Top things to do in Ottawa this November 2026
10 Minute Read
Summary
- Ottawa hosts concerts, comedy shows and major cultural festivals throughout November.
- Holiday highlights include Santa’s parade, Ottawa Christmas Market and the Alight At Night Festival.
- Families can visit tree farms, shop for local gifts and enjoy festive performances marking winter’s arrival.
Ottawa in November is a month of transition when spooky season lingers, the trees stand bare, and Christmas cheer begins creeping into the capital.
Make the most of the season with cultural festivals, comedy shows, music concerts, hockey games and a few final spooky experiences. By month’s end, festive markets, Santa’s parade, Christmas tree farms, holiday performances and glowing light displays offer plenty of ways to welcome winter. Here are the top things to do in Ottawa this November.
Festivals and cultural events
Discover Ottawa festivals and cultural events that celebrate art, music, heritage and the start of the holiday season.
Day Of The Dead Festival
Where: 55 ByWard Market Squ., Ottawa, ON
When: October 29 to November 1, 2026
Honour and commemorate loved ones who have passed with a Mexican festival of art, dance, music and food.
Orleans Comic Book & Novelty Show
Where: 110 Place d'Orléans Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: November 1, 2026
Dress up in your favourite cosplay for an afternoon of creators, comics, collectors, and fans. Find unique items and a variety of exhibits.
Ottawa New Music Festival
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: November 6 and 7, 2026
Enjoy two days of diverse performances from Canadian artists, including a kids’ Art Crush Discovery Zone event.
The National Remembrance Day Ceremony
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Where: National War Memorial, Ottawa, ON
When: November 11, 2026
Stand in remembrance of those who have fallen in military service in Canada at a downtown ceremony. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a veterans’ march, it includes singing O Canada and laying wreaths.
There are also celebrations at Beechwood Cemetery and the Canadian War Museum. Wear your poppy!
Ottawa Children's Festival
Where: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Pl., Ottawa, ON
When: November 12 to 17, 2026
Spend time with your children introducing them to the arts and experiencing a festival of live performances.
Help Santa Toy Parade
Where: Southbound along Queen Elizabeth Driveway from Somerset St. W, Ottawa, ON
When: November 21, 2026
Line the streets to wave at Santa as he passes, enjoying a stream of festive floats and vehicles. If you can, bring a gift or donation for Ottawa’s Toy Mountain, so local families in need can have Christmas presents.
Alight At Night Festival
Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg, ON
When: November 27, 2026 to January 2, 2027 (select dates)
Grab your coat and mittens for a charming stroll of festive lights and displays through a historic setting. More than one million lights make the village glow brightly, where you can also enjoy a carriage ride, take photos with Santa, ride a miniature train, and grab a hot bite to eat.
Live music and performances
Enjoy Ottawa's lively entertainment scene with concerts, comedy shows, dance events and family-friendly performances throughout November.
Sunday Swing
Where: KS on the Keys Restaurant, 1029 Daze St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 1 and 8, 2026
An evening of big band music awaits, so grab your dancing shoes to swing, twirl and groove ballroom style. Relax and enjoy the tunes if dancing isn’t your thing.
The Stampeders – One More Time
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: November 2, 2026
A night of nostalgic rock n’ roll will have you singing along to hits including Sweet City Woman, Carry Me and Wild Eyes.
Comedy At The Carleton
Where: The Carleton, 223 Armstrong St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2026
Seating is first come, first served to enjoy a free night of local comedy in a casual setting.
Matteo Lane: We Gotta Catch Up Tour
Where: NAC, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 6, 2026
Known for his unique blend of stand-up comedy, music, and acting, Matteo Lane will tackle a wide range of topics and deliver a night of laughs.
Laura Ramoso: The Calm Down Tour
Where: Hard Rock Live, 4837 Albion Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: November 6, 2026
Enjoy a night of laughs as you watch Laura Ramoso, known for her high-energy sets and character impressions.
Frozen In Time
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: November 7, 2026
This fairytale performance full of storytelling and songs is an all-ages event, ideal for little ones to dress up as a prince or princess and enjoy their favourite songs and characters.
Sound Of Remembrance
Where: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Pl., Ottawa, ON
When: November 7, 2026
Dedicated to Canadian veterans and first responders, this annual musical tribute offers an evening of song and reflection.
Broadway Nights
Where: Manor Lounge, 292-A Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 9, 2026
The point is to join in, so sing along! Cheer from the crowd or grab the open mic during a lively evening of enjoying Broadway tunes in a magical environment.
Maestro Competitive Improv Comedy
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: November 14 and 21, 2026
Pro improvisers take on games and scenes created entirely from audience suggestions, and after each one, you get to vote on who stays and who goes.
A Coast-to-Coast Cowboy Christmas
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: November 21, 2026
Canadian country artists George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett are spreading festive cheer with a music event of Christmas classics and some of their biggest hits.
The Nutcracker
Where: NAC, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 26 to 29, 2026
A lovely holiday tradition to begin or continue with your family: follow the story of young Clara and her prince as they travel to a magical land in this classic ballet performance. Dazzling sets, sparkling costumes and larger-than-life characters will stun you in this dreamy show.
Idioteque: Canada’s Finest Radiohead Tribute Band
Where: Overflow Brewing Co., 2477 Kaladar Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: November 26, 2026
Overflow Brewing’s stage features performances throughout the month, including various tribute bands. Experience the music and magic of Radiohead, recreated with attention to detail for an accurate sound of many favourite songs.
Outdoor adventures
Bundle up for outdoor activities near Ottawa, from lingering haunted tours to the first festive visits to a Christmas tree farm.
Stittsville Haunted Heritage Tours
Where: 1549 Main St. S, Ottawa, ON
When: November 6 and 7, 2026
Spooky season in Ottawa isn’t quite over! If you couldn’t join a haunted walking tour in October, come to Stittsville and discover unnerving legends and strange happenings across town.
Thomas Tree Farm
Where: 6421 McCordick Rd., North Gower, ON
When: Open from November 20, 2026
The Ottawa region has multiple Christmas tree farms where you can enjoy a dreamy winter day and start (or continue) a festive tradition. Cut down a fir, spruce or Scotch pine tree after taking a hay wagon ride out to the field. Snack on complimentary hot chocolate and cookies while warming up by a fire.
Local markets and fairs
Browse Ottawa-area markets and fairs for local food, handmade gifts, vintage finds and festive holiday shopping.
One World Bazaar
Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Rd., Manotick Station, ON
When: Until November 22, 2026 (select dates)
Hidden in a vintage barn is an explosive market filled with treasures from across the globe. It’s only open for seven weekends each fall, so come by to uncover unique finds.
Metcalfe Farmers' Christmas Market
Where: Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Dr., Greely, ON
When: November 7, 2026
Start celebrating the holiday season at a farmers’ market filled with vendors selling produce, baked goods and gifts.
613flea
Where: Horticulture Building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: November 7 and 28, 2026
Browse an ever-changing marketplace with countless vendors offering unique finds. Discover vintage pieces, handmade gifts, new and retro clothing, tasty treats and much more.
The Original Navan Market
Where: 1279 Colonial Rd., Navan, ON
When: November 8, 2026
Browse a variety of goods, including preserves, fresh food, body products, crafts, jewelry, and more, during the holiday market. Get some early Christmas shopping done and enjoy live entertainment while you’re there.
Holiday Market At Robert Plante Greenhouses
Where: 4228 Navan Rd., Navan, ON
When: November 14 and 15, 2026
A fun way to start your holiday gift shopping, this two-day market features more than 275 vendors. Shop tons of goods, including festive, seasonal plants and decor, while indulging in fresh food and sipping hot chocolate.
Ottawa Christmas Market
Where: Aberdeen Plaza at Lansdowne, Marché Way, Ottawa, ON
When: November 20 to December 31, 2026 (select dates)
Transport yourself to a holiday season overseas with a visit to Ottawa’s cozy, European-style Christmas market. Shop a variety of gifts and treats from chalet-style huts, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, say hi to Santa, join a festive workshop, enjoy live entertainment and much more. A tree lighting ceremony kicks it all off on the first evening.
Christmas Craft Market
Where: Watson’s Mill, 5525 Dickinson St., Manotick, ON
When: Weekends from November 21 to December 6, 2026
Enjoy holiday shopping and browse unique, locally made gifts at the historic Watson’s Mill.
The Museum’s Christmas Market
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC
When: November 26 to 29, 2026
Nearly 100 unique vendors are waiting to be browsed and shopped in the Grand Hall and various salon rooms of the history museum. Discover holiday decorations, gift ideas, gourmet food items and much more.
Christmas In Old Aylmer
Where: 120 Rue Principale, Gatineau, QC
When: November 27 to December 6, 2026 (select dates)
Shop for sweet goodies and locally made products from cozy wooden huts at a European-style Christmas market across the river. Events include workshops and a Santa Claus parade on November 28.
Sports and fitness events
Cheer on Ottawa's hockey teams and experience the energy of live sports in the capital this November.
Ottawa 67's
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 4, 6 and 22, 2026
Put on your jersey and check out our local OHL team hit the ice. Experience the high-energy stadium atmosphere, enjoy a variety of eats, and cheer on with fellow fans.
Ottawa Senators
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: November 8, 10, 13, 15, 21, 22 and 24, 2026
Wear your team colours, red, black and gold, and prepare to cheer, “Go Sens Go!” with fellow fans. Hockey season is in full swing, and you can watch the home team battle it out on the ice. Say hi to the mascot Spartacat and enjoy some stadium eats during the game.
CAA Members save big on select Ottawa Senators home games! Plus, you can get a parking discount too.
Food events
Warm up after a November outing with festive food and drink experiences in Ottawa, including seasonal pop-ups and a holiday party bike ride.
Miracle On Elgin
Where: Elgin Beer Project and Good Neighbour, 399 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: From November 19, 2026
Grab a bite at one of two neighbouring, festively themed restaurants, where the walls are adorned with red and green, and the menu is even more magical. Ugly sweaters are encouraged as you soak up the holiday spirit, sipping Christmas drinks from fun glassware surrounded by twinkling lights.
The Pedaler Express
Where: Starting at the Ottawa Christmas Market
When: November 20 to December 20 and December 31 (select dates)
Ottawa’s party bike is taking things festive with its holiday ride, The Pedaler Express. Select your tour date to take a pedal party ride from the Ottawa Christmas Market through the Glebe neighbourhood. Enjoy the holiday spirit as you pedal, sing karaoke, dress up for themed nights, and grab your included treat when you return to the market. Outside of Christmas market hours, you can book a custom ride for your own group.
Bring your Membership this November
Wherever your days take you, bring your CAA Membership along. As a Member, you'll get discounts on sporting events, online shopping, entertainment, and dining out.
Sign up today for as low as $30 a year, or stop by your nearest CAA Store, such as CAA Ottawa.
