Get in the holiday spirit with these Christmas activities in Ottawa
14 Minute Read
Ho-ho-hold onto your Santa hats. The holiday season in Ottawa is ramping up and there are endless ways to celebrate. Drive by magical light displays, browse a European-style Christmas market, cut down your perfect evergreen at a tree farm or wave to Santa at an outdoor parade.
You can get into the festive spirit from November into early January at many unique holiday events in and near Ottawa. Check out these holiday light displays, festive pop-ups, Christmas markets, tree farms and Santa parades this season.
Holiday lights
Magic Of Lights
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkOcba1Jblo/
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 411 Corkstown Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: November 22, 2024 – January 4, 2025
You don't have to leave your car to enjoy a display of festive, colourful lights featuring different characters and holiday sets. Drive along this glowing trail and then explore the holiday pit stop at the end on foot. At the pit stop, you can take festive photos, grab a treat, walk through the twinkling tunnel and mail your letter to Santa.
Lansdowne Tree Lighting Ceremony
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
When: November 22, 2024
The tree lighting ceremony of the massive evergreen at Lansdowne coincides with the start of the Ottawa Christmas Market. The lights will start glowing at 6 p.m. Watch the tree glow in the evenings and stick around to enjoy carolers, visit Santa and browse some local vendors.
Holiday Lights Stroll And Night Market
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd. A, Ottawa, ON
When: Open select dates November 29 - December 30, 2024
Head down to Saunders Farm during the evening Christmas events and stroll through sparkling walking paths covered in lights. After admiring the lights, you can warm up by a bonfire with hot chocolate and treats and purchase a tree or wreath to bring home. Grab a ticket for A Country Christmas at Saunders Farm and stay after dark to experience the light trail.
Festival Of Lights
Where: Perth, ON
When: Events run from November 15, 2024 – January 1, 2025
The charming town of Perth comes alight with a festive glow and numerous holiday events throughout November and December. The annual Shop Stamp & Win event kicks off on November 12. There is a Christmas market on November 17, Once Upon a Christmas full of carols and firepits on November 23, and a Polar Bear Plunge on January 1, with other Christmas experiences speckled throughout.
The Crystal Palace will glow with lit-up Christmas trees starting November 15. The palace is open during events only, but the trees will be twinkly all night and can be admired from outside. Things get even brighter on December 6 with a drone light show and carolers.
Alight At Night Festival
Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg, ON
When: Select dates November 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Take a stunning holiday walk through what feels like a vintage Christmas postcard. Admire the quaint, historic buildings in Upper Canada Village as they are decked out with colourful lights. Visit Santa in his workshop until December 23 as he prepares for Christmas Eve. The entire experience is about 40 minutes long, and you can extend the fun with dinner reservations at the Harvest Barn or Willard's Hotel.
Trees Of Hope
Where: Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 25, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Ignite the magic of the holiday season by visiting beautifully decorated Christmas trees at Fairmont Chateau Laurier in support of the CHEO Foundation. Viewers can walk through the halls of this grand hotel and vote for their favourite tree throughout the season.
Chutes De Coulonge Festival Of Lights
Where: Chutes de Coulonge, 100 Prom. Du-Parc-des-Chutes, Mansfield-et-Pontefract, QC
When: December 6, 7, 13, 14, 21, 22, 27 and 28, 2024
You can see an impressive waterfall lit up with colourful lights in the evenings. Stroll along an illuminated route and admire the falls aglow with Christmas colours. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate by a bonfire after your walk, and you may get a chance to spot Santa, depending on when you visit.
Winter Wander
Where: Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 14, 2024 - January 6, 2025
Holiday displays will adorn Ottawa's pedestrian street so you can get into the spirit and take festive photos. This year, there will be additional lights, eight large illuminated displays, Christmas trees, and lamppost decor.
Turcotte Family Christmas Fundraiser
Where: 18 Cypress Gardens, Stittsville, ON
When: Starting December 1, 2024
This residential home hosts a yearly holiday fundraiser and decks out its front lawn with a festively themed scene. Head to Stittsville this season to enjoy a National Lampoons Christmas Vacation display, complete with a replica of the family's station wagon, cousin Eddie's RV and a full-sized Santa sleigh. It promises to be bigger and brighter this year, and as always, they're accepting food bank donations.
Vintage Village Of Lights
Where: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Rd., Cumberland, ON
When: Select dates November 29 – December 22, 2024
Take a step back in time and enjoy a traditional Christmas day in an early 1900s village, admiring festive displays and countless string lights. The village museum has quaint old buildings and villagers ready to inform you about work and recreation from decades past. Get cozy by a bonfire, decorate gingerbread cookies, visit Santa and more.
Winter Lights Across Canada
Where: Various locations in downtown Ottawa, ON
When: December 5, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Ottawa's downtown, including many parks and the parliament buildings, are adorned with twinkly lights and holiday displays. Enjoy the beginning of the winter season with tons of festive lights strung throughout the capital region. There is a pathway of lights you can follow, with a map of the route available online.
Light Up The Night - Almonte
Where: Mill St., Almonte, ON
When: December 6, 2024
This winter festival features an outdoor concert, with the streets lined with festive treats, activities and sparkling lights. There is a fabulous fireworks display, so you'll be surrounded by magical lights above and around you, strung on buildings and trees around town. The performances kick off at 7 p.m., but you can beat the rush and get some holiday shopping done or enjoy a meal in town.
Taffy Lane
Where: Taffy Ln., Ottawa, ON
When: Typically starts December 1
Every December, the residents of Taffy Lane in Orleans cover their front lawns with epic Christmas displays that draw crowds of locals. The street turns into one-way traffic in December, so you can drive along this festive trail, admiring an array of holiday decorations for free. If you park a few blocks away and walk, you'll be able to miss some of the traffic delays.
Festive pop-ups
Sippin' Santa
Where: The Standard, 360 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 21 – December 30, 2024
You’ll be singing ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ as you’re transported to Christmas in Hawaii at The Standard’s annual holiday pop-up. Surround yourself with tropically festive décor and sip drinks from holiday character-themed glassware, daily starting at 4 p.m.
Fairmont Château Laurier (Elf's Pub and Festive Afternoon Tea)
Where: 1 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
When: Elf’s Pub open November 26, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Hidden in the Fairmont Château Laurier, the Elf's Pub holiday pop-up bar is returning for its second year. While you can still expect floor-to-ceiling Christmas décor, the overall theme will differ from last year, so enjoy a drink in a festive new atmosphere. The hotel also hosts holiday-featured meals at Wilfrid's Restaurant and a festive afternoon tea at Zoe's.
Nan's Parlour Christmas Explosion
Where: 73 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON
When: As of early December 2024
Sparkly, merry and oh-so-tasty, this granny-chic cocktail bar will be decked out in holiday decorations throughout December. You can look forward to a Christmas-themed menu and special events throughout the pop-up. There are usually tarot card readings and Bingo nights every month, so stay tuned for festive versions of those, along with other Christmassy activities.
Miracle On Elgin
Where: Elgin Beer Project, 399 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: Opening November 24, 2023
The Miracle Pop-up is back in Ottawa (one of its three locations in Ontario), for the first time ever at Elgin Beer Project. The restaurant will be covered in kitschy Christmas decorations, imagine colourful lights, vintage displays, ribbons and sparkles in all directions. Sip on a festive drink out of a Santa mug as you catch up with friends.
The Pedaler Express
Where: Starting at the Ottawa Christmas Market
When: Select dates November 22, 2024, - January 5, 2025
Ottawa’s party bike is taking things festive with its first-holiday ride, The Pedaler Express. Select your tour date and time as the pedal party rides from the Ottawa Christmas Market through the Glebe. Enjoy the holiday spirit as you pedal through the streets singing Carol-oke and grab your included drink when back at the market.
Christmas markets
Metcalfe Farmer's Christmas Market
Where: Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Dr., Greely, ON
When: November 9 and December 14, 2024
Fill your fridge with fresh produce and work on your holiday shopping list at the Metcalf Farmer's Christmas market. Eat some warm food, listen to live music and browse the 50 vendors for gifts like preserves, coffee, decorations and more.
Watson's Mill Christmas Craft Market
Where: Watson's Mill, 5525 Dickinson St., Manotick, ON
When: November 23, 24 and 30 and December 1, 7 and 8, 2024
Visit the historic stone mill in Manotick to shop at the festive weekend markets. More than 30 vendors will be set up in Watson's Mill and Dickinson House so you can get some Christmas shopping done. On the last afternoon of the market, there will be carolling at sunset.
Ottawa Christmas Market
Where: Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne, Marché Way, Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates from November 22, 2024 — January 5, 2025
Feel like you're strolling the cobblestone streets of a European city during Christmas time at the Ottawa Christmas Market. Full of festive sounds, twinkly lights and wooden chalets, you can work on your holiday shopping list and get into the spirit. Indulge in holiday-themed eats, sip hot chocolate or mulled wine and enjoy 16 days of live entertainment. There will also be craft workshops for kids, daily prizes, a DJ skate night, a silent disco and more.
The Museum's Christmas Market
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC
When: November 21 – 24, 2024
The history museum's Grand Hall comes alive each holiday season with festive lights and Christmas market booths. Over 80 vendors will be set up in front of the towering windows and Indigenous carvings, where you can browse for handmade treats, artisanal spirits, holiday decorations, fashion accessories and more. Plus, it's free to visit.
Christmas In Old-Aylmer
Where: Cabaret La Basoche, 120 Principale St., Gatineau, QC
When: Weekends November 29 – December 8, 2024
Did you know that the Quebec side hosts a European-style outdoor Christmas market? You can shop from more than 50 vendors set up in cabin-style booths for two weekends. There will be festive eats, a tree lighting ceremony and other special events like the Santa Claus parade on November 30.
Glebe Craft And Artisan Fair
Where: Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: November 16 - 17, 2024
This community market, hosted by a neighbourhood-driven group, is free to visit. You can browse through a variety of vendors selling locally made products.
ADAAWE Indigenous Holiday Market
Where: 338 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: November 23, 2024
You'll discover unique Indigenous-made items and gifts from over 30 different makers. Keep checking things off your holiday shopping list and get cozy with complimentary bannock and tea with traditional festive treats.
HOLIYAY Craft Market
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 17, 2024
The annual Holiyay Market is returning to the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, hosted by Common Markets (formerly Freewheeling Craft). Stay warm as you shop from more than 90 local makers selling jewelry, prints, candles, ceramics, clothing and many more unique handmade gifts.
Christmas at the Carp Farmers' Market
Where: 3790 Carp Rd., Carp, ON
When: November 29 – 30, 2024
This holiday market is your last chance to shop from local vendors at the Carp Farmers’ Market until the spring of 2025. As you explore this quaint village outdoor market, enjoy the festive sights and sounds of live music. The event is free, accessible and pet-friendly. There will also be a visit from Santa.
613 Flea Holiday Night Market | 613 Christmas
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way | Carleton University Fieldhouse, 85 University Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: November 29, December 6 and 13| November 30 – December 1, 2024
613 Flea brings together tons of makers, artisans and creators who sell goods next to vintage vendors and food stalls. The holiday night market is next to the Ottawa Christmas Market, so visit for a break from the cold and browse even more gift ideas.
Greely Good Market – Holiday Market | Night Market
Where: 5770 Bank St., Greely, ON
When: Sundays November 17 – December 22, 2024 | November 28, 2024
Meet up with friends, grab a hot drink and browse the holiday version of this epic market. Shop for all things local, from homewares and clothing to bath and body products, preserves and much more. Get some Christmas shopping done and enjoy the season.
Christmas tree farms
Stanley’s Christmas Village
Where: 2452 York's Corners Rd., Edwards, ON
When: Select dates December 1 – 23, 2024
Stanley’s grow their own Christmas trees, so you can search for the perfect evergreen in the fields to bring home. Take advantage of all the Christmas village activities: take a tractor ride, visit Santa’s elves, enjoy some kids’ crafts, say hi to the big guy in red, stroll along the dazzling holiday trail and more.
Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm
Where: 951 8th Conc. S., Pakenham, ON
When: November 16 – December 24, 2024
A wagon ride will take you to the fields to cut down the perfect tree at this Christmas tree farm. You can also choose from pre-cut trees and other festive décor like wreaths and ornaments. During your visit, grab a hot meal and sweet treats to bring home. There are many activities, including play structures, a tubing hill, a zip line for kids, and a large holiday store. The farm is so picturesque that it has been featured in holiday Hallmark movies, so make sure to have your camera handy.
Hillcrest Tree Farm
Where: 7357 Fourth Line Rd., North Gower, ON
When: Starting November 23, 2024
Spend an afternoon at the tree farm, warming up by a large fire pit (on weekends) after cutting down your Christmas tree. They have a variety of tree species to choose from, both pre-cut and cut-your-own, as well as wreaths for sale.
Thomas Tree Farm
Where: 6421 McCordick Rd., North Gower, ON
When: Opening November 22, 2024
Cut down a balsam, spruce or scotch pine Christmas tree after enjoying a hay wagon ride out to the field. You can indulge in complimentary hot chocolate and cookies after picking your tree.
Johnston Brother Tree Farm
Where: 2853 Porter Rd., Kemptville, ON
When: Opening November 30, 2024
Visit this family tree farm that has been growing Christmas trees for the community to cut for over 70 years. After picking out the perfect evergreen, enjoy a hot chocolate or coffee and a warm snack from one of the on-site food vendors. There will also be wagon rides on the first two weekends of December. The farm is cash only.
Country Christmas Days
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd. A, Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates from November 29 - December 30, 2024
Experience a festive day full of activities, including snowy wagon rides, visiting Santa, and holiday treats. Photo-worthy Christmas displays will surround you, and you can enjoy the outdoor mazes and play structures at Saunders Farm. Find holiday decor for your home from a selection of pre-cut trees and wreaths.
Boise Brabant
Where: 721 Ch. Martel, Casselman, ON
When: First two weekends of December 2024
Balsam fir, Fraser fir, white spruce and blue spruce are available to cut down at this East-end tree farm. Online reservations are required this year for the first time due to the limited number of Christmas trees available. Cash only is accepted.
Parades
Help Santa Toy Parade
Where: Starting at Elgin and Laurier, ending at Lansdowne Park
When: November 16, 2024
Santa is coming to town, so gather along the route from Elgin and Laurier, going West toward Bank Street and then South to Lansdowne. Admire whimsical holiday floats and donate what you can to Ottawa's Toy Mountain, which supports local children who may otherwise not receive gifts this year. The fun kicks off at 11 a.m.
Santa's Parade of Lights
Where: St. Joseph Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: November 30, 2024
Line the streets and prepare to sing ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ because Ottawa’s East-end parade is back along St. Joseph Boulevard on the evening of November 30. Watch for Santa and other holiday characters and floats between Youville Drive and Centrum Boulevard.
Stittsville Parade of Lights
Where: Stittsville Main St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 7, 2024
Enjoy a holiday parade down Stittsville Main Street that begins at 6 p.m. on December 7. There will be dozens of floats and Santa will make an appearance.
Perth Santa Claus Parade
Where: Perth, ON
When: December 2, 2023
Many different Christmas festivities are happening in the small town of Perth this year, including the annual Santa Claus Parade. This year’s parade theme is A Candy Cane Christmas, so keep your eyes peeled for new floats. It kicks off at 5 p.m. by The Factory on Sunset Boulevard, continuing along Wilson Street and Gore Street.
Santa's Parade
Where: Rue Principale, Gatineau, QC
When: November 30, 2024
Head over to the Quebec side of the river to enjoy a Santa Claus parade as part of the Christmas in Old Aylmer events. The parade begins at 6 p.m. from the marina, going down Rue Principale to Boulevard Wilfrid-Lavigne. If you can't make the parade, on December 3, there will be a free skating session with Santa.
Santa Shuffle
Where: Lansdowne Park, Marché Way, Ottawa, ON
When: December 7, 2024
Register for this holiday fun run to race, jog or stroll a one-kilometre or five-kilometre path supporting The Salvation Army. Once registered, fundraise what you can and pick up your race kit, which includes your festive racing tee. Feel free to add some festive accessories to your race look.
Cruise through the holidays with your CAA Membership
Starting at just $30 a year, CAA Members can enjoy discounts on everything from dining out to filling up on fuel, as well as other benefits. You can view the list of 126,000 partner locations worldwide and compare Membership plans online.
