Step into the festive season in Ottawa with our detailed guide. Whether you're a Ottawa native or a holiday pilgrim, this guide illuminates the city's festive charm.
No holiday in Ottawa would be complete without visiting Christmas Lights Across Canada, an event that transforms the city into a luminous winter wonderland. Experience the enchanting magic of Alight at Night, where historic landscapes shimmer under thousands of twinkling lights. And the Christmas Market at Lansdowne is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its charming stalls and delightful seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Ottawa
- Christmas Lights Across Canada
- Christmas Market at Lansdowne
- Christmas Glow Ottawa
- Vintage Village of Lights
- Christmas Cheer Breakfast
- Ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting
- NAC Holiday Symphony
- Magic of Lights
- Holiday Train
- Fête Frissons
Ottawa Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Across Canada
What to Expect:
Nationwide light display connecting Canadian cities
Description:
Canada's capital ignites with a dazzling display that stretches across the nation. Ottawa's Parliament Hill serves as the centerpiece for this illuminating tradition, which began in 1985. Visitors can stroll through the glowing pathways, admiring intricate light sculptures that tell stories of Canadian heritage. The event symbolizes unity, connecting major cities from coast to coast through synchronized lighting ceremonies. You'll witness the harmonious blend of modern LED technology with classic holiday charm, creating a uniquely Canadian winter spectacle.
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Christmas Lights Across Canada
Christmas Glow Ottawa
What to Expect:
Interactive light gardens with global themes
Description:
Ottawa's EY Centre transforms into a series of illuminated gardens, each themed after different global celebrations. This indoor event shields visitors from winter's chill while offering a journey around the world. Guests can interact with light installations, creating their own glowing masterpieces. The event incorporates educational elements, teaching about holiday traditions from various cultures. You'll encounter towering light sculptures and tunnels that transport you to far-off lands, all while staying in the heart of Ottawa.
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Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through light experience with animated displays
Description:
Wesley Clover Parks transforms into a twinkling wonderland, inviting visitors to enjoy holiday lights from the comfort of their vehicles. This innovative approach to light displays allows for a COVID-safe experience while maintaining the holiday spirit. Animated light sculptures create the illusion of movement, bringing festive scenes to life. The event utilizes cutting-edge lighting technology to create immersive, themed areas. You'll traverse through tunnels of light and encounter larger-than-life holiday characters, all synchronized to music broadcast through your car radio.
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Ottawa Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Market at Lansdowne
What to Expect:
Urban market blending local artisans with European traditions
Description:
Lansdowne Park buzzes with holiday spirit as it hosts a market that fuses Ottawa's local charm with European Christmas traditions. Artisans and craftspeople showcase unique, handmade gifts, offering alternatives to mass-produced items. The market's layout, inspired by classic European designs, creates intimate spaces for discovery. Visitors can sample locally-produced seasonal treats, supporting the region's culinary artisans. This event, relatively new to Ottawa's holiday scene, has quickly become a cherished tradition, reflecting the city's growing cultural diversity.
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Ottawa Holiday Giving Opportunities
Christmas Cheer Breakfast
What to Expect:
Community-wide charitable breakfast supporting local causes
Description:
Ottawa's spirit of giving shines at this annual breakfast event, uniting the community in support of local charities. Attendees enjoy a hearty meal while contributing to causes that benefit the city's most vulnerable residents. The breakfast, a tradition since 1951, has raised millions for Ottawa charities. Local celebrities and politicians often serve food, breaking down social barriers. You'll experience the warmth of community as hundreds gather to share in the joy of giving, embodying the true essence of the holiday season.
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Ottawa Holiday Shows and Entertainment
NAC Holiday Symphony
What to Expect:
World-class orchestra performing holiday classics in a renowned venue
Description:
The National Arts Centre Orchestra elevates holiday music to new heights with their annual symphony. This prestigious event features both beloved classics and innovative arrangements of seasonal tunes. The NAC's exceptional acoustics allow every note to resonate perfectly throughout the hall. Concertgoers can experience the rich cultural heritage of orchestral music while embracing the holiday spirit. The program often includes collaborations with guest artists, adding fresh perspectives to traditional holiday compositions.
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Holiday Train
What to Expect:
Traveling concert on a festively decorated train
Description:
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolls into Ottawa, bringing music and merriment to communities along its route. This brightly decorated locomotive serves as a mobile stage for live performances by Canadian musicians. The event, which began in 1999, raises food and funds for local food banks. Spectators gather at designated stops to enjoy the short concert and admire the illuminated train cars. You'll witness a unique blend of railway heritage and holiday celebration, all while supporting a worthy cause.
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City of Ottawa Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Free concert featuring local talent in a historic venue
Description:
Ottawa City Hall's Jean Pigott Place hosts a concert that brings together the city's diverse musical talents. This free event showcases local choirs, bands, and soloists performing a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday music. The concert, held in the heart of municipal government, symbolizes the city's commitment to arts and community. Attendees can admire the historic architecture of City Hall while enjoying performances. You'll experience the rich tapestry of Ottawa's musical community, all under one roof.
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City of Ottawa Christmas Concert
Ottawa Other Holiday Activities
Vintage Village of Lights
What to Expect:
Living history Christmas experience
Description:
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum leaps to life with a 1920s and 30s Christmas celebration. Costumed interpreters populate the village, demonstrating holiday preparations from a bygone era. Visitors can participate in traditional crafts, like making paper ornaments or stringing popcorn garlands. The event showcases how Ottawa Valley residents celebrated Christmas during the interwar period, offering a glimpse into local history. Lanterns flicker along the paths, creating an authentic atmosphere of early 20th-century rural Canadian life during the holiday season.
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Ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Official lighting ceremony with cultural performances
Description:
Parliament Hill becomes the focal point of Ottawa's holiday season with this time-honored ceremony. The lighting of the massive Christmas tree symbolizes the official start of festivities in the capital. Spectators gather to witness performances by diverse cultural groups, reflecting Canada's multicultural heritage. The event, steeped in national significance, often features addresses from government officials. Onlookers feel a sense of unity as the switch is flipped, illuminating the towering evergreen and casting a warm glow over the historic parliamentary grounds.
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Ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting
Fête Frissons
What to Expect:
Winter festival celebrating Francophone culture
Description:
Fête Frissons brings Francophone winter traditions to life in the heart of Ottawa. This vibrant festival showcases French-Canadian music, dance, and cuisine, offering a unique cultural experience. Visitors can try their hand at traditional winter sports and games popular in Francophone regions. The event highlights the importance of French culture in Ottawa's history and present-day identity. You'll be immersed in the sounds of French language and music, creating a distinctly Canadian winter celebration.
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Christmas Tea and Tour at Laurier House
What to Expect:
Historical tea service in a former Prime Minister's residence
Description:
Step into Canada's political past at Laurier House, once home to two influential Prime Ministers. This event combines a guided tour of the historically decorated residence with a traditional Christmas tea service. Visitors gain insight into holiday celebrations of Canada's early 20th-century elite. The house's authentic period decorations transport guests to Christmases past. You'll sip tea from fine china while learning about the political and social significance of Laurier House during the holiday season.
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Christmas Tea and Tour at Laurier House
Nearby Events
Alight at Night (Morrisburg)
What to Expect:
Historical village transformed by over one million lights
Description:
Step back in time at Upper Canada Village, where history and holiday lights intertwine. This 19th-century replica village transforms into a luminous landscape, adorned with over one million twinkling bulbs. Visitors can embark on a horse-drawn wagon ride, experiencing the village as early settlers might have - albeit with a radiant twist. The event pays homage to the area's rich heritage, illuminating historical buildings and bringing past Christmas traditions to life. Crisp winter air carries the sound of carolers, adding to the immersive historical atmosphere.
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Santa's Parade of Lights (Orleans)
What to Expect:
Evening parade combining holiday characters with illuminated floats
Description:
Orleans streets come alive as illuminated floats and costumed characters parade through the night. This unique evening procession blends the charm of a traditional Santa Claus parade with the spectacle of a light show. Spectators line the route, bundled against the cold, as music fills the air. The parade, a community-driven event, showcases local organizations and businesses through creatively lit displays. You'll spot familiar holiday figures alongside imaginative new creations, all aglow in the winter darkness.
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Ottawa Valley Christmas Market (Carp)
What to Expect:
Rural market showcasing Ottawa Valley's artisanal traditions
Description:
Carp Fairgrounds hosts a market that celebrates the rich artisanal heritage of the Ottawa Valley. Local craftspeople and food producers gather to showcase their wares, many using techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can watch demonstrations of traditional crafts, gaining insight into the region's cultural history. The market emphasizes sustainable and locally-sourced products, reflecting the area's agricultural roots. You'll discover unique gifts that capture the essence of the Ottawa Valley, from hand-knit woolens to small-batch preserves.
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Ottawa Valley Christmas Market
Osgoode Village Santa Claus Parade (Osgoode)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with strong community participation
Description:
Osgoode Village embraces its small-town charm with a parade that showcases local spirit. Community groups, schools, and businesses create floats that reflect the area's rural character. The parade route winds through the heart of the village, allowing for an intimate experience between participants and spectators. This event, a tradition for decades, strengthens community bonds and celebrates local identity. You'll feel the warmth of small-town hospitality as neighbors come together to share in the joy of the season.
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Osgoode Village Santa Claus Parade
Christmas in Merrickville (Merrickville)
What to Expect:
Victorian-era Christmas celebration in a historic village
Description:
Merrickville embraces its Victorian heritage with a Christmas celebration that transports visitors to the 19th century. The village's well-preserved architecture provides an authentic backdrop for period-costumed carolers and artisans. Visitors can explore unique shops housed in historic buildings, each decorated in Victorian style. The event highlights Merrickville's status as Canada's most beautiful village, showcasing its rich history and charming atmosphere. You'll feel as though you've stepped into a Dickens novel as you wander the lamp-lit streets.
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Kemptville Campus Christmas Market (Kemptville)
What to Expect:
Market held on a historic agricultural college campus
Description:
Kemptville Campus, once a renowned agricultural school, hosts a market that honors the area's farming heritage. Local producers and artisans sell goods that reflect the region's agricultural roots. Visitors can explore the historic campus buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century. The event emphasizes sustainable and locally-produced items, echoing the campus's educational legacy. You'll discover unique gifts while learning about the important role agriculture has played in the region's development.
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Kemptville Campus Christmas Market
Brockville Light Up Parade (Brockville)
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade in a historic riverside town
Description:
Brockville's charming downtown becomes a river of light as illuminated floats parade through the streets. The town's beautiful Victorian architecture serves as a backdrop to this glowing procession. Participants creatively incorporate lights into their costumes and floats, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The event, which began in 1996, has become a beloved tradition in this historic St. Lawrence River town. You'll feel the excitement build as darkness falls and the illuminated parade brings warmth to the winter night.
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Carp Christmas Parade (Carp)
What to Expect:
Rural parade celebrating agricultural heritage
Description:
Carp's Christmas parade reflects the village's strong agricultural roots and tight-knit community spirit. Farm equipment decorated with lights and garlands joins traditional floats, creating a unique blend of rural charm and holiday cheer. Local 4-H clubs and agricultural societies play a prominent role, showcasing the area's farming heritage. The parade route passes by the famous Carp Fair grounds, linking past and present celebrations. You'll experience the warmth of country hospitality as the community comes together to share in the joy of the season.