Top things to do in Ottawa this December 2025
16 Minute Read
The jingle bells are ringing, the cookies are baking, and the snow is falling, meaning the holiday season is nigh. If you find yourself wondering “what should I do in Ottawa this December?” the options can seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the best events in Ottawa this month—whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, there’s something fun to check out.
You can head to a Christmas market to finish your shopping, go skating with friends, watch some hockey, see a show and ring in the New Year. Finish 2025 right with the best things to do in Ottawa this December.
Rink of Dreams
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFYCEDsNeLP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON
When: TBA
Waiting for the Canal to open? Don’t fret—you can still skate outdoors at the Rink of Dreams, a 12,500-square-foot refrigerated ice surface located right outside City Hall. If you’re skating at night, the ice is illuminated in glowing colours to make this experience as dreamy as the name suggests. Afterwards, grab a Beavertail and a hot chocolate to warm up.
Lansdowne Park Skating Court
Where: Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: Fridays to Sundays in December
Located behind the Aberdeen Pavilion is the Lansdowne Park Skating Court, where you can glide across the ice under a sparkling December sky. Whether you’re a pro or you’re hitting the ice as a beginner, this community rink is the perfect place to explore Ottawa’s winter charm. You can even visit the enormous Lansdowne Christmas tree while you’re there!
Big Stuff
Where: Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates until December 7, 2025.
Married comedy duo Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus talk about the Big Stuff in this two-person performance, debating the value of our items and the sentimental power of objects. You'll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll rethink everything you own at this emotional roller coaster of a show.
Christmas in Old-Aylmer
Where: 120 Principale St., Gatineau, QC
When: Select dates until December 7, 2025.
Get into the holiday spirit in Old Aylmer! Discover unique creations to complete your Christmas shopping in the magical atmosphere of this market. Wander through twinkling lights, sip creamy hot chocolate, and shop from over 60 artisans, merchants, and producers showcasing local goods.
Christmas Season at Thomas Tree Farm
Where: Thomas Tree Farm, 6421 3rd Line Rd. S., North Gower, ON
When: Select dates until December 21, 2025.
Thomas Tree Farm grows firs, scotch pines and spruces for you to choose from—alongside the experience of cutting it yourself. Select the perfect tree for your holiday decor, then enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate and some homemade cookies around the fire. Kids can also enjoy the play area, and the whole family can take a tractor ride through the fields.
Vintage Village of Lights
Where: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates until December 21, 2025.
Cumberland’s postcard-perfect 1920s and 30s village transforms into an enchanted haven of sparkling Christmas lights this December. Explore the displays and vignettes, visit Santa, decorate gingerbread cookies and interact with heritage presenters to learn more about Christmas traditions 100 years ago. Once you’ve seen the sights, relax around the bonfire with some seasonal treats.
Christmas Season at Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm
Where: Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm, 951 9th Line, Beckwith, Carleton Place, ON
When: Select dates until December 24, 2025.
If you’re looking for that perfect pine, there’s no better place to visit than Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm, located in Carleton Place. Make a day of it by strolling through the rows of growing trees, hitching a ride on the tractor, gathering around the campfire and browsing the gift shop. You can even visit Santa and snap some pictures with him!
Learn more
Christmas at Mādahòkì
Where: 4420 West Hunt Club Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates until December 28, 2025.
Christmas cheer meets storied Indigenous heritage at Mādahòkì Farm. You can stroll along the Trail of Lights & Traditions and experience the Northern Lights sound and music show, plus 10 magical light installations. Snack on popcorn, bannock, and bison chilli around a roaring fire, and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or cedar tea. Kids will love meeting the barnyard animals, and can even visit Santa to take photos! Madahoki Farm also offers a craft market, breakfast with Santa, and workshops throughout the Christmas season, offering a fun and educational way to celebrate the holidays.
Ottawa Christmas Market
Where: Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates until December 31, 2025.
The Ottawa Christmas Market returns to Lansdowne for another year of one-of-a-kind festive finds, artisanal goods and tasty treats. This holiday hub even includes live music from local performers and Lansdowne’s iconic giant Christmas tree. Snap some pictures, wander the stalls and snag a hot drink to keep you cozy all night long.
Learn more
Stanley's Christmas Village and Holiday Stroll
Where: Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 York's Corners Rd., Edwards, ON
When: Select dates until January 3, 2026.
Where do Santa and his elves go when they need a break from making toys? Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, of course! You can meet the elves and Santa himself before you go on to ride the Christmas Village Express, pick a tree, go on a holiday stroll through a serenely lit two-kilometre trail and enjoy festive photo ops.
Alight at Night
Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg, ON
When: Select dates until January 3, 2026.
Step inside a whimsical winter storybook at Upper Canada Village. With over one million lights, the vintage decorations and historic buildings sparkle in the snow. Festive music, carriage rides, carolling, and more create a holiday atmosphere for the whole family, set against a backdrop of Canada’s history.
Learn more
Magic of Lights
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 411 Corkstown Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates until January 3, 2026.
Buckle up for a drive-through adventure at Wesley Clover Parks as the displays dazzle you. Themed setups like sparkling villages and colourful holiday scenes make this the perfect way to explore the season’s wonder, plus you can park your car to explore activities like the letter-writing station up close.
Learn more
Winter Wander
Where: Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
When: Until January 5, 2026
If you want to step inside a Christmas card, head to Sparks Street to take photos and enjoy the shine of trees, installations and twinkling lights. Ottawa’s iconic pedestrian pathway becomes an avenue of holiday ambiance, illuminating the night with holiday cheer all season long.
Learn more
Trees of Hope
Where: Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
When: Until January 6, 2026
This year, Trees of Hope celebrates 28 seasons of raising money and spreading cheer for CHEO. Local businesses, organizations and community groups gather to decorate trees in the theme “’ Twas the Night—A Yuletide Tale,” inspired by the homey feel of a classic candlelit Christmas. Throughout the holiday season, guests can visit the Château's lobby to enjoy the atmosphere and vote for their favourites.
Learn more
Art + Parcel: A Holiday Sale
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, ON
When: Until January 18, 2026
Do you have a fine arts lover on your shopping list, or are you looking to add a new piece to your personal collection? Check out the Ottawa Art Gallery’s annual holiday showcase, displayed in the Galerie Annexe during the holiday season. The show includes regional and Canadian-made ceramics, jewelry, kids' crafts, art prints, books and much more, the ideal gift for anyone who wants to fill their home with unique pieces.
Pet Photos with Santa
Where: 110 Place d'Orléans Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: December 1 and 8, 2025
Bring your furry friends to the mall for an experience worth remembering this holiday season. Pet owners looking for a fun day out with their best friend can head to Place d'Orléans to meet Santa himself and snap some adorable photos to cherish for years to come.
Ottawa Charge
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 2 and 27, 2025
Ottawa’s PWHL team returns for their third season at TD Place, bringing the fun, the energy—and the kazoos. On December 2, they play the Minnesota Frost, and on the 27, they go head-to-head with the Boston Fleet. It's not just a game, it’s an experience, so grab your tickets and join the best fans in the league.
Kid Koala’s The Storyville Mosquito
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 3 to 13, 2025
Mosquito has big dreams of playing jazz in the big city, and he’s going to do whatever he can to make that a reality. This story follows him as he finds his footing in his new home. The Storyville Mosquito is a theatrical cinema experience that blends puppetry, music, Foley and DJing for a Chaplin-esque journey through humble origins and stardom, fun for the whole family.
A Sherlock Carol
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: December 3 to 20, 2025
Holmes and Watson get the scoop on Christmas in this comedic murder mystery romp that takes its cues from Dickens. When a grown-up Tiny Tim asks for Sherlock’s help investigating the mysterious death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must take the case and uncover the ghosts of holidays past, present and future.
Ottawa Senators
Where: Canadian Tire Centre
When: December 4, 6, 9, 18, 20, 23 and 29, 2025
The Sens are ready to rumble at seven home games in December. Don your jersey and hit the stands to cheer for your favourite players as they battle teams like the New York Rangers on December 4 and the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 18.
Plus, CAA Members save big on tickets this season.
Les Rendez-vous de la bande dessinée de Gatineau
Where: Maison du citoyen, 25 rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC
When: December 5 to 7, 2025
If you’re a fan of comics and graphic novels, this French-language festival features artist talks, workshops, book signings and interactive activities all weekend long. Learn how to create your own comics, create collaborative fanzines and sit in on panels by experts like guest of honour Michel Viau. Ready to start telling your story? Pick up a pen and head to the festival.
All Fall Down: An Improvised Murder Mystery
Where: Arts Court—Atelier, 2 Daly Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: December 6, 2025
This completely improvised murder mystery is in the spirit of Agatha Christie with a twist of Clue as a group of eccentric characters gather in a remote location. Each one has secrets of their own, and when one turns up dead, it’s a race against the clock to discover the killer. Can you solve the mystery—perhaps even before the actors do?
Orléans Holiday Arts Market
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: December 6, 2025
The vibrant spirit of Orléans comes alive at this holiday market in the upper lobby of the Shenkman Arts Centre. Creative local vendors bring handcrafted goods to a festive market that will get you in the holiday spirit. The market also features entertainment and children’s activities to keep the kids busy while you shop!
Stittsville Parade of Lights
Where: Stittsville Main St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 6, 2025
Head to Stittsville Main Street to join thousands of revellers eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa and his elves. The parade includes dozens of floats decked out in holiday charm, each made by a community business or organization. Enjoy the holiday charm, get into the Christmas spirit and wait until the end to see the man with the bag himself!
Learn more
Santa Shuffle
Where: Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: December 6, 2025
Every year at Christmas, the Salvation Army helps those in need. It's the season of giving back, and the annual Santa Shuffle is your chance to do just that by collecting pledges for your one- or five-kilometre race. The route starts at Lansdowne Park and continues along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway for beautiful canal-side views on your course.
Retro Christmas – Children’s Holiday Party
Where: Nepean Museum, 16 Rowley Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: December 6 and 7, 2025
Are you a parent or grandparent who wants to show your kids how you celebrated Christmas when you were growing up? Travel back in time to play with vintage toys and games, make retro crafts, complete a scavenger hunt, and bask in the glow of throwback decor. This is a drop-in program, recommended primarily for ages 10 and under.
Naija Market Christmas Bazaar
Where: Blu Legacy Convention Centre, 3750 North Bowesville Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: December 6 and 7, 2025
If you’re looking for a holiday market that feels like a day in Lagos, the Naija Market Christmas Bazaar is your place. The vibrancy of Nigerian culture is in the air, alongside the comforting smells of pepper soup and souya—and, of course, some holiday cheer. The bazaar includes a photo booth, giveaways and even a special appearance from Santa.
Saunders Farm Country Christmas
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: December 6 to December 30, 2025
Have a farm-style Christmas this year at Saunders. The snowy fields and trimmed trees make this a perfect holiday destination, alongside visits with Santa, ornament-making and a festive puppet show. This year’s winter wonderland also features a brand-new attraction, the Forest Light Walk, plus the ever-popular Holiday Light Stroll.
Learn more
Rideau Ramblers: A Celtic Christmas Celebration
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 10, 2025
Ottawa's Celtic music scene has been home to the members of the Rideau Ramblers for over two decades, and their Christmas concert is your opportunity to see them onstage as they perform toe-tapping beats and lively tunes. Their sound is at once Irish, Scottish and uniquely local to Ottawa for a festive performance that will have you singing along.
Originals Christmas Craft Sale
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: December 10 to 14, 2025
Support Canadian handmade vendors at this enormous market with over 200 artists and designers. Clothing, fine jewelry, body care, home decor, toys and much more grace the booths at this show, making the Originals Christmas Craft Sale the perfect place to find meaningful, unique gifts for everyone on your list.
Pique
Where: Arts Court, 67 Nicholas St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 13, 2025
Ottawa’s multimedia nightlife festival returns one final time in 2025, bringing diverse artistic communities together for an evening of experimentation and connection. The winter edition of Pique takes place across many of the Arts Court’s spaces, allowing you to explore the unique programming and legendary lineup.
Jingle Jazz
Where: LabOTheatre, 60 Waller St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 13, 2025
Jingle Jazz, presented by circus arts collective Cirquonscient, is your way to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas. Live jazz and daring acrobatics come together for a dazzling display of holiday cheer that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the lights twinkle and the beat swings.
Baobab
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 13 and 14, 2025
This canonical theatre piece comes to Ottawa just in time for the holidays. Presented in French and based on African oral tradition, the story follows Young Amodo as he goes on a quest to bring water back to the parched land. Masterful puppetry, traditional African instruments and spirited performances weave together for a modern classic under the baobab tree.
Chanukah in Gatineau
Where: Available upon RSVP, please see the event site for details
When: December 15, 2025
Celebrate the second night of Chanukah with a giant menorah lighting, great food, fun games and festive music at this event. Gather in the warm ambiance among the vibrant spirit of Gatineau’s Jewish community at the wintery “festival of lights,” a family-friendly way to observe this major holiday.
Dogs Do Magic: A Canine Christmas
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: December 19, 2025
Comedy, canines and tricks that will have you on the edge of your seat combine in this one-show-only spectacular, starring Aaron Matthews, one of Canada’s favourite musicians. The pups can’t wait to show you what they’ve been working on, so head to the Shenkman Arts Centre for some magical tail-wagging fun.
Public Menorah Lighting and LED Robot Show
Where: Parkdale Park, 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: December 21, 2025
Join Ottawa’s Jewish community at this warm and welcoming Chanukah celebration as the eighth candle on the nine-foot menorah in Parkdale Park is lit. To add some excitement to the event, an LED robot show will illuminate the night with rhythm, colour and joy. Snack on Chanukah treats, celebrate Jewish heritage and enjoy this city-wide gathering with the whole family.
Ottawa Kwanzaa Celebration
Where: Preston Event Centre, 523 Saint Anthony St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 28, 2025
Celebrate the third night of Kwanzaa with music, dance performances, delicious food and activities for all ages at the Preston Event Centre. Gather to celebrate unity, self-determination and African heritage at this festive cultural event.
14th Annual New Year's Eve Comedy Night
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: December 31, 2025
Start the New Year off right with joy as the clock strikes 12. The show’s performers include Rob Pue, Cassie Cao and Hisham Kelati, whose resumes boast appearances on original albums, MTV’s Punk’d, The Debaters and Just for Laughs. Ring in 2026 with resounding laughter and get your tickets early—this event typically sells out.
Sala San Marco's Annual New Year's Eve Gala
Where: 215 Preston St., Ottawa, ON
When: December 31, 2025
Celebrate 2026 in style with fine dining, music and unforgettable memories. At Sala San Marco, your evening will feature a multi-course gourmet dinner, elegant decor and a photo booth to document your gorgeous getup. Gather with friends and family at this banquet and start your year with a sparkling night of fun.
Hogmanay Ceilidh 2025
Where: Blessed Sacrament Hall, 194 Fourth Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: December 31, 2025
The Scottish Society of Ottawa presents its annual Hogmanay celebration, a New Year's party that brings Edinburgh's traditions to Ottawa. Featuring performances from Anna Ludlow, Bang On The Ear and the Ottawa Highland Dance Association, this is sure to be a night of music, dancing and spirited Celtic fun.
NYE Masquerade Ball
Where: 3280 Leitrim Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: December 31, 2025
Ring in the New Year in style at the Findlay Creek Community Association NYE Masquerade Ball! Grab your ticket for an unforgettable night of music, magic and mystery. Masks and cocktail attire are encouraged as you mingle with other guests, snap some pics at the photobooth, snack on delectable appetizers and make unforgettable memories.
Save this season with CAA
Want to save on your holiday shopping or on your post-adventure meal? CAA Members get great savings on shopping and dining partners to take your fun further.
Plus, you can save on the way with Shell—CAA Members save three cents per litre on fuel and ten per cent on snacks and drinks at participating Shell locations.
