Last updated: November 11, 2024
Can't wait for the holidays in Nepean? Check out our guide for all the festive happenings! Whether you're a Nepean regular or a once-in-a-lifetime visitor, this guide reveals hidden gems and beloved traditions.
Popular events during the holiday season include the Ottawa Christmas Market, where visitors can explore charming stalls filled with artisan goods and seasonal treats. In addition, the Magic of Lights captivates attendees with stunning light displays and festive installations that bring the spirit of the season to life. And the Winter Lights Across Canada is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing beautiful illuminations that reflect the diverse culture of Canada. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Nepean Holiday Light Displays
Winter lights across Canada
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light display showcasing national landmarks.
- Description
- Winter Lights Across Canada is a spectacular display of hundreds of thousands of multi-coloured lights illuminating significant sites and monuments in Ottawa and Gatineau, creating a vibrant pathway for visitors to explore.
- Where
- Ottawa | More Info : Winter lights across Canada
Magic of Lights
- What to Expect
- Over a mile of spectacular light displays.
- Description
- Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters. The event includes spectacular light displays, a larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie display, and life-sized dinosaurs from Prehistoric Christmas.
- Where
- Ottawa | More Info : Magic of Lights
Alight a Night
- What to Expect
- Over one million lights adorn historic buildings and trees.
- Description
- Alight at Night transforms Upper Canada Village into a dazzling display of over one million lights, creating a captivating backdrop for an evening stroll through historic buildings and festive settings. This family-friendly event includes a life-sized, colorfully lit toy train and Pommier carriage rides, offering a memorable holiday experience for all ages.
- Where
- Morrisburg | More Info : Alight a Night
Nepean Holiday Markets and Shopping
Ottawa Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping options and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- The Ottawa Christmas Market is a vibrant holiday event located at Aberdeen Plaza, featuring over 50 local vendors offering a wide range of holiday gifts, traditional items, unique food, and beverages. The market includes holiday lights, decorations, music, workshops, and attractions for all ages.
- Where
- Ottawa | More Info : Ottawa Christmas Market
Kars Community Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Local vendors selling unique gifts and seasonal items.
- Description
- The Kars Community Christmas Market offers a variety of local vendors each day, providing a wide range of unique gifts and seasonal items. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase using cash or e-transfer. The event features free parking and no entry fee, with a donation box for the North Gower Outreach Food Bank.
- Where
- Kars | More Info : Kars Community Christmas Market
Nepean Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas with Music and Beyond
- What to Expect
- World-class chamber music performance celebrating a milestone anniversary.
- Description
- Les Violons du Roy, a renowned ensemble, celebrates its 40th anniversary with a concert featuring Karina Gauvin and Marie-Nicole Lemieux performing Handel's "Streams of Pleasure." The event takes place on October 30, 2024, at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre.
- Where
- Ottawa | More Info : Christmas with Music and Beyond
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- What to Expect
- Elaborate live rock opera with complex light shows and pyrotechnics.
- Description
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings an all-new version of "The Lost Christmas Eve," the final chapter of their Christmas trilogy, to cities across the country. This iconic symphony orchestra combines hard rock and holiday classics in a spectacular live performance filled with complex light shows and pyrotechnics.
- Where
- Ottawa | More Info : Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Nepean Holiday Giving Opportunities
Help Santa Toy Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven parade supporting local families with toy donations.
- Description
- The Help Santa Toy Parade is a festive event where Santa delivers joy to children in Ottawa. The parade features floats, bands, and performances, with a focus on supporting local families through donations to Toy Mountain.
- Where
- Ottawa | More Info : Help Santa Toy Parade
Nepean Other Holiday Activities
A Country Christmas
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experience with interactive activities and festive lights.
- Description
- At Saunders Farm, A Country Christmas offers a variety of activities including hedge mazes, play structures, and Christmas displays. Visitors can meet Santa, build custom bears, decorate cookies, and enjoy festive food and treats. The event also features a holiday light stroll through beautiful walking paths.
- Where
- Ottawa | More Info : A Country Christmas
Christmas Candlelight Service
- What to Expect
- Candlelight memorial with carols and tree-lighting ceremony.
- Description
- Join Beechwood Cemetery for a special Christmas Candlelight Service featuring a candlelight memorial, carols, and a tree-lighting ceremony. Non-perishable food items for the Food Bank are appreciated. The event is outdoors, so dress warmly.
- Where
- Ottawa | More Info : Christmas Candlelight Service
Vintage Village of Lights
- What to Expect
- Immersive historical village experience with authentic heritage buildings.
- Description
- Step back in time to the 1920s and 1930s at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, where you can explore a recreated historic village with dozens of heritage buildings and true-era reproductions. The museum offers unique opportunities to create unforgettable moments for visitors of all ages.
- Where
- Ottawa | More Info : Vintage Village of Lights
Thomas Tree Farm
- What to Expect
- Tractor-drawn wagon rides through a maple bush.
- Description
- Thomas Tree Farm is a 50-acre property just south of Ottawa, featuring a beautiful maple bush and offering wagon rides. It's a perfect place to create Christmas memories with your family.
- Where
- North Gower | More Info : Thomas Tree Farm
North Pole Express
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with Santa Claus and festive activities.
- Description
- Step aboard our festively decorated vintage trains for a holiday celebration featuring Santa Claus, professional photos, and holiday activities like face-painting and reindeer games.
- Where
- Smiths Falls | More Info : North Pole Express