Get pumped for the festive season in Ottawa! Our guide highlights all the top holiday events and activities. For those deeply connected to Ottawa and those just making connections, our guide is your festive roadmap.
One of the must-see attractions is the Ottawa Christmas Market, where enchanting stalls offer artisanal treats and unique gifts in a charming winter setting. The Magic of Lights delights visitors with dazzling displays illuminating the landscape, creating a whimsical atmosphere for all ages. And the Alight at Night event is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring stunning light displays that transform the village into a winter wonderland. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Ottawa
- Ottawa Christmas Market
- Magic of Lights
- Christmas Lights Across Canada
- Alight at Night (Morrisburg)
- Christmas Market at Lansdowne
- Christmas Glow Ottawa
- Stanley’s Holiday Stroll (Edwards)
- Festival of Lights (Perth)
- Ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting
- Smiths Falls Celebration of Lights (Smiths Falls)
See these and even more events listed below!
Ottawa Holiday Light Displays
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. Enjoy spectacular light displays, including a larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie display and life-sized dinosaurs from Prehistoric Christmas.
Where: Ottawa | More Info: Magic of Lights
Alight at Night
What to Expect:
Dazzling light display on historic village buildings and grounds.
Description:
Stroll through Upper Canada Village, adorned with over one million lights, historic buildings, and festive atmosphere. Enjoy holiday music, BeaverTails, and more in a picturesque setting perfect for families, couples, and friends.
Where: Morrisburg | More Info: Alight at Night
Christmas Lights Across Canada
What to Expect:
Dazzling display of hundreds of thousands of lights.
Description:
Thousands of multi-coloured lights illuminate Canada's Capital Region, highlighting various sites and monuments.
Where: Ottawa | More Info: Christmas Lights Across Canada
Stanley’s Holiday Stroll
What to Expect:
2km forest trail with warm fires and photo ops.
Description:
Explore Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm's beautifully decorated forest trails illuminated by colorful lights and festive displays. Enjoy warm fires, photo opportunities, and a pet-friendly atmosphere.
Where: Edwards | More Info: Stanley’s Holiday Stroll
Ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Dazzling outdoor tree lighting with live music and treats.
Description:
The Ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting at the Canadian Museum of History features a stunning 14-meter tall tree adorned with thousands of white lights, illuminated in the museum's plaza. Enjoy music and dance performances by Ensemble folklorique de la Gatineau, along with complimentary hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies, and maple taffy.
Where: Ottawa | More Info: Ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting
Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Continuous lighting of decorated Christmas trees.
Description:
The Festival of Lights features continuous viewing of decorated Christmas trees outside the Crystal Palace, lit from 4:00 p.m. until dawn, with additional viewing inside during events.
Where: Perth | More Info: Festival of Lights
Smiths Falls Celebration of Lights
What to Expect:
Vibrant light displays in a picturesque park setting.
Description:
Smiths Falls Celebration of Lights is a spectacular event featuring intricate light installations and festive decorations in Victoria Park, creating a beautiful winter wonderland atmosphere.
Where: Smiths Falls | More Info: Smiths Falls Celebration of Lights
Santa's Parade of Lights (Orleans)
What to Expect:
Vibrant light displays and festive floats along a historic route.
Description:
Santa's Parade of Lights in Orleans features a spectacular display of lights and festive floats, showcasing the city's holiday spirit with a route that includes St-Joseph Blvd.
Where: Orleans | More Info: Santa's Parade of Lights (Orleans)
Ottawa Holiday Markets and Shopping
Ottawa Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Extensive local vendor offerings and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Ottawa Christmas Market is a vibrant holiday event located at Aberdeen Plaza, featuring over 50 local vendors offering unique gifts, traditional Christmas items, and local flavors. The market is surrounded by snow-capped heritage buildings and wooden chalets, creating a festive atmosphere with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights and decorations. It includes live music, workshops, and attractions for all ages, including Santa's Workshop and free crafts for kids.
Where: Ottawa | More Info: Ottawa Christmas Market
Christmas Glow Ottawa
What to Expect:
Unique shopping and dining experience with local vendors and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Ottawa Christmas Market is a European-style holiday event featuring over 50 local vendors, festive lights, and decorations, live entertainment, and a variety of food and beverage options. It offers a range of shopping options, including holiday gifts and traditional Christmas items, along with workshops and attractions for all ages.
Where: Ottawa | More Info: Christmas Glow Ottawa
Christmas Market at Lansdowne
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local vendors and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne features over 50 local vendors offering holiday gifts, traditional items, and unique food and beverages. The event includes festive lights, decorations, live music, and workshops for all ages.
Where: Ottawa | More Info: Christmas Market at Lansdowne
Ottawa Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Sleeping Beauty
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Sleeping Beauty is a classic ballet by Marcia Haydée, set to Tchaikovsky's magnificent score. It tells the tale of Princess Aurora, cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse, who falls into a deep sleep that can only be broken by true love's kiss. The production features opulent costumes, grandiose sets, and a nuanced portrayal of evil.
Where: Ottawa | More Info: Sleeping Beauty
City of Ottawa Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Live music and community entertainment at Ottawa City Hall.
Description:
The City of Ottawa's Christmas Concert is a joyous celebration featuring live music, festive entertainment, and community spirit at Ottawa City Hall.
Where: Ottawa | More Info: City of Ottawa Christmas Concert
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
What to Expect:
All-new version of "The Lost Christmas Eve" tour featuring fan-favorite compositions.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a symphony orchestra known for its elaborate rock operas and holiday-themed performances, blending hard rock with Christmas classics.
Where: Ottawa | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Candlelight Jazz: A Charlie Brown Christmas
What to Expect:
Intimate jazz performance under candlelight.
Description:
Immerse yourself in the timeless melodies of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with Candlelight Jazz, where the soft glow of candles enhances the intimate setting and classic jazz harmonies.
Where: Ottawa | More Info: Candlelight Jazz: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Ottawa Holiday Giving Opportunities
54th Help Santa Toy Parade
What to Expect:
Parade supporting local families with toy donations.
Description:
The Help Santa Toy Parade is a joyous event where Santa Claus and friends parade through Ottawa, delivering joy to children. The parade features jugglers, bands, dance and singing performances, and floats. It supports local families by providing toys through Toy Mountain.
Where: Ottawa | More Info: 54th Help Santa Toy Parade
Ottawa Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Dining at Fairmont Château Laurier
What to Expect:
Elegant holiday dining with expertly crafted tea blends and beautiful decor.
Description:
Savor special festive menus and holiday tea service at Fairmont Château Laurier, offering dining experiences for all to enjoy.
Where: Ottawa | More Info: Holiday Dining at Fairmont Château Laurier
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Gatineau (5 miles)
- Aylmer (5 miles)
- Nepean (5 miles)
- Fallingbrook (11 miles)
- Kanata (13 miles)
- Clarence-Rockland (22 miles)