What to do in Ottawa this November 2023
10 Minute Read
As the temperatures cool, it doesn't mean it's time to stay indoors. November holds countless activities, from Christmas tree farms to cultural festivals, holiday markets and other events to visit around Ottawa.
There are many different things to do in and near Ottawa this November, including festive fun. Don't miss out on these events, festivals and activities.
Hairspray – Broadway Across Canada
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr3qXy5p-Kt/
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 14 – 19, 2023
Immerse yourself in the colourful, musical world of Hairspray set in 1960s Baltimore. This hit musical comedy is back on tour for six nights in Ottawa, and you can't stop the beat. Sing along and welcome yourself to the 60s.
National Remembrance Day Ceremony
Where: National War Memorial, Ottawa, ON
When: November 11, 2023
Each year, the Remembrance Day Ceremony honours men and women who have served in the military, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion. Starting around 10:30 a.m., the ceremony begins with the Veterans' March and includes O Canada, two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. and prayers, ending with the march off. Don't forget to wear your poppy in support.
Orleans Fork and Cork Festival
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: November 2 – 4, 2023
Make your evening an upscale one by pairing various drinks with tasty cuisine. Sip on your drink of choice with meal options, including Indian fusion, sushi and BBQ, as you enjoy live music and interactive demonstrations. Each day's session will feature a different presentation and performers for a unique experience.
Ottawa Canadian Film Festival
Where: Bytowne Cinema, 325 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 2 – 4, 2023
Head to the Bytowne Cinema for an evening of screenings celebrating Canadian filmmaking, including some by Ottawa creators. Featured documentaries, shorts, comedies, animations and dramas will be under the spotlight, with 18 different films shown over the course of the three festival nights.
Ottawa Senators Games
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: November 2, 4, 9, 11, 24 and 27, 2023
Support the home team and rep your best red, black and gold as you watch the Ottawa Senators hit the ice. CAA Members save big on select home game tickets, plus 10% off merchandise at the Sens Store.
Cheerfully Made Holiday Market
Where: Almonte Old Town Hall, 14 Bridge St., Almonte, ON
When: November 4 – 5, 2023
This bright local shop hosts seasonal makers' markets full of Canadian-made goods. Kick off your holiday season and start some gift shopping in the historic Almonte Old Town Hall.
Ottawa 67's Games
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 18, 25 and 26, 2023
Head to Lansdowne to spend an evening (or afternoon) watching an OHL hockey game. If you are a CAA Member, you'll get a discount on both home game tickets and 67's merch.
The Original Navan Market
Where: 1279 Colonial Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: November 5, 2023
The last market of the year is a massive holiday market featuring over 200 vendors to shop from. Start your holiday shopping, treat yourself and discover a variety of treats from food trucks. You can enjoy live music, take horse rides, sip hot chocolate and decorate ornaments.
Ottawa Rock N' Gem Show
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: November 16 – 19, 2023
Crystal, gemstone, bead and fossil lovers gather to admire and browse a variety of minerals and gems. You can purchase your favourites to bring home.
Magic Of Lights
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 411 Corkstown Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: November 17, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Stay cozy in your car and drive through a dazzling, colourful light display featuring various characters and festive scenes. Explore this glowing trail on wheels and get out to walk through the twinkling tunnel at the holiday pit stop. This walkable stop boasts holiday setups where you can take photos, a mailbox for Santa letters and often treats.
Metcalfe Farmer's Christmas Market
Where: Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Dr., Greely, ON
When: November 18 and December 16, 2023
This weekly farmers' market hosts two special holiday markets, offering fresh produce, handmade treats, preserves, coffee, decor, and gifts. There will be 50 unique vendors, hot food and live music.
Watson's Mill Christmas Craft Market
Where: Watson's Mill, 5525 Dickinson St., Manotick, ON
When: November 18, 19, 25, 26 and December 2,3, 2023
Experience a small-town market in a historic stone mill over three festive weekends. Get some of your holiday shopping done from over 30 vendors at Watson's Mill and Dickinson House. The used bookstore will also be open. The market nights conclude on December 3 with carol singing at sunset.
Festival Of Lights
Where: Perth, ON
When: Select dates from November 1 to December 31, 2023
The quaint town of Perth comes alight with a festive glow and hosts several Christmas and holiday events throughout the season. The Crystal Palace will be full of Christmas trees that are lit as of November 16, the same evening as Merry & Bright, where many local shops and restaurants participate. Browse the Christmas farmers' market on November 18, Once Upon A Christmas, where the streets become a storybook holiday on November 25, and spot the CPKC Holiday Train on November 27 and the Santa Claus Parade on December 2, among other events.
Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm
Where: 951 8th Conc. S., Pakenham, ON
When: November 18 – December 24, 2023
This Christmas tree farm near Ottawa is so magical that it has been the backdrop for Hallmark holiday movies. Take a wagon ride into the field and cut down your own evergreen or choose from pre-cut options and grab some fresh food like hot dogs, chili or maple treats. Santa will be visiting on select weekends, and there are hay structures and playgrounds for kids, a sledding hill, and a massive Christmas store. Walk to the picturesque bridge for some festive photos.
Lansdowne Tree Lighting Ceremony
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
When: November 24, 2023
Kick off the Ottawa Christmas Market and watch the tree lighting ceremony as the giant tree at Lansdowne becomes decked out with twinkly lights. The lighting takes place at 6 p.m.
Santa's Parade Of Lights
Where: St. Joseph Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: November 25, 2023
Start singing ‘Here Comes Santa Claus' because the city's East-end parade is back along St. Joseph Boulevard this month. Watch for Santa and a variety of festive floats between Youville Drive and Centrum Boulevard.
KISS: End Of The Road World Tour
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: November 21, 2023
If you've ever wanted to see the rock and roll legends of KISS perform, here is your last chance in Ottawa during their final tour. Do you hear them calling? Don't sit at home alone ‘cause the boys will be playing all night.
The Museum's Christmas Market
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC
When: November 23 - 26, 2023
Stroll through the Grand Hall, admiring the towering windows and Indigenous carvings as you browse the Christmas market. This annual market features over 80 vendors selling handmade treats and artisanal spirits to holiday decor and fashion accessories. Admission and coat check are free.
Sippin' Santa
Where: The Standard, 360 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 23 – December 31, 2023
Head out to The Standard, daily starting at 5 p.m., for its annual Hawaiian Christmas pop-up event. Transport yourself to a tropical holiday getaway, surrounded by festive decor, as you sip on creative cocktails served in themed glassware. Try the North Pole Bowl for two, the Ginger Snapper shot, or the Holiday on Ice drink made with cold brew, among other drinks. Santa mugs are available for sale to bring some of the fun home with you.
MacGowans Christmas Tree Farm
Where: 4611 Mohrs Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates starting November 18, 2023
Get outside on a crisp autumn day, searching through rows of spruce and firs for a Christmas tree to bring home. There are also wreaths and ornaments to browse. Take a wagon ride through the farm and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.
ADAAWE Indigenous Holiday Market
Where: 338 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: November 25, 2023
Finish off your holiday shopping at this market, where you can find unique items and gifts from over 30 Indigenous makers. Get cozy with some complimentary bannock and tea.
World Multicultural Festival
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 25, 2023
Learn about 70 countries under one roof for free. Celebrate different cultures through musical and dance performances, informative booths, cuisine, workshops, art exhibitions and other showcases.
Nutcracker Ballet
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 29 – December 3, 2023
Follow Clara as she embarks on a storybook adventure with her gifted Nutcracker that comes to life. This classic ballet story, a favourite around Christmas time, will enchant you. This Canadian production nods to some cultural references, including Hudson's Bay Company, the RCMP and a pond hockey game.
Help Santa Toy Parade
Where: Starting at Elgin and Laurier, ending at Lansdowne Park
When: November 18, 2023
Line the streets to cheer on Santa's arrival and give donations to Ottawa's Toy Mountain, which supports local children who otherwise may not have gotten any presents this year. The Santa Toy Parade runs down toward Bank Street, starting at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Elgin and Laurier. Watch magical holiday floats pass by and celebrate with your families.
Glebe Craft and Artisan Fair
Where: Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: November 25 – 26, 2023
Browse a variety of quality, locally made products at this community market. A volunteer neighbourhood group hosts it and is free to attend.
HOLIYAY Craft Market
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: November 26, 2023
Common Markets (formerly Freewheeling Craft) host local makers' markets throughout the year, and the eighth annual Holiyay Market is back at the NAC. Jewelry, candles, prints, clothing, ceramics and more handmade gifts will be presented from over 90 vendors.
Blitzen Estate
Where: 787 Kitley Line 2 Rd., Jasper, ON
When: November 18 – December 24, 2023 (Pending tree supply)
Cut your Christmas tree or pick from the pre-cut section, sip on hot chocolate by a fire pit, and play reindeer games. New this year, there will be a winter festival on December 2. Browse market vendors, sign up for festive team challenges, and visit Santa during the festival. Scavenger hunts for kids and adults alike will take place throughout the season.
Christmas In Old-Aylmer
Where: Cabaret La Basoche, 120 Principale St., Gatineau, QC
When: Weekends November 24 – December 3, 2023
Transport yourself overseas this holiday season to a European-style outdoor Christmas market. Browse over 50 vendors selling various gifts from hut-style booths, including food. Visit for mini electric train rides on November 25 and 26, the tree lighting ceremony on December 1, and free skating with Santa on December 3. Santa's Parade will take place on December 2.
Christmas Down On The Farm
Where: The Log Farm, 670 Cedarview Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: November 27 – December 18, 2023, weekends only
Gather your family for a spirited day on the farm, enjoying a wagon ride through the trees and warming up with hot chocolate or apple cider by a bonfire. Peek into Santa's workshop and drop off your letter for the big guy, browse the farm market for preserves and treats, visit the animals at the petting zoo and browse pre-cut Christmas trees.
Hillcrest Tree Farm
Where: 7357 Fourth Line Rd., North Gower, ON
When: November 25 – December 17, 2023 (pending tree supply)
Balsam fir, white spruce, blue spruce, Norway spruce, or scotch pine, whatever your Christmas tree preference you can cut down your own this season. This farm will have a large fire pit burning on the weekends, and each tree purchase comes with complimentary chocolate. You'll also be able to find a fresh wreath for your door.
Thomas Tree Farm
Where: 6421 McCordick Rd., North Gower, ON
When: Opening November 24, 2023
Take a ride on a hay wagon out to fields of evergreens to cut down a Christmas tree, either balsam, spruce or scotch pine. After your perfect pick, warm up by a campfire with complimentary hot chocolate and homemade cookies. There are also fresh wreaths for sale and a playground for little ones.
Don't forget to carry your CAA Membership
Starting at just $30 a year, CAA Members can enjoy discounts on everything from dining out and filling up on fuel, to savings on your car and travel insurance, as well as other benefits. You can view the list of 126,000 partner locations worldwide and compare Membership plans online.
