Ottawa really comes alive during the holidays. The city turns into a cozy winter backdrop filled with festive markets, sparkling lights, and plenty of events for families and friends to enjoy. Whether you love classic Christmas traditions or you’re looking to try something new this season, there’s always something happening. From light displays and outdoor winter fun to craft markets, performances, and delicious local treats, Ottawa has no shortage of ways to celebrate. Here’s a look at some of the best Christmas activities to check out in and around the city this year.
1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON K1S 5J3
Fridays to Sundays from November 21 to December 28, 2025
Tuesday December 30 & Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Hours vary
The Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park returns for 2025 with its signature blend of twinkling lights, festive music, and artisan shopping. This beloved annual market transforms Aberdeen Square into a glowing holiday village, welcoming visitors with the scents of warm seasonal treats and the sounds of live music drifting through the crisp evening air. Dozens of vendors showcase handcrafted gifts, local delicacies, holiday décor, and creative crafts, offering a perfect opportunity to support Ottawa’s artisan community while discovering meaningful gifts. The market atmosphere remains one of the city’s most enchanting holiday traditions, inviting guests to wander, shop, and soak in the festive spirit.
401 Corkstown Road, Ottawa, ON K2H 8T1
November 21, 2025 - January 3, 2026
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm nightly
Wesley Clover Parks once again lights up the season with Magic of Lights, the popular drive-through holiday experience in Kanata. This year’s route will showcase Ontario’s longest light tunnel, a roaring Prehistoric Christmas display, and returning fan favourites such as Winter Wonderland, Holiday Barbie, 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, Reindeer Road, and more. Visitors cruise through kilometres of dazzling LED installations and digital animations, enjoying the spectacle from the warmth and comfort of their vehicle. Consistently one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions, Magic of Lights offers an accessible and memorable evening out for families throughout the festive season.
Queen Elizabeth Driveway at Somerset St W. to Landsdown Park, Ottawa
November 22, 2025
Starts at 11am
Join the festive fun as Santa Claus and his helpers parade through downtown Ottawa on November 22, 2025. The event invites participants to bring a toy or donation for the Salvation Army’s Toy Mountain campaign, helping families in need this holiday season.
13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg, Ontario K0C 1X0
Open select nights from November 28, 2025 - January 3, 2026
5 - 9pm
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of “Alight at Night”, where Upper Canada Village is transformed into a winter wonderland with over one million lights brightening its historic heritage setting. Guests are invited to bundle up and stroll through lantern-lit streets, heritage buildings wrapped in illumination, and scenic outdoor trails.
This year’s experience is rich with seasonal activities: there’s a horse-drawn carriage ride package, family photo opportunities with Santa, warm-up spots like the Toybox Café featuring hot drinks and artisan gifts, a Festive Sound & Light Show where thousands of lights flash to holiday tunes, a miniature toy train ride for kids, and interactive activity stations such as Mistletoe Loveseat photo spots, the Frosty Fun Zone for hot drink breaks and ornament-decorating, and the Village Store for holiday shopping including locally-made cheese. Tickets must be purchased online in advance, parking is free onsite, and on accessibility nights the event offers a 30-minute evening driving tour for guests with limited mobility.
1096 Bridge St, Manotick, ON K4M 1J2
November 28 - 29, 2025
All day
Enjoy a festive weekend in Manotick Village filled with holiday charm and community spirit. The weekend kicks off with the lively Kiwanis Parade of Lights, followed by the tree-lighting ceremony and carolling. Visitors can browse local shops for unique gifts, enjoy seasonal treats, take a wagon ride, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and explore a lineup of village-wide activities in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1
December 3 - 7, 2025
Various times
This holiday season, the National Arts Centre welcomes the vibrant and distinctly Canadian production of the Nutcracker by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet alongside the NAC Orchestra. Expect iconic scenes such as a hockey game on a frozen pond, RCMP officers battling the Mouse King on Parliament Hill, and playful nods to the Hudson’s Bay Company, all woven into the classic holiday tale.
400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1N 7M7
December 3 - 20, 2025
Wednesdays to Saturdays at 7:30 pm
December 7 & 14
2:30 pm
This unique holiday offering blends beloved characters from Dickens and Conan Doyle in a clever, crowd-pleasing mystery. A grown-up Tiny Tim turns to Sherlock Holmes to investigate the strange death of Ebenezer Scrooge, bringing a mix of chills, laughs and festive cheer to the stage.
Landsdowne Park, Marché Way, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W7
December 6, 2025
10am start
Join a festive 5-km Fun Run or a 1-km Elf Walk open to all ages and fitness levels, proudly supported by the The Salvation Army and the Running Room. Participants are encouraged to don their most spirited holiday attire as they lace up for fun and fundraising at this seasonal event.
7893 Bleeks Road Munster, ON, Canada K0A 3P0
Country Christmas (Daytime): Weekends from December 6 - December 21, 2025
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Holiday Light Stroll (Evenings): Select nights from December 6 until December 30, 2025
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saunders Farm once again brings its signature holiday warmth through two distinct seasonal experiences. During the daytime Country Christmas, families can stroll through festive displays, wander the award-winning hedge mazes, enjoy wagon rides, and visit with Santa and the energetic Elf Squad. The farm also offers pre-cut Christmas trees, making it an ideal stop for selecting the centrepiece of your holiday décor.
As evening falls, Saunders Farm transforms into a landscape of glowing pathways during the Holiday Light Stroll. Guests wander through illuminated trails filled with colour, music, and seasonal charm. The Town Square Christmas Market offers wood-fired pizza, warm beverages, Saunders cider, and classic Canadian treats like BeaverTails served around crackling bonfires. This dual experience highlights the blend of rural heritage and holiday imagination that has made Saunders Farm a beloved Ottawa-area tradition.
1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1
December 11 - 13, 2025
Various showtimes
Join the National Arts Centre Orchestra as they perform the iconic film score live to the screening of the Muppet adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale. Featuring Kermit as Bob Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig and the full charm of the Muppets, this holiday concert is fun for the whole family.
60 Waller St, Ottawa, ON K1N 6E2
Saturday, December 13, 2025
2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Cirquonscient, Ottawa’s circus arts collective, presents Jingle Jazz — a holiday-inspired evening that blends live jazz music with dazzling circus acrobatics. The performance invites guests to step into the sparkle of the season as circus artists perform to a live jazz band in the intimate LabO Theatre.
2452 York's Corners Road, Edwards, ON K0A 1V0
Christmas Village: Weekends in December 2025 & December 22, 23, 2025
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Holiday Stroll: Thursdays - Saturdays until December 27, 2025 (except December 24, 25) & January 2, 3, 2026
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm invites visitors into a heartwarming holiday world where old-fashioned Christmas charm takes centre stage. During the daytime Christmas Village, families can enjoy festive décor, interactive games, and cheerful visits with Santa and his elves while exploring the farm’s heritage-rich surroundings. Crackling bonfires, rustic backdrops, and friendly staff help create a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of classic holiday postcards.
In the evenings, the Holiday Stroll offers a peaceful walk-through lantern-lit maple forests adorned with twinkling lights. The serene glow of the trails provides a magical contrast to the lively daytime activities, allowing guests to experience a quieter, more reflective side of the season. Stanley’s continues to be a cherished holiday destination that blends community, heritage, and celebration.
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