The Holidays are meant for spending with family and friends.
Whether you are celebrating over the holidays with just a few or have many relatives and friends visiting from out of town, there are a ton of places in Ottawa where you can participate in the holiday spirit!
1. OTTAWA’S FIRST EUROPEAN-STYLE CHRISTMAS MARKET
You may have heard the buzz around town about this new Instagram-worthy Christmas market. Situated under a stunning canopy of thousands of lights at Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza, Lansdowne, the market is transformed into a Christmas dream. With local vendors, seasonal food and drink from traditional cabins, live entertainment, fire pits, a central bar, Christmas decor, and light installations make this the perfect venue for both adult and family fun wanting to get into the Christmas spirit! The Ottawa Farmers’ Market will be part of the excitement, with vendors inside the Aberdeen Pavilion each Saturday & Sunday.
Admission: FREE
When: Dec. 20, 2019: 5PM – 11PM, Dec. 21, 2019: 10AM – 11PM, Dec. 22, 2019: 10AM – 6PM
Address: Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza, Lansdowne (Marché Way, Ottawa, ON, K1S 3W7)
Go to: Ottawa Christmas Market for more info and for entertainment times
2. GLOW
If you prefer to stay indoors, head to GLOW at the EY Centre for a magical experience full of imagination and interaction for all ages! Incredible light gardens, illuminated structures, live entertainment, vendors, fun-filled activities for kids, and holiday food & drinks, under one million lights.
Grab your passport and follow lighted trails throughout China, India, Holland, Mexico, France, and England while you witness illuminated historical landmarks. Collect stamps from all 6 countries and earn a prize!
Admission: Varies by Date & Ages (Check website for more details. Season Passes are also available)
When: Now until Jan 4th (Some dates are closed. Check website for calendar)
Address: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr, Ottawa, ON K1V 2N6
Go to: Glow for more info
3. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ACROSS CANADA
If you are in the DT area, be sure to stop by Ottawa’s Parliament buildings to view the mesmerizing projected festive light display.
Admission: Free
When: December 4, 2019 – January 7, 2020
Address: Parliament Hill, Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
4. MAGIC OF LIGHTS
A “Drive through” LED display experience of holiday inspired illuminations.
Set your vehicle radio to Majic 100.3’s Christmas hits, or jam out to your own favourites in the comfort of your own vehicle.
Admission: Starts at $25 per vehicle ($20 Online, See link below)
When: Now until January 4, 2020. Every night from 5 pm – 10 pm.
Address: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road, Nepean, ON
Go to: Magic of Lights for more info and for tickets
5. MIRACLE AT SAVOY
A Christmas-themed pop up cocktail bar in Westboro with outrageous themed decor, ugly sweaters, your favourite Christmas songs, and holiday cocktails.
(Food is available for parties of 15 people or more and must be made in advance)
Admission: No admission, Priced per order $$$
When: Now until Dec. 31, 2019. Open Daily from 2 pm to 2 am
Address: 334-A Richmond Rd. Ottawa ON. ON K1Z 5C7
Go to: Miracle at Savoy for more info
6. CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Greeted by Christmas elves your family and friends can enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride through a remarkable forest of large lush cedars. There are also plenty of other activities for kids and adults to participate in at the Christmas Village; songs, games, a bonfire, Cookie Kitchen, gift shoppe, and children can even drop off their letter to Santa at the Post Office.
Admission: $13 – Tickets can be purchased online at Christmas Village Tickets. Babies (Under 18 months) are Free with paid adult admission.
When: Saturday, Dec 21st & Sun, Dec 22nd (Times are based on tickets available)
Address: Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 York’s Corners Road, Edwards, ON K0A 1V0
Go to: Christmas Village Website for more info
7. ALIGHT AT NIGHT
Recognized as Eastern Ontario’s biggest outdoor light festival with close to one million lights decorating Upper Canada Village. Explore on a horse drawn wagon ride, or book a private carriage ride for two. Plus many more activities, such as, riding a life-sized toy train and merry-go-round, carols at Christ Church, visit Santa at the Victorian-style mansion (select evenings), festive eateries, a Village Store, and freshly baked goods at the Village Bakery.
Admission: Adult (13+): $16, Military (with photo ID): $10, Youth (5-12): $12, Child (4 or under): FREE
When: Dec 18 (Accessibility Night, Check website for details), Dec 19 – 23, Dec 26 – 31, Jan 1 – 4
Time: 5 pm – 9 pm
Address: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg, ON K0C 1X0
Go to: Alight at Night for more info
8. NIGHTMARE BEFORE/AFTER X-MAS TOURS
If you are looking for an out of the ordinary Christmas tradition, this might just be up your alley!
Hear strange and frightening holiday traditions from around the world, as well as some eery Christmas ghost stories. Most of the tour will be inside one of Ottawa’s oldest and haunted buildings, Bytown Museum. There is also a chance to win gifts if you listen close enough to the stories!
Admission: Adults: $23.99, Youth (up to 17): $19.99
When: Dec 20th, 21st, 27th – 30th
Address: Haunted Walk Ticket Office, 46 1/2 Sparks Street
Go to: Nightmare Before/After Xmas for more info
