Dec 18-24 (Ottawa)

Hey everyone! For those that are new here, I’m an Ottawa mom of 3 and each Wednesday, I send out a list of 15+ free or low-cost, kid-approved activities happening in the area.

If you're feeling the holiday crunch right now, you're not alone. Between wrapping up work, hunting down those last teacher gifts, and trying to figure out what's going in the oven on Christmas Day—it's a lot!

I've pulled together one final round of festive fun before the big day, plus some winter break activities to keep the kids entertained once school's out.

Wishing your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

🎄 ByWard Market Holiday Activities — DOWNTOWN OTTAWA
Thursday, Dec 18–Wednesday, Dec 24 • Light shows: 5:30 PM & 7:30 PM daily | Aurora Light Show: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM daily | Carolers: Sat & Sun 12:00 PM–2:00 PM • FREE • All ages
ByWard Market, George Street Plaza & York Street
Daily light shows, aurora light show, outdoor tree and wreath market, carolers on weekends, horse-drawn wagon rides, and live entertainment. Many restaurants, bars and cafes nearby. Runs until January 1st.

⛸️ Rink of Dreams — DOWNTOWN OTTAWA
Thursday, Dec 18–Wednesday, Dec 24 • Check City of Ottawa website for hours • FREE • All ages
Ottawa City Hall
12,500-square-foot refrigerated outdoor ice rink right outside City Hall. Perfect while waiting for the Rideau Canal to open. Bring your own skates or check for rental options nearby.

✨ Winter Lights Across Canada — DOWNTOWN OTTAWA
Thursday, Dec 18–Wednesday, Dec 24 • Every evening • FREE • All ages
Parliament Hill & Confederation Boulevard
Over 300,000 sparkling lights illuminate Parliament Hill and landmarks along Confederation Boulevard. A magical evening stroll through Ottawa's ceremonial route. Follow the Pathway of Lights map. Sites include National War Memorial, Confederation Park, Peacekeeping Monument, and more.

💡 Magic of Lights Ottawa — KANATA
Thursday, Dec 18–Wednesday, Dec 24 • Evenings - check website for times • Admission per vehicle - check website • All ages
Wesley Clover Parks Campground
Drive through 2+ kilometers of dazzling LED light displays. Over 300 spectacular displays including Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, Snowflake Forest, and Candy Cane Lane. Stay in your car. Warm and cozy family experience.

🎅 Saunders Farm - A Country Christmas — RURAL OTTAWA
Thursday, Dec 18–Wednesday, Dec 24 • 10:00 AM–10:00 PM • Admission fee - check website • All ages
Saunders Farm
Immersive Christmas experience with Santa visits, Elf Academy puppet show, hedge mazes, cookie decorating, Bear Factory, holiday light stroll, and festive food. Full day of activities. Dress warmly. Food available on site.

🎅 Santa at Billings Bridge Shopping Centre — THE GLEBE + OLD OTTAWA SOUTH
Thursday, Dec 18–Wednesday, Dec 24 • Tues-Thurs: 4:00 PM–7:30 PM, Sat: 10:00 AM–1:30 PM, Sun: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM • Visiting is FREE | Photos have a cost • All ages
Billings Bridge Shopping Centre, Centre Court
Celebrate the magic of the holidays with Santa! Walk-ins only. Also featuring the Mean Green (Mon, Fri, Sat afternoons). Special character days include Superhero Day (Dec 18) and Mrs. Claus (Dec 20-21). Pets welcome.

🎶 Carols & Candlelight — DOWNTOWN OTTAWA
Friday, Dec 19 • 7:00 PM–8:30 PM • FREE • All ages
St. Paul University
Beautiful evening of traditional Christmas hymns, hot chocolate, apple cider and baked goods. St. Paul's 2nd annual event where the congregation chooses the Christmas hymns. All are welcome! Friends and family welcome. Free treats included.

🎶 Carolling in the Park — NEPEAN + SOUTH OTTAWA
Friday, Dec 19 • 6:00 PM (Singing 6:30 PM–7:15 PM) • FREE • All ages
Diamond Jubilee Park
Get cozy with hot chocolate and fire pit while singing holiday favourites. Free raffle with prizes. Bring loose change to support Scouts Canada (FCCA will match proceeds). Fire pit permit obtained.

🎄 613 Holiday Night Market — THE GLEBE + OLD OTTAWA SOUTH
Friday, Dec 19 • 5:00 PM–10:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park
Browse 150 vendors at this festive night market. Perfect for evening holiday shopping in a cozy atmosphere.

🎅 Ottawa Christmas Market — THE GLEBE + OLD OTTAWA SOUTH
Friday, Dec 19 • Check website for hours • FREE admission • All ages
Aberdeen Plaza at Lansdowne
Ottawa's European-style Christmas market with 60+ local vendors in wooden chalets, live entertainment, seasonal food and drink, and festive atmosphere. Two stages with live performances. Skating rink on site. DJ skate night from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Kids Craft from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. ‘Santa Clause’ and ‘Magic on Set’ starting at 6:00 PM on the Chalet Stage. See website for full calendar of events.

🎬 Frozen 3D Christmas Movie Party — EAST OTTAWA
Saturday, Dec 20 • 2:00 PM–4:35 PM • $10 members | $12 non-members • All ages
Ottawa Family Cinema
Annual Christmas party featuring Disney's Frozen in 3D. Stage decorated with Christmas lights, trees, and Nativity scene. Santa & Mrs. Claus on stage, door prizes, free Christmas gift for every child, and treats. Children under 10 must be accompanied by adult. Dress up for holiday fun. Proceeds help low-income families.

👶 Saturday Drop-in Play Group — NEPEAN + SOUTH OTTAWA
Saturday, Dec 20 • 9:30 AM–11:00 AM • FREE • Ages 0-6
Mothercraft Ottawa - Waterbridge
Morning of activities and sensory play for children ages 0-6. Run by Mothercraft Ottawa and EarlyON. Indoor shoes required.

🕯️ All My Favourite Things Market — DOWNTOWN OTTAWA
Saturday, Dec 20 • 11:00 AM–4:00 PM • FREE • All ages
ByWard Heritage Building (2nd floor)
Explore 25 local artisans, creators, painters, knitters, and gourmet items at this cozy indoor market. Second floor location. Easy access to ByWard Market restaurants and shops.

🎅 Lansdowne Farmers' Christmas Market — THE GLEBE + OLD OTTAWA SOUTH
Saturday, Dec 20 & Sunday, Dec 21 • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park
Join 80+ local vendors inside the Aberdeen Pavilion. Browse fresh seasonal produce, meats & dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade festive gifts, and more. Grab lunch in the food court and enjoy live music. Everything is authentic and produced within 100km of Ottawa!

🔮 Ottawa Mystic Market - Yule Market — WESTBORO + WEST END
Saturday, Dec 20 & Sunday, Dec 21 • 11:00 AM–5:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Next Door Ottawa
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with local makers, mystics, and artisans offering crystals, candles, witchy wares, seasonal décor, and handcrafted gifts. Warm beverages available. Cozy Yule traditions and mystical vibes. Come as you are.

🎶 Christmas Carol Singalong — WESTBORO + WEST END
Saturday, Dec 20 • 1:30 PM • FREE • All ages
First Unitarian Congregation
Celebrate the season with a Christmas carol singalong! Don your best festive wear and enjoy hot chocolate while singing favourite Christmas tunes together. Family-friendly. Free parking available. Near Richmond Road.

🍪 Gingerbread House Building – Child — ORLEANS
Saturday, Dec 20 • 11:15 AM–12:00 PM • FREE • Ages 5-8
CardelRec Complex
Decorate your own pre-built gingerbread house with all supplies provided. Dress for mess. All ingredients included.

🍪 Gingerbread House Building – Child — ORLEANS
Sunday, Dec 21 • 12:00 PM–2:00 PM • FREE • Ages 4-12
Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex
Decorate your own pre-built gingerbread house with all supplies provided. Kids can be dropped off or bring one helper (15+). Parents welcome to stay. May involve allergens - notify of allergies before registration. Dress for mess. All ingredients included.

🏠 Gingerbread House Building – Child — RURAL OTTAWA
Sunday, Dec 21 • 10:00 AM–11:00 AM (Pre-school) • 11:00 AM-12:00PM Ages 7-10
Manotick Community Centre
Decorate your own pre-built gingerbread house with all supplies provided. May involve allergens. Dress for mess. All ingredients included.

Thanks for reading! See you back here, next week!