The Christmas season is well underway, and when you’re not decorating the house, there are a ton of festive activities going on in and around Ottawa. There is something festive this season for everyone, whether you want to be a tipsy elf at a Christmas pop-up bar, design an ornament at a holiday market or take in a twinkling light walking tour. December is finally here! Here are the top 8 holiday events in the Ottawa area that you must attend before Christmas! These citywide holiday celebrations are the ideal way to ring in the month of December.
1. Enjoy the breathtaking light display on Parliament Hill:
This breathtaking holiday light display not only beautifully highlights the splendor of the legislative buildings, but it is also totally free! A fantastic way to experience the holiday spirit of the city is through Christmas Lights across Canada.
2. Pick up a tree at Saunders Farm’s A Country Christmas:
This holiday season, pay a visit to Saunders Farm’s charming Christmas display. Before viewing the stunning Saunders Farm displays, indulge in some seasonal goodies and hot beverages. You can ride in a happy wagon through the snow, visit Santa on his sleigh, or go see their light show at night.
3. Walk around the lovely Alight at Night exhibit:
The nicest holiday decorations can be found in Upper Canada Village, and this year they are back with Alight at Night! And it’s the biggest outdoor light show festival in Eastern Ontario! It’s one of the most joyous events of the year with over a million lights adorning the trees, charming heritage buildings, and pathways of Upper Canada Village.
4. Visit the loveliest Christmas market in Ottawa:
Sincerity is told, this market just improves year after year. More than 60 live performances, 35 merchants, and a ton of entertaining events are all scheduled for the market this year. Don’t miss out on the fun as there will be live DJ activities, ice skating, and mulled wine tasting.
5. Skate through the forest on this ice rink maze:
You can begin skating through a beautiful, snow-covered forest near to Ottawa on December 18. This lovely ice maze is surrounded by nearly 6 kilometers of ice skating paths. Wow! Spend hours exploring all the turns and twists while being surrounded by sparkling ice crystals.
6. Take a picture with spooky Santa:
The price range for photo packages: $30 to $44
When: 5 to 8 p.m. on December 20, 2022.
Address: 2121 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, Carling wood Shopping Center
Why You Must Leave: At the Carling Wood Shopping Center, you can have your own nightmare before Christmas and get your picture made with Jack Skellington disguised as Santa. Santa Claus will also be at the mall for photos, so you don’t have to dress up in eerie attire if you don’t want to.
On December 9–11 and 16–18, the shopping center will host a holiday bazaar featuring Ottawa companies.
7. Ottawa Christmas Market:
The Ottawa Christmas Market is brimming with festive cheer. Enjoy festive entertainment, regional cuisine, and holiday shopping at Aberdeen Square in Lansdowne Park. The Christmas Market will feature more than 35 local vendors, and there will be a Santa’s Workshop with free crafts for youngsters. The Canadian Showtime Chorus, Chantal Hackett Band, Erica Brighthill, Jessica Pearson, Highway Sunrise, JW-Jones, the Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus, OK Naledi, Tara Shannon, and The Lionyls are just a few of the musical artists who will be performing. From November 25 to December 23, there is a Christmas market in Ottawa.
8. Clow’s Christmas Trail:
At Clow’s Christmas Trail, you may spend this holiday season taking in the wonder of Christmas memories. The festive 1.5 km-long circuit features holiday decorations like the Nativity Scene, a winter sports lane, the post office at the North Pole, a candy store, and Santa’s top shop. On December 2, Clow’s Christmas Trail debuts. Visit clows.ca for details and tickets. The address of Clow’s Christmas Trail in Brockville is 2224 Hallecks Road West.
9. Richmond Christmas Market:
The Christmas market is held indoors at the 2nd-floor hall at 6095 Perth St. in Richmond Village, near the west part of Ottawa (corner of Huntley Road and Perth Street) Hours of the Christmas Market are from 10 am to 4 pm. Nov. 27, a Sunday. In addition to local craftsmen, the Richmond 4H club will be selling food and beverages, and a local musician will be making balloon animals for kids.
10. Take A Flight with Santa:
For weekend flights over Parliament, Santa has partnered with Ottawa Biplane Adventures. Flights cost just $38 per person, with money raised going to the Ottawa Food Bank. The journey takes around ten to fifteen minutes, and the aerial view of Ottawa is fantastic. I recently had this experience, and I couldn’t wait to board an aircraft once more! Due to the fact that we were three adults, we were unable to travel with Santa but we were still able to see him outside the aircraft.
11. Visit Winter Wander on Sparks Street:
I enjoy strolling down Sparks Street during the holidays and observing the various storefronts. With their Winter Wander displays this year, they went even bigger for Christmas. Wander around and take pictures of the life-size stars and presents. First, go to Le Mouline de Provence. They not only have a fantastic range of holiday beverages, but they have also served as a backdrop for Christmas movies in Ottawa. From here, carry on to Rabbit Hole for dinner and drinks or the Rink of Dreams for ice skating.
12. Enjoy A Cocktail at Holiday Pop-up:
Visit the Fairmont Laurier for a Christmas pop-up speakeasy. Look for the Elf’s Pub sign, then enter to find a stunning space festooned with countless ornaments, holiday decorations, Christmas trees, and more.