Discover Ottawa’s Top Spots for Holiday Cheer This Season
Ottawa offers an array of festive activities this holiday season. Residents and visitors can explore numerous events and markets, ensuring no one misses out on the Christmas spirit.
Ottawa’s Top Holiday Events
The 56th annual Help Santa Toy Parade is a highlight of the season. Hosted by the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association, the event collects toy donations for Toy Mountain. This initiative helps ensure every child receives a gift on Christmas morning.
- Santa’s parade took place down Queen Elizabeth Driveway.
- Future appearances include:
- Manotick on Friday, December 1
- Riverside South and Orléans on Saturday, December 2
For families looking for unique experiences, Manotick Village is hosting a brunch with the Grinch on November 29.
Community Celebrations
The Osgoode Village Community Association will launch the holiday celebrations on the first weekend of December. Events include:
- Parade of lights on December 5
- Tree lighting ceremony
- Breakfast with Santa
- Ugly Christmas sweater party
Additional parades, including the Richmond Christmas Parade and the Stittsville Parade of Lights, are scheduled for December 6.
Last-Minute Celebrations
If you prefer to plan your holiday adventures closer to the date, several parades are scheduled:
- Constance and Buckham’s Bay Santa Parade on December 13
- Huntley Community Association Santa Claus Parade on December 13
- Metcalfe Santa Parade Food and Toy Drive on December 14
Festive Markets and Activities
For holiday shopping, explore the city’s winter markets:
- Ottawa Christmas Market at Aberdeen Plaza, open Fridays to Sundays until December 31
- Parkdale Holiday Market on November 29 from noon to 6 p.m.
- Cumberland Farmers’ Market Christmas Market on December 6 and 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Key holiday events include:
- Mayor’s 23rd Annual Christmas Celebration at Ottawa City Hall on December 6, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks from November 21 to January 3
- Winter Lights across Canada on Parliament Hill from December 8 to January 9
- Santa Shuffle Fun Run and Elf Walk at Lansdowne Park on December 6 at 10 a.m.
- Fitzroy Harbour Children’s Christmas Party at the Community Centre on December 6 at 10 a.m.
Special Holiday Hours
Consider visiting the following attractions during their special holiday hours:
- Billings Estate National Historic Site: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from November 28 to December 19 (excluding December 13-14)
- Cumberland Heritage Village Museum’s Vintage Village of Lights: Fridays to Sundays from November 28 to December 21, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Registration is necessary for various workshops at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum from December 10 to December 21.
- Nepean Museum’s Retro Christmas Children’s holiday party on December 6 and 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ottawa is full of festive cheer this holiday season. Be sure to experience the joy of the city’s top spots during this magical time.
