Top things to do in Ottawa this December 2024
16 Minute Read
The December calendar in Ottawa is filled with holiday events, and even if you don't want to celebrate with something festive, there are various activities you can enjoy. Browse for gifts at one of many Christmas markets, admire magical twinkling lights across the city, grab tickets to a seasonal musical, look for Santa at a neighbourhood parade or sip drinks at a festive pop-up bar.
There are also sporting events, art exhibitions and other performances to check out. Here are the top things to do in Ottawa this December.
Magic Of Lights
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Co44BsPCj/
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 411 Corkstown Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Until January 4, 2025
Keep cozy in your car for a dazzling holiday ride featuring colourful displays, holiday scenes and a twinkling light tunnel. Park at the pit stop to explore a winter village with a walk-through trail, classic Canadian treats and a Santa letter-writing station.
Alight At Night Festival
Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg, ON
When: Select dates until January 4, 2025
Enjoy a magical stroll through a holiday post-card setting as Upper Canada Village is transformed into a twinkly light display. Admire the quaint buildings decked out with colourful lights and visit Santa at his workshop until December 23.
Ottawa Christmas Market
Where: Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne, Marché Way, Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates until January 5, 2025
Ottawa's European-style Christmas market is a magical affair where you can go holiday shopping, enjoy live entertainment and participate in themed activities. A must-visit during the festive season, you'll be surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. Sip on hot chocolate or mulled wine, grab a sweet treat, watch bands play outdoor concerts, bring your kids to a craft workshop, go ice skating as a DJ spins beats, enter to win daily prizes, take your photo with Santa and more.
Elf's Pub
Where: 1 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
When: Daily until January 6, 2025
It's time! The Fairmont Chateau Laurier's pop-up Christmas bar is back in the castle with floor-to-ceiling decorations and a festive menu of fun drinks. If you love all holiday things, sparkling and red, you must visit this bar that feels like Santa's watering hole.
Winter Wander
Where: Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
When: Nightly until January 6, 2025
Ottawa's pedestrian street transforms into a sparkling place for a holiday walk that you can visit throughout December. Admire Christmas decorations and installations that line the street to capture festive photos.
Watson's Mill Christmas Craft Market
Where: Watson's Mill, 5525 Dickinson St., Manotick, ON
When: December 1, 7 and 8, 2024
Explore Manotick's historic stone mill and the Dickinson House to shop from more than 30 vendors at the annual Christmas market. 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.
Christmas In Old-Aylmer
Where: Cabaret La Basoche, 120 Principale St., Gatineau, QC
When: December 1, 6, 7 and 8, 2024
Soak in the dazzling yet quaint environment of a European-style Christmas market on the other side of the river. Browse more than 50 different vendors set up in wooden huts as you sip on something hot and enjoy being surrounded by sparkling string lights. Look for mini-events at the market, like a wreath-making workshop and Santa's breakfast on December 8.
Ottawa 67's game
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 1, 6, 8 and 13, 2024
Take yourself to Lansdowne and enjoy the energy of TD Place arena for an OHL game. Cheer on Ottawa's home team sporting your red and black gear for a classic hockey night out.
Use your CAA Membership and save 25% on select home game tickets and 10% on team merch.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Where: Byward Market, Ottawa, ON
When: December 1, 8, 15, 22, 23, 24, 28 and 29, 2024
Get cozy and take a magical winter carriage ride through the Byward Market with Cundell Stables. Take in the twinkling lights and holiday charm as the horse-drawn carriage guides you under the stars.
There will also be seasonal choir performances in the market throughout the month.
Taffy Lane
Where: Taffy Ln., Ottawa, ON
When: Typically starts December 1
The residents of Orleans' Taffy Lane come together to decorate their front lawns with holiday inflatables, festive scenes and colourful lights each December. It has become so popular with locals over the years that the street turns into one-way traffic for the season, so you can drive along this twinkling trail and admire the decorations for free.
Stanley's Christmas Village
Where: 2452 York's Corners Rd., Edwards, ON
When: Select dates December 1 – 23, 2024
Stanley's Farm creates an annual Christmas Village full of festive activities. You can enjoy a tractor wagon ride, visit Santa's elves, bring your kids to do crafts, take photos with Santa Claus, walk along the decorated holiday trail and more. There is also a field of evergreens, so you can find your ideal Christmas tree to bring home.
Trees Of Hope
Where: Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
When: Daily until January 6, 2025
Pop into Ottawa's castle and admire the decorated Christmas trees throughout the hotel's main floor. Each year has a new colour palette and theme, and 2024 is a take on the Nutcracker, so look forward to new designs.
While you're at the Chateau Laurier, reserve a spot at Zoe's for holiday afternoon tea, Dickens' lunch, or Christmas or New Year's brunch at Wilfrid's Restaurant. The Elf's Pub pop-up holiday bar is also back this season.
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
Where: Meridian Theatres, 101 Centrepointe Dr., Nepean, ON
When: December 4 –8, 2024
Inspired by the beloved novel and story by Roald Dahl, Matilda is an inspiring tale of a talented and determined young girl who dreams of living a better life. The musical adaptation has won 47 international awards and thrills sold-out shows worldwide.
Signatures Originals Christmas Craft Sale
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: December 4 – 8, 2024
Find gifts for everyone on your list and every budget at the annual craft sale. Featuring the work of over 200 artisans, makers and designers, you can shop thousands of Canadian handmade products. There are many treats and eats to collect as you browse other items.
The Nutcracker
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 5 – 8, 2024
The holiday season means that the classic tale of Clara and her prince adventuring to the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets in The Nutcracker is back on the stage. Enjoy this ballet spectacle as the prince and Clara encounter the Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, and many other legendary characters, a beautiful seasonal tradition to begin or continue.
Ottawa Senators game
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: December 5, 7, 8, 11 and 14, 2024
Cheer on the home team screaming, 'Go, Sens, go!' as you soak in the atmosphere of an NHL hockey game. Sport your favourite red, white and gold attire as the Ottawa Senators take on their rivals. Keep an eye out for Spartacat, the mascot, and indulge in some stadium eats while you're there.
Grab tickets using your CAA Membership and save big on regular-season home games. Plus, enjoy a 10% discount on merchandise and save $15 on parking in Lot 4.
Holiday Shopping Night
Where: Wellington St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: December 5, 2024
Exclusive deals and festive fun await as many small businesses offer extended hours and limited discounts at this Wellington West shopping event. Enjoy carol singers, free treats and some holiday surprises as you browse.
The Urban Art Collective is hosting Holidays at the Hub on December 5, with a hot chocolate, eggnog, and gift wrap bar. You can also join the Holiday Wreath Workshop at Wild Willy's Plants and Flowers on the 5th. There are Thursday shop nights in Hintonburg until December 19 for more chances to find Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers.
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
Walk along a glowing holiday path of lights through a forest of evergreens that leads to a massive waterfall lit up with Christmas colours. Enjoy festive music and end your holiday trail walk with a hot chocolate by a warm bonfire. Santa will be there on December 13 and 21.
Light Up the Night - Almonte
Where: Mill St., Almonte, ON
When: December 6, 2024
Experience a magical outdoor Christmas show and festival featuring an open-air concert and a grand finale of dazzling fireworks. The streets will be lined with festive treats, activities, and sparkling lights. The performances start at 7 p.m., but you can beat the rush and do some holiday shopping or enjoy a meal in the quaint town of Almonte beforehand.
613 Flea Holiday Night Market | 613 Christmas
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way | Carleton University Fieldhouse, 85 University Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: December 6 and 13 | December 1, 2024
A sea of unique makers, creators and artisans come together for the 613 Flea Holiday Flea Market and 613 Christmas events. It is an excellent market for those hunting for vintage treasures and special antiques. Browse more gift ideas and grab treats along the way.
Rendez-vous de la bande dessinée de Gatineau
Where: Maison du citoyen, 25 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC
When: December 6 – 8, 2024
The comic strip meetings in Gatineau will feature a character fight, presentations, a drawing class, an improvised comic strip, live drawings, author meetings, honoured guests and more.
Perth Santa Claus Parade
Where: Perth, ON
When: December 7, 2024
Santa Claus is coming to town. At 5 p.m., he will start at The Factory on Sunset Boulevard in Perth and make his way onto Wilson Street, Foster, and Gore. Led by floats covered in twinkling lights, the parade will end at The Queen Elizabeth School. This year's theme is A Candy Cane Christmas.
Stittsville Parade of Lights
Where: Stittsville Main St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 7, 2024
Santa Claus hits Stittsville's main street this month, so line up for 6 p.m. between Brown's YIG and Carleton Cathcart. Dozens of community floats will make their way down the street, preparing the way for the big man in red himself. Stick around for the lighting of Village Square Park as you enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and live entertainment.
Santa Shuffle
Where: Lansdowne Park, Marché Way, Ottawa, ON
When: December 7, 2024
Join the Santa Shuffle in person or virtually to walk or run in support of the vulnerable this holiday season. Sport your best Claus-themed swag to ramp up the excitement and enter the best-dressed contest. This year, there will also be new medal and shirt designs.
Saint Nicolas And A Ceremony Of Carols
Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 8, 2024
Two enduring Christmas works are brought together in an ambitious community performance. Young instrumentalists from the city perform alongside the Boys' and Girls' choirs of Christ Church Cathedral, with Nils Brown as St Nicolas.
FLOP! An Improvised Musical Fiasco
Where: Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington St., W., Ottawa, ON
When: December 10 – 22, 2024
The title of the show describes it perfectly. Imagine that the playwright quit, sheet music is nowhere to be found, the choreographer was cancelled, and the director is off to rehab. The performers scramble to create a fabulous new musical.
Elf, Movie in Concert
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 11 – 13, 2024
Based on the modern classic holiday comedy starring Will Ferrell, Elf hits the stage this December in Ottawa. Enjoy the story of Buddy as he travels from the North Pole to New York City in search of his birth father after a lifetime of not feeling like he fit in.
The Great Canadian Road Trip
Where: Rideau Carleton Casino, 4837 Albion Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: December 12, 2024
Three country music artists are coming together for a live concert event at The Joint. Doc Walker, Jason McCoy and Michelle Wright will hit the stage at 9 p.m. for a fun evening of tunes.
Ottawa Black Bears game
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: December 13, 2024
The city of Ottawa now has a professional box lacrosse team, and you can cheer on the Black Bears in their inaugural season. The season runs from November 2024 until April 2025, with nine of the 18 games being played at home at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Pet Day & Market
Where: Robert Plante Greenhouses, 4228 Navan Rd., Orléans, ON
When: December 14, 2024
Bring your furry best friend to an expansive holiday market featuring more than 100 vendors and pet photos with Santa. Many booths will sell things geared to pets, so browse everything from treats to toys and accessories. You'll also find jewelry, baking, seasonal decor, and preserves. Reserve a photo session with your cat or dog for this market day, or visit one of the Santa meet-and-greets for family pics on another date, including December 7, 8, 15, or 21.
Metcalfe Farmers' Christmas Market
Where: Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Dr., Greely, ON
When: December 14, 2024
Join the second Christmas Market this year with Metcalfe Farmers' Market, where you can get some holiday shopping done, fill your fridge (or pantry) and find some treats for yourself. Snack on treats as you listen to live music and browse the 50 unique vendors.
Hip-Hop Fusion
Where: Urban Art Collective, 1088 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: December 14, 2024
December 14 is the last chance to visit this immersive comic art exhibition where art comes alive. Andy Akangah's Hip-Hop Fusion combines 3D motion prints, projection mapping and paper installations.
CrakdNutz: A Holiday Circus Dream
Where: LabO Theatre, 60 Waller St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 14 and 15, 2024
In this quirky reimagining, the traditional story of the Nutcracker meets the artistry of the circus. Experience a holiday tale with aerial acrobatics, dazzling dancing, and colourful juggling.
Flights with Santa
Where: Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa, ON
When: December 14 – 31, 2024
Santa is flying a vintage aircraft down to Ottawa instead of his sleigh, so you can book a flight adventure with him for a few short weeks. If you donate a new unwrapped toy, you can get special elf rates, starting at just $30 per person.
Vintage Village of Lights
Where: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Rd., Cumberland, ON
When: Select dates until December 22, 2024
Experience a historic Christmas atmosphere as the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is adorned with twinkly lights and holiday decor. Villagers will help create the traditional vibe as they put on presentations and inform about days past. There will be a bonfire to warm by, gingerbread cookies to decorate, and Santa to visit.
Greely Good Market – Holiday Market
Where: 5770 Bank St., Greely, ON
When: Sundays until December 22, 2024
Quality, local finds are waiting to be discovered at the Greely Good Market, and the holiday edition is sure to be extra special. Grab something to eat or drink and browse vendors set up in wooden huts outdoors with home decor, bath products, jewelry, preserves, clothing, stationary, kids' toys and more.
Country Christmas Days
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd. A, Ottawa, ON
When: Open select dates until December 30, 2024
Saunders Farm transforms into the North Pole each holiday season with festive elves, sweet treats, themed activities and workshops for kids. Shop for decor and greenery, including Christmas trees and wreaths, join workshops like cookie or ornament decorating, tell your gift list to the man in red himself and walk along the holiday lights stroll, ending with a warm bonfire.
Miracle On Elgin
Where: Elgin Beer Project, 399 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: Open until the end of 2024
The Miracle Pop-up is back in Ottawa for its second year at the Elgin Beer Project. Sip on holiday cocktails or mocktails surrounded by kitschy Christmas decorations, including rainbow twinkle lights, vintage Santa figures, red and green plaid and more. Even the glassware will be fun and festive.
Sippin' Santa
Where: The Standard, 360 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: Until December 30, 2024
Is it the North Pole or an island vacation? The Standard creates a holiday pop-up each year: a tropical Christmas explosion with festive decor and themed drinks served in fun holiday character glassware. Enjoy the vibes of Santa hanging out in Hawaii with your friends.
New Year's Eve Comedy Night
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: December 31, 2024
Ring in the new year with a night of laughs at the 13th annual New Year's Eve Comedy Night. Matthew Champion is the emcee, and headliner Frank Spadone will have chuckling into 2025 along with Anjelica Scannura and Heather Hurst.
MJ The Musical
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 31, 2024 – January 5, 2025
An evening of Michael Jackson's unparalleled artistry and great entertainment is on tour in MJ, the award-winning musical about the creation of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Enjoy the spectacle and feel the energy as you listen to the hits.
Festival Of Lights
Where: Perth, ON
When: Events run until January 1, 2025
The quaint town of Perth looks like a magical village throughout the year, and come Christmas, it hosts endless events. Admire twinkling trees throughout the month, grab photos with Santa on December 1, catch an art show and sale on the 7th and 8th, watch the Santa Claus parade on December 7 and more.
Nan's Parlour Christmas Explosion
Where: 73 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON
When: Until January 4, 2025
This granny-chic bar has an atmosphere of its own, and during the festive season, it gets decked out with decorations for a Christmas explosion. According to the restaurant and bar, this year will be "more explodey than ever." Enjoy a Christmas-themed menu of both cocktails and meals to match the surroundings.
Winter Lights Across Canada
Where: Various locations in downtown Ottawa, ON
When: Until January 7, 2025
Follow the glittering route around the National Capital Region as buildings, parks and landmarks are decked out with twinkling string lights. The map is available online and will lead you to downtown locations filled with a festive glow, such as the Supreme Court of Canada, Portage Park and Confederation Park.
Turcotte Family Christmas Fundraiser
Where: 18 Cypress Gardens, Stittsville, ON
When: Starting December 1, 2024
This Stittsville family turns its front lawn into a massive holiday-themed display each December, and this year, it will be the largest display yet. There will be even more props and lights than in past years, as they are tributes to three iconic movies: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Die Hard. Donations are accepted each year, and the 2024 spectacle will support the #1Door4Care fundraiser at CHEO.
Make the season extra bright with a CAA Membership
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.
