special yin yoga experience for a relaxing, restorative class after nightfall. A light vegan snack will follow the practice.
Keith Pedro
Where: The Brass Monkey, 250 Greenbank Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: January 16, 2025
Breakout comedian Keith Pedro is known for his razor-sharp wit and bold personality, which he regularly displays on shows like CTV's Roast Battles Canada. Check out this rising star of Canadian comedy for an evening of laughs.
La Grande Veillée du 2 Pierrots
Where: Théâtre du Casino Lac-Leamy, 1 Casino Blvd., Gatineau, QC
When: January 17, 2025
Les 2 Pierrots has returned for a lively evening performing beloved songs from Quebec. The show's goal is to get you to sing and dance along!
Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring In Concert
Where: TD Place Arena, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 18, 2025
Transport yourself to Middle Earth with a live musical performance of Howard Shore's Academy Award®-winning score, with the backdrop of the iconic film in HD. The sounds of 250 musicians from the FILMharmonique Orchestra and Choir will fill the auditorium.
Trend Arlington Winter Carnival
Where: Trend Arlington Community Association, 50 Bellman Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 18, 2025
Celebrate the season of ice and snow with a free winter carnival packed full of activities. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, join a rainbow gem scavenger hunt with your kids, roast marshmallows over a campfire, grab some food and drinks, including hot chocolate, and more to be announced.
Mountains On Stage
Where: Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 23, 2025
The world's best films about mountain sports, including skiing, mountaineering, climbing and paragliding, bring the mountains into the city at this film festival. The winter edition film festival travels globally, with Ottawa as one of its four Canadian stops. You can also vote for the "line of the year."
SUM 41: Tour Of The Setting Sum
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 24, 2025
Canadian metal-pop-punk band Sum 41, known for popular early 2000s hits such as Still Waiting, In Too Deep and Fat Lip, is hitting the stage to celebrate their final album, Heaven :x: Hell. The band has announced that this will be their final headlining world tour, Tour Of The Setting Sum.
F2F Tour Ottawa
Where: Palais des Congrès de Gatineau, 50 Blvd. Maisonneuve, Gatineau, QC
When: January 24 – 26, 2025
Explore the world of tabletop gaming by competing in tournaments for top prizes, meeting special guests and watching the gaming action across popular trading card games. Enjoy or compete in tournaments like Magic: The Gathering Regional Championships and new ones such as Star Wars Unlimited and Disney Lorcana.
Ottawa ComicCon
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 25 and 26, 2025
It's time for the winter edition of ComicCon, with panels, workshops, performances and screenings that will entertain and inform. Dress up in your favourite cosplay to enjoy activities featuring specialists and celebrities from all corners of geekdom. Guest announcements are coming soon.
Slowdive
Where: Bronson Centre Theatre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: January 26, 2025
With a genre-bending dream-pop sound, the band Slowdive released their first album in 1990, retiring only a few years later in 1995. They reunited with the music genre's resurgence with a 2014 performance, following up with the self-titled album Slowdive in 2017 – their first project in 22 years. The band's top track is When the Sun Hits.
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Where: ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 26 – 28, 2025
Grab tickets for one of three screening days featuring a curated lineup of the best mountain and adventure films.
Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave. & Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, ON
When: January 30 – February 1, 2025
Fabulous music festivals are not just reserved for the summer. You can enjoy a weekend of jazz featuring a variety of shows in Ottawa. Check out performances by artists including Caity Gyorgy, GEORGE, Don Byron Solo, Tara Kannangara, Ben Wendel, Sarah Neufeld, Richard Reed Parry and Rebecca Foon, among others.
Canadian Culinary Championship
Where: Various locations in Ottawa
When: January 31 and February 1, 2025
Ten of Canada's top chefs and winners of nationwide contests come together in Ottawa to push their limits while competing against their peers. A panel of chefs and culinary experts will judge three competitions. The finale is on February 1, and you can enjoy dishes offered by these talented chefs while listening to live music.
Winterlude
Where: Various sites in Ottawa and Gatineau
When: January 31 – February 17, 2025
With magical winter sites across the National Capital Region, Winterlude is a massive annual festival that delights visitors and locals yearly. Marvel at carved ice sculptures, fly down a snow hill on a tube, experience live music shows at Igloofest, eat classic Canadian treats, check out stunning cultural performances and more.
Keep your CAA Membership nearby this new year
Starting at only $30 a year, CAA Members enjoy discounts on everything from restaurants and fuel to savings on car rentals and travel insurance, among many other benefits. You can view the list of 126,000 partner locations worldwide and join online.
