Ottawa Christmas Market
Megan Johnson | CAA North & East Ontario

Top things to do in Ottawa this November 2024

By: Megan Johnson
Published Date:

15 Minute Read

As the Halloween season in Ottawa ends, you can start the month of November with last-minute haunted attractions and conclude the month with holiday events such as Christmas markets. 

If you’re looking for fun attractions and date ideas in Ottawa, enjoy these late fall activities, from cultural festivals and live music concerts to sporting events, festive markets and Remembrance Day celebrations. Here are some of the top things to do in Ottawa this November. 

Disney's The Lion King


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Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON 

When: Most dates October 24 to November 10, 2024 

The African Serengeti comes to life in a beloved Broadway production, where you’ll enjoy unforgettable music in a unique adaptation of this favourite tale. Follow Simba and his friends on his journey from childhood to becoming king of Pride Rock.  

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Celebrating the Day of the Dead

Where: Maison du Citoyen, 25 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC 

When: October 30 to November 3, 2024 

Celebrate the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead, when deceased friends and family members are honoured with colourful offerings. Join free activities and family workshops.  

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Ottawa Rock N' Gem Show

Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON 

When: October 31 to November 3, 2024  

Explore over 400 tables covered with crystals, gems, beads, jewelry, fossils and minerals from top vendors in Canada. 

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Day of the Dead Festival


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Where: 55 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON 

When: November 1 to 3, 2024  

Experience this Mexican cultural event as you celebrate Day of the Dead, honouring family that has passed away with art, music, food and dance. There will be tons of activities for kids, such as a piñata workshop, painting sugar skulls, face painting and more. Watch traditional performances and join in on dance contests, a parade-like procession and other events over three days. 

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The Baby Goat Comedy Tour

Where: LIVE! on Elgin, 220 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 1, 2024 

Making a name for himself in Canadian comedy, catch Jesse Singh giving a night of laughs, fresh off the release of his debut comedy album “Baby Goat.” The tour also includes opening acts by Ethan O’Reilly and Johnny Batta. 

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One World Bazaar


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Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Rd., Manotick, ON 

When: Select dates November 1 to 17, 2024  

From mid-September to mid-November each year, you can feel like you’re travelling abroad as you browse artisan gifts from around the globe. Discover unique gifts and treasures as you enjoy weekend entertainment, with food truck eats offered.  

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Nature Nocturne: Rebirth

Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 1, 2024 

Step into the museum after dark for a fabulously themed evening of performances, activities and multiple dance floors. The historic building comes alive with colour and discovery, and you can also explore the galleries after hours. 

The seasonal Nature Nocture events always sell out quickly, so mark your calendar for the Après-ski-themed night on February 14, 2025. This is a separately ticketed event, but CAA Members can save 15% off single admission tickets to the Canadian Museum of Nature.  

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Ottawa 67's games


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Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 1, 3, 8, 13, 15, 17 and 29, 2024 

Surround yourself with the energetic environment of the TD Place Arena and cheer on Ottawa’s OHL team. Sport your favourite red and black swag as you indulge in classic stadium eats and enjoy a classic hockey night out.  

Do you have a CAA Membership? That means you can save 25% on select Ottawa 67’s home game tickets plus 10% off merchandise.  

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TSwift Dance Party: Road to Eras with DJ Rog


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Where: Bronson Centre Music Theatre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 2, 2024 

Get ready to shake it off because you’ll be dancing like you’re made of starlight as Taylor Swift’s iconic songs are brought to life at a dance party. Run by Swifties for Swifties, if you’re a fan and especially if you can’t make it to the Eras Tour, this is a great way to celebrate with like-minded fans. Dress up, sing your heart out and dance to DJ beats from era to era.  

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Ottawa Senators game

Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 2, 7, 14, 19, 21, 23 and 25, 2024  

Go Sens, go! Whether you’re new to the stands or a long-time member of the Sens Army, a hockey game is a fun night out filled with energy and snacks. Watch the Ottawa Senators battle it out on the ice against different teams while sporting your best red, white and gold. 

Use your CAA Membership to get tickets and save big on home games and 10% on official merch.  

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Ottawa Children's Storytelling Festival


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Where: Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Dr., Nepean, ON 

When: November 2, 2024 

This free event features professional storytellers telling exciting children’s stories about heroes. Enjoy tales of thrilling legends and everyday champions in both English and French. There will also be crafts and games.  

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HOUNDMOUTH


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Where: Bronson Centre Music Theatre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 5, 2024 

Playing their hits like Sedona, McKenzie, Darlin’, and Miracle Mile, Houndmouth is coming to Ottawa for an evening of singing and dancing at their concert, with Briscoe as the opening act.  

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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Where: 910 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 6 to 9, 2024 

Follow the classic story of Alice as she falls down the rabbit hole and goes on a quirky, colourful adventure in Wonderland. The University of Ottawa Theatre Club presents this theatre performance.  

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Jessia – Be Here Now Tour


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Where: The 27 Club, 27 York St., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 7, 2024 

Artist Jessia is bringing her Be Here Now Tour to Ottawa’s 27 Club with special guest Alex Cappelli. Her tracks include Care About Me, He’s a 10 and One of the Guys, and her most popular song is I’m Not Pretty.  

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Ottawa Canadian Film Festival

Where: ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 7 to 9, 2024 

Celebrate Canadian film at this annual festival in the capital, where you can participate in three days of screenings. You can look forward to watching unique documentaries, fantasy films, dance movies, dramas and more.  

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Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Tour


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Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 8, 2024 

The Grammy and Juno-award-winning artist Sarah McLachlan, known for songs like Possession, Angel and I Will Remember You, brings her tour to Canada. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of her Fumbling Towards Ecstasy album and enjoy those tracks along with other hits.  

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Valley - Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden Tour

Where: Bronson Centre Music Theatre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 8, 2024 

The band Valley is playing at Ottawa’s Bronson Centre with songs including their biggest hit Like 1999, on the Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden Tour.  

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NOIR Art Festival

Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON 

When: November 8 to 10, 2024 

Join this upscale multi-day event where professional artists showcase fine art in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and surrounding regions. The evening starts as a gala and fundraiser, continuing with the art exhibition throughout the three days.  

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Metcalfe Farmers' Christmas Market

Where: Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Dr., Greely, ON 

When: November 9, 2024 

The farmers’ market season has concluded, but that means the beginning of festive holiday markets. The Metcalfe Farmers’ Christmas Market is a daytime market that takes place on November 9 and December 14, 2024.  

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Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band

Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 9, 2024 

Iconic rock star Bruce Springsteen is bringing his tour to Ottawa. Expect high energy and performances of hit songs like Born to Run, Prove It All Night, Dancing in the Dark, and Wrecking Ball, among many others. 

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Cirque À La Carte

Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 9, 2024 

An imaginative evening of acrobatic delights, juggling, hooping, and other circus acts awaits you in an intimate, immersive setting. Admire artists’ unique creativity and vision as displayed through various forms of movement. The 2:30 p.m. show is family-friendly for all ages, and the 7:30 p.m. show is intended for ages 16 and older.  

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Free Guided Military Memorial Tour


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Where: National Artillery Monument, Green Island, and National War Memorial, Confederation Square, Ottawa, ON 

When: November 9 and 10, 2024 

Aspects of Canadian military history can be found throughout the streets of Ottawa, and two tours will lead you to many memorials in honour of Remembrance Day. The Military Memorials of Green Island walking tour on November 9 starts on the picturesque Green Island, close by the Rideau Falls. Explore monuments and tales in Ottawa’s downtown on the War Memorial and its surroundings on November 10, 2024.  

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The Original Navan Market's Holiday Market

Where: 1279 Colonial Rd., Navan, ON 

When: November 10, 2024  

Kick off your holiday shopping at the final Navan Market of the season. Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the market features stocked vendors offering food, home decor, toys, jewelry and other gift ideas.  

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Unknown Soldier - Seventeen Voyces

Where: St. Matthew’s Church, 130 Glebe Ave., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 10, 2024 

Experience an uplifting Remembrance Day concert tribute presented by the Seventeen Voyces chamber choir. The music will include songs by Ottawa composers and some by iconic artists such as Bach and Mozart.  

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National Remembrance Day Ceremony


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Where: National War Memorial, Ottawa, ON 

When: November 11, 2024 

Honour the fallen soldiers of the First World War and pay tribute to Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members at various acts of remembrance in Ottawa. On November 11, you can go downtown to the National War Memorial to experience the National Ceremony or watch it live online, including the Veterans’ March. You can also find local ceremonies across the capital region, all while wearing your poppy.  

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Champions of Magic – Chasing the Unbelievable


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Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 13 to 16, 2024 

Prepare to be dazzled by the Champions of Magic team and their explosive all-new magic show featuring mind-bending illusions. Touring the globe for a decade as a successful show, this illusionist team presents an original presentation with humour and inventive magic.  

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A Tyler Shaw Christmas

Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 14, 2024 

This festive all-ages concert can help get you into the holiday spirit with an evening of Christmas tunes by one of Canada’s most recognizable pop talents. Known for hits like Love You Still and To the Man Who Let Her Go, Tyler Shaw has a full-length holiday album of classic favourites and original songs.  

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Diversity Hires - Canadian Comedy Tour

Where: Absolute Comedy, 412 Preston St., Ottawa, ON  

When: November 14, 2024 

Featuring the comedians Andrew Oporto, Bongunn Kim and Noor Kidwai, grab tickets for a night of laughs in Ottawa.  

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Chamberfest Concert Series

Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 15, 2024  

Part of the 2024-2025 concert series, the November show is Beethoven 9 at 200: Hinrich Alpers. Hinrich Alpers will perform the entire symphony in a special transcription for solo piano, joined by the Ottawa Bach Choir and some stellar soloists.  

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Crave Food and Wine Festival

Where: Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 16, 2024 

Foodies unite at Ottawa’s premier food and wine festival, where you can mingle and indulge in unique dishes and fun flavours. Enjoy a closer connection between yourself as the consumer and the hospitality industry.  

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Help Santa Toy Parade


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Where: Starting at Elgin and Laurier, heading west to Bank Street 

When: November 16, 2024 

Santa Claus is coming to town, and you can catch him along with some familiar friends at the 55th annual parade. Donations directly support Ottawa’s Toy Mountain, which provides gifts to local families that may otherwise not have presents at Christmas.  

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Holiday Market at Robert Plante Greenhouses


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Where: 4228 Navan Rd., Navan, ON 

When: November 16 and 17, 2024 

Returning for its second season, explore more than 180 local vendors at Robert Plante Greenhouses. The indoor market runs no matter the weather and is surrounded by all types of plants. Gifts, crafts, treats, decor and more will be for sale.  

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613 Flea (Holiday Night Market | Christmas)

Ottawa Christmas Market

Megan Johnson | CAA North & East Ontario

Megan Johnson | CAA North & East Ontario 

Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1015 Bank St. & 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON   

When: November 16, 29 and 30, 2024 

It’s time for the holiday versions of this massive, ever-changing marketplace where you can browse gifts, home decor, preserves, antiques, accessories and more. November 16 is the final regular market of the season, followed by the 613 Holiday Night Market on November 29 (both at Lansdowne) and the start of 613 Christmas at Carleton University on November 30.  

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HoliYay Craft Market


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Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 17, 2024 

Lovers of Canadian handmade goods and unique finds can get a great start on holiday shopping and treat themselves along the way at the annual HoliYay Craft Market. Browse a curated selection of gifts and goodies as you soak in the festive spirit at this free indoor market event.  

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Ruby Waters - What's The Point Tour


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Where: Bronson Centre Music Theatre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 20, 2024 

Artist Ruby Waters brings her What’s The Point Tour to Ottawa’s Bronson Centre, with opening guest Magi Merlin. This concert is a 19+ licensed event.  

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Magic of Lights


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Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 22, 2024, to January 4, 2025 

Take a festive drive along a dazzling drive-thru display filled with holiday scenes, characters, and countless colourful lights. Stay cozy in your car for most of the experience, getting out just to take photos at the pit stop, grab some treats and mail your letter to Santa. 

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Holiday Market at the Parkdale Public Market


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Where: 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 23, 2024 

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as you shop from local vendors, browsing for treats and gifts. This market begins with the Christmas tree and decor sales at Parkdale Market, where you can enjoy the sound of carolers, sip hot cider, and indulge in festive pastries.   

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Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – In Concert

Where: Arena at TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 23, 2024 

Transport yourself to a galaxy far, far away with the FILMharmonic Orchestra as it performs John Williams’ award-winning score from The Empire Strikes Back film.  

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Wyatt Flores - Life Lessons Tour

Where: Bronson Centre Music Theatre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 23, 2024 

Including the fan-favourite Please Don’t Go, Wyatt Flores has a string of songs that will have you dreaming of a road trip. He performs in Ottawa with special guest Zandi Holup for an all-ages, licensed event. 

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Watson's Mill's Christmas Craft Market

Where: Watson’s Mill, 5525 Dickinson St., Manotick, ON 

When: Weekends November 23 to December 8, 2024 

Enjoy a small-town market experience in Manotick’s historic Watson’s Mill and Dickinson House. Shop from 35 vendors over the course of three weekends, and check out the used bookstore while you’re there.  

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Ottawa Christmas Market


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Where: Aberdeen Plaza, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON 

When: Select dates November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025  

Transport yourself to the snow-covered cobblestone streets of a European Christmas Market at the annual Ottawa Christmas Market. Twinkly lights shine over cabin-like vendor booths with handmade treasures, gifts and treats. Join workshops for kids and adults, take your photo with Santa, and enjoy live music shows, with 25 days of programming featuring new entertainment and attractions.  

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Alight at Night


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Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg, ON 

When: Select dates from November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025 

Pack warm layers for a sparkling evening stroll through a holiday postcard setting. During the Alight at Night Festival, the heritage buildings, trees and fences in Upper Canada Village are covered with colourful lights. Enjoy a meal or treat on-site, with the option of adding a festive carriage ride to your evening.   

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Christmas in Old Aylmer

Where: Cabaret La Basoche, 120 Principale St., Gatineau, QC 

When: Select dates from November 29 to December 8, 2024  

Browse a European-style Christmas Market with more than 55 vendors to visit. Sip hot chocolate under twinkly lights, enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. The traditional Santa Claus parade takes place November 30 this year, beginning on rue Principale near the marina.  

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Santa's Parade of Lights

Where: St. Joseph Blvd., Ottawa, ON 

When: November 30, 2024 

If you’re an Ottawa East-ender, this annual Santa Claus parade goes along St-Joseph Boulevard in Orleans. Enjoy holiday sounds and lights with your family, waving at Santa and his friends.  

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Bring your CAA Membership card along for the ride

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.