Top things to do in Ottawa this January 2026
14 Minute Read
A new year dawns, bringing a fresh start for all. Once you’ve heard the final notes of “Auld Lang Syne,” it’s time to look ahead to 2026—and what better way to kick things off than exploring your city?
January in Ottawa has a host of activities for all ages, from outdoor skating to hockey games to theatre. Whether you’re working hard on that New Year’s resolution or just want to relax this January, this month has events galore to keep you busy.
Stanley's Christmas Village And Holiday Stroll
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Where: Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 York's Corners Rd., Edwards, ON
When: 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.
Magic Of Lights
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 411 Corkstown Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Until January 3, 2026
Buckle up for a dazzling drive-through adventure at Wesley Clover Parks, where themed displays light up the night. Cruise past sparkling villages and colourful holiday scenes from the comfort of your car and discover letter-writing stations and other interactive features along the route for a magical seasonal experience.
Winter Wonders at Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Where: 11 Aviation Pkwy., Ottawa, ON
When: Until January 4, 2026
Celebrate the season under a winter sky with activities that focus on the stories, stars and shimmering lights that make this time of year special. Learn about Inuit customs like the Kuujjuaq Christmas Candy Drop, visit the Planetarium and even do an Aurora Borealis-themed craft.
CAA Members save 25 per cent on single admission tickets to Ingenium museums.
Winter Wonders at the Canada Food and Agriculture Museum
Where: 901 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: Until January 4, 2026
Holiday activities like felt ornament decorating and festive snacks await at the Canada Food and Agriculture Museum, making this the perfect cozy day out for families. The museum also has fun family movies in both English and French, and a games room with activities for all ages.
CAA Members save 25 per cent on single admission tickets to Ingenium museums.
Winter Wonders at the Canada Science And Technology Museum
Where: 1867 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: Until January 4, 2026
Light, colour and texture intermingle at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, with various stations where kids can discover illuminating dynamic displays, including the museum’s first-ever Luminorama experience. Visitors can also check out the Tubulum, a candy-cane-striped percussion instrument made from PVC pipe.
CAA Members save 25 per cent on single admission tickets to Ingenium museums.
Zoe’s Restaurant Festive Afternoon Tea
Where: Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
When: Until January 4, 2026
Ottawa’s favourite afternoon tea will make you feel like wintery royalty as you enjoy seasonal savouries and indulgent sweets. Gourmet finger sandwiches will excite your palate while delicate desserts round out the meal. These elegant treats are accompanied by signature Lot 35 teas, completing an elegant experience for a January afternoon.
Winter Wander
Where: Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
When: Until January 5, 2026
From November to January, Sparks Street transforms into a magical holiday greeting card where you can take photos and enjoy the ambiance: trees, installations and twinkling lights line Ottawa’s iconic pedestrian pathway, perfect for a winter stroll.
Learn more
Winter Lights Across Canada
Where: Various locations across Ottawa
When: Until January 9, 2026
Ottawa’s many landmarks dazzle during the holidays, and by following the pathway of lights map, you can travel the illuminated route between Ottawa and Gatineau. Enjoy the sparkling night at sites like the National War Memorial, Jacques-Cartier Park and the Supreme Court of Canada to experience just how merry and bright Ottawa can be.
Learn more
And I Have Come Upon This Place by Lost Ways
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON
When: Until February 8, 2026
If you ever wander into City Hall, check out this science fiction art exhibit, which traces the trails of memory, speculation and myth through time and space. The works explore futurism through a lens of the past, linking the intuitive and the unknown to create new worlds for you to explore.
Icelynd Skating Trails
Where: 6865 Fernbank Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates until February 28, 2026.
Located in Stittsville, Icelynd has over two kilometres of trails through wooded forest. The ice is open during the day, which is perfect for young families, or at night for older kids or a romantic date under the stars. There’s also an outdoor rink available for rental where groups can play hockey, skate and enjoy the outdoors.
Rink Of Dreams
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: Until March 2026 (weather permitting)
The Rink of Dreams is a 12,500-square-foot refrigerated ice surface located right outside City Hall, the perfect place to experience Ottawa’s winter charm. If you’re skating at night, the rink 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.
Rideau Hall Rink
Where: 1 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: Until March 29, 2026 (weather permitting)
The historic rink at Rideau Hall has gotten an upgrade, with new refrigeration technology to keep it cold all season. As one of North America’s oldest continuously operating rinks, it helped shape Canadians’ favourite sport—hockey—into the game we know today. Be a part of that legacy and join the generations of skaters who have shared the ice.
Qikiqtait: Where Inuit Knowledge and Innovation Come Together
Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., Ottawa, ON
When: Until September 6, 2027
Developed in partnership with the Arctic Eider Society, this exhibit showcases decades of work by Inuit from Sanikiluaq on the Belcher Islands. It’s a testament to their stewardship of the land, their exploration of research and education, and their harvesting of eiderdown feathers. Experience the incredible work of this community and their commitment to their environment and each other.
Want to save on admission? CAA Members get 15 per cent off single admission tickets and 15 per cent off museum memberships at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Ottawa Senators
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 1 and 17, 2025
The Ottawa Senators hit the ice at home games this January, bringing you an action-packed game of hockey to an arena of fans. Don your jersey, take in the high-octane atmosphere, cheer for your team, and grab a bite to eat at the stadium, which is celebrating 30 years in January.
Did you know that CAA Members save big on select Ottawa Senators home games and get $13 off parking?
Explore Tracks And Trains: Railroads in Miniature
Where: Canada Science and Technology Museum, 1867 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON
When: January 2 and 3, 2026
All aboard! Usually, the museum’s life-sized trains capture visitors’ attention, but at this temporary exhibit, the fascinating world of miniature railroads comes to the forefront. Watch in wonder as tiny trains chug along sprawling tracks, journeying through intricate handcrafted landscapes. You can even play a game of “I spy” to spot surprises hidden among the tracks.
CAA Members save 25 per cent on single admission tickets to Ingenium museums.
Clue
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 6 to 11, 2026
Whodunit? At Boddy Manor, secrets lurk behind hidden doors and suspects abound when six mysterious guests assemble for a dinner party. Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? You'll have to see this hilariously intriguing play to find out.
Neko Case Neon Grey Midnight Green Tour
Where: The Bronson, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: January 9, 2026
Neko Case is an indie rock singer-songwriter with a career spanning decades across North America—and she's stopping at the Bronson to perform her new album alongside special guest Des Demonas. Case has been described as a “flamethrower,” “a powerhouse,” and a “vocal tornado,” making this a concert you won’t want to miss.
Ottawa Black Bears
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 9 and 23, 2026
Ottawa’s pro lacrosse team is the newest franchise of the National Lacrosse League, with home games in January at the Canadian Tire Centre. Enter the Den and get in on the action as the Black Bears battle it out with the Halifax Thunderbirds and the Vancouver Warriors.
Ottawa Charge Game
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 9 and 28, 2026
Experience high-voltage hockey at TD Place as the Ottawa Charge clash with the other teams in the league. Join in with the PWHL’s best fans in the stands and get a glimpse of Charge traditions like the iconic kazoos and the Thunder Clap at home game wins.
CAA Members now save up to 25 per cent on select regular season home games.
New Year's Run
Where: Running Room, 901 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 11, 2026
Ready, set, run! Kick off 2026 with fun fitness and a race that will help you start the year on the right foot. Whether you’re an experienced runner or just looking for a healthy way to celebrate, you’re welcome to join a one- or five-kilometre race down Bank Street. Proceeds go to the Children’s Miracle Network.
Can We Be Friends?
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 11, 2026
This performance explores the conflict among three musicians as they struggle to find the perfect chord. With the help of music, storytelling and puppets, they resolve their conflict and learn the true meaning of friendship. Ideal for young kids, this performance is available in both English and French.
Copperbelt
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 13 to 24, 2026
NAC English Theatre presents the world premiere of Copperbelt, a sharp drama that moves between downtown Toronto and Zambia. When Eden, a junior operations manager at a Canadian mining firm, returns home to visit her ailing father, she is forced to confront her estranged wealthy family. This new play pries into the secrets of Eden’s past, exploring the weight of familial expectations and the price of success.
Magic At The Manor
Where: 292 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 14, 2026
Defy the laws of possibility at this interactive magic show, which will astound you with mentalism, deception and unexplainable feats. Magician Michael Bourada is the star of the show, bringing you into his reality-bending world while you dine at the Manor Lounge. Prepare to be amazed and left wondering whether magic truly is real.
Michael Bublé
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 16, 2026
Join Michael Bublé at a special concert to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Tire Centre, which will also be his first live show of 2026. This concert, featuring the Canadian icon’s dulcet tones, will kick off a memorable weekend of activities at the venue. Jazz tunes, heartfelt ballads and nostalgic classics are on the slate for this can’t-miss show.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers - In Concert
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 17, 2026
The Two Towers – In Concert allows you to experience the epic story live, with more than 250 musicians onstage. The Fellowship is fractured, and our adventurers must go their separate ways to find their destinies. This magical performance by the FILMharmonique Orchestra features a live rendition of the movie’s epic score as the story plays out on the big screen.
Ottawa Comiccon Winter Edition
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 17 and 18, 2026
Ottawa’s foremost fan fest is back this winter with a mini edition to tide you over until Comiccon proper in September. Find unique collectibles, explore art of your favourite characters and showcase your best cosplay at this cold-weather convention for fans of all stripes.
Shelley, Beethoven & Korngold
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 20, 2026
Violinist Simone Lamsma performs this special concert to honour conductor Alexander Shelley, as his long career with the NAC Orchestra comes to an end. The performances include Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D major, Zeiss After Dark and Beethoven’s “Eroica.” The night promises lush, cinematic music and explosive symphonic storytelling.
Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead
Where: Kailash Mital Theatre, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 22 to 25, 2026
Have you ever wondered what the minor characters of a Shakespeare play do when their protagonist isn’t around? This absurdist explores what happens “in the wings” of Hamlet, following the two titular characters as they ruminate on fate and wait for something to happen. Witty dialogue, hilarious moments and even a badminton match await at this quirky, genre-bending production.
TACA’s Annual Winter Carnival
Where: 50 Bellman Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 25, 2026
The Trend Arlington Community Association is back for another year of winter fun in Nepean. This event includes a horse-drawn sleigh, a rainbow gem scavenger hunt, bingo, roasting marshmallows and even a magic show! The day also features a cookie bake-off in the community’s brand-new outdoor pavilion, judged by City Councillor Sean Devine. A cozy cup of complimentary hot chocolate is available for all who attend.
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Where: Bytowne Cinema, 325 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 25 to 27, 2026
Each year, the Banff Centre tours a selection of films showcasing outdoor sports, human interactions with the environment, and adventure travel. Through unique storytelling and astounding shots of stunning natural landscapes, these films bring the outdoors to a screen near you. Head to the Bytowne Cinema to experience these stunning indie films for yourself.
Celebrating Black History
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: January 25, 2026
Presented by Stories and Sweets, this event highlights Black creativity through an immersive experience featuring a market and live performances. Handcrafted artwork, spoken-word poetry, and a thought-provoking panel discussion will spotlight Black creatives and professionals, making this a space where community and culture come alive.
Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: January 29 to February 1, 2026
Have a big home reno on the brain? The 10th annual Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show is your destination to explore the services of the best home improvement experts in the industry. Check out local businesses, from flooring to roofing to interior decor, to improve your space.
One Small Misstep
Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: January 28 to 31, 2026
Lost Baggage Musical Theatre presents an original musical comedy that follows a ragtag crew of misfits in the far reaches of outer space. On a mission to send out a distress signal, a woman unexpectedly comes face-to-face with her past. Experience the show’s premiere for a story of love, forgiveness, human connection—and yodelling.
Dance Theatre Of Harlem
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: January 29 to 30, 2025
Dance Theatre of Harlem’s multi-ethnic company provides a powerful vision for the future of ballet, encouraging this elegant art to look to the 21st century with a message of inclusion. The dancers will perform alongside the NAC Orchestra, featuring a repertoire of classic and contemporary choreography.
Canadian Culinary Championships
Where: Various locations. Please see the event site for details
When: January 30 to 31, 2026
Canada’s foremost chefs go head-to-head at this culinary competition, crafting exquisitely memorable meals for you. Each of the contest’s three rounds asks chefs to create a gourmet meal for guests, with the first two rounds using mystery ingredients and the final round being an all-out luxury meal. The finale also features a silent auction and a performance by iconic Canadian band Spirit of the West.
Winterlude
Where: Various locations in Ottawa and Gatineau
When: January 30 to February 16, 2026
Winter has come to the National Capital Region with ice sculptures, snow slides, a Ferris Wheel and more. Cold-weather is one of Ottawa-Gatineau's foremost festivals, bringing snowy scenes and cold-weather fun right to the heart of the city. Visit the Snowflake Kingdom to explore a winter playground or head to Confederation Park to admire sparkling creations made from crystalline ice.
Comfortably Numb: Canada’s Pink Floyd Show
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: January 31, 2026
If you want to experience the explosive music of Pink Floyd in concert, this tribute band will take you on a journey into the mind of this iconic 70s group. Flashing lights, colourful lasers and phenomenal guitar playing are the hallmarks of Comfortably Numb. Listen to the hits, like “Wish You Were Here” and rediscover old favourites that you haven’t heard in years.
Explore more with CAA
No matter where the new year takes you, your CAA Membership is by your side. With discounts on museums, sports, shopping, dining and even mobile skate sharpening, you’ll be ready to take on 2026 in style.
