Dec 27-31 (Ottawa)

Happy Boxing Day! 🎁 It's hard to believe this is my last newsletter of the year. I've rounded up as many free and low-cost family events as I could to help you fill that in-between week after Christmas—plus kid-friendly ways to celebrate New Year's Eve without staying up past bedtime!

And of course, another perfectly valid option? Staying cozy at home with the people you love. Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉 I'll be back next week with activities to kick off the new year and make the most of the last days of winter break.

✈️ Winter Wonders at Canada Aviation and Space Museum — DOWNTOWN OTTAWA
Saturday, Dec 27–Saturday, Jan 4 • 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily • Included with museum admission • All ages
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Celebrate the season under the northern sky! This holiday, journey north and experience the magic of winter through stories, stars, and shimmering lights. Take part in a cherished Nunavik tradition with The Kuujjuaq Christmas Candy Drop, explore the wonders of the universe in our immersive Planetarium, and create your own dazzling northern lights artwork at our Aurora Borealis craft station. Ongoing through Jan 4!

🎄 ByWard Market Holiday Activities — DOWNTOWN OTTAWA
Saturday, Dec 27–Wednesday, Jan 1 • 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. Ongoing through January 1st!

⛸️ Rink of Dreams — DOWNTOWN OTTAWA
Saturday, Dec 27–Wednesday, Dec 31 • 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. Ongoing all week!

✨ Winter Lights Across Canada — DOWNTOWN OTTAWA
Saturday, Dec 27–Wednesday, Dec 31 • 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. Ongoing all week!

💡 Magic of Lights Ottawa — KANATA
Saturday, Dec 27–Wednesday, Dec 31 • 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. Ongoing all week!

🏒 Bell Capital Cup — MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Saturday, Dec 27–Wednesday, Dec 31 • See website for schedule • Check website for admission • All ages
Multiple arenas across Ottawa
The 25th Bell Capital Cup runs from Dec. 27 to 31 at arenas across Ottawa. Over 280 teams from Ottawa, across Canada, the United States, Hong Kong, Austria, Japan, Korea and Kazakhstan, compete in the tournament. More than just a children's hockey tournament: a festival celebrating the game of hockey in Canada's capital. U9-U13 age groups with various skill levels. For schedule and locations, visit website. Ongoing all week!

🎅 Saunders Farm - A Country Christmas — RURAL OTTAWA
Saturday, Dec 27–Wednesday, Dec 31 • 10:00 AM–10:00 PM • Admission fee - check website • All ages
Saunders Farm
LAST WEEK! 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. Final days to visit before the season ends!

✨ Holiday Stroll at Stanley's Farm — RURAL OTTAWA
Saturday, Dec 27 • 6:00 PM–9:00 PM • Adults $13, Kids (3-12) $10 • All ages
Stanley's Farm
Enjoy a winter wonderland at Stanley's Farm this holiday season. The Holiday Stroll is a two-kilometre walk lit by dazzling lights, festive scenes and plenty of holiday photo ops. Stroll along decorated trails, discover enchanting holiday displays, warm up beside outdoor bonfires, and stop by the Candy Cane Bar for hot chocolate and seasonal sweets. Dogs on leash welcome!

🏒 World Junior Hockey Championship Fan Fest — THE GLEBE + OLD OTTAWA SOUTH
Saturday, Dec 27 • 2:00 PM–10:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park
Watch parties for all Team Canada games, live music, beer gardens, Hockey Hall of Fame exhibits, TSN Desk Photo Activation, Esso Synthetic Ice Mini Rink & Street Hockey, merchandise shop, free skates, Virtual Reality stations, games, prizing, inflatables and much more. Free OC Transpo for ticketholders. Ongoing through Dec 31, plus Jan 2, 4, 5!

⛸️ Public Skating at CTC — KANATA
Sunday, Dec 28 • 2:00 PM–6:00 PM • Check website for pricing • All ages
Canadian Tire Centre
Grab your skates and bring family and friends for a fun-filled skating session on NHL-calibre ice. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned skater, enjoy a safe, welcoming environment perfect for all ages. Make lasting memories, stay active, and experience the thrill of skating at one of Ottawa's most iconic venues.

🍬 CandyLand @ Centrepointe! — NEPEAN + SOUTH OTTAWA
Sunday, Dec 28 • 11:00 AM–4:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Nepean Centrepointe Library
Come play CandyLand where YOU become the pieces! Also happening Monday, Dec 29 (11:00 AM-7:00 PM).

🎉 Capital Fest - New Year's Festival — NEPEAN + SOUTH OTTAWA
Sunday, Dec 28 • 11:00 AM–6:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre
Ring in the New Year with Ottawa's most vibrant indoor family festival! Shop local handmade crafts, trendy fashion, home décor, and enjoy mouthwatering food from local vendors. Free face painting, nail art, kids' activities, exclusive discounts, and a lively atmosphere celebrating creativity, culture, and community. Free entry. Plenty of parking available.

🍬 CandyLand @ Centrepointe! — NEPEAN + SOUTH OTTAWA
Monday, Dec 29 • 11:00 AM–7:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Nepean Centrepointe Library
Come play CandyLand where YOU become the pieces!

💭 Thank you, 2025! — NEPEAN + SOUTH OTTAWA
Tuesday, Dec 30 • 2:00 PM–3:00 PM • FREE • Ages 7-12
Centennial Library
Engage your gratitude through movement, imagination, and art. We'll be strengthening our thankfulness muscles by playing gratitude games and remembering our favourite moments from 2025. Registration required.

🎉 New Year's Eve Family Party — BARRHAVEN
Wednesday, Dec 31 • 1:00 PM–5:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Walter Baker Centre
Celebrate together as we say goodbye to 2025! FREE activities including swimming & skating, wagon rides, visits from magical characters, and delicious snacks & drinks from community associations and businesses. RSVP recommended. Multiple activities for all ages.

🎈 Noon Year's Eve / Réveillon-midi du Jour de l'An — DOWNTOWN OTTAWA
Wednesday, Dec 31 • 11:00 AM–12:00 PM • FREE • All ages (family-friendly)
Main Library
A New Year's event for the whole family. Ring in 2026 early (at noon)! Wear your pajamas or your fancy finery if you would like and join us for stories, games, activities, and a countdown to the new year! Drop-in program.

🎈 Noon Year's Eve / Fêtez la veille du Jour de l'An — EAST OTTAWA
Wednesday, Dec 31 • 11:30 AM–12:30 PM • FREE • All ages (family-friendly)
Blackburn Hamlet Library
Celebrate Noon Year's Eve with us! A New Year's event for the whole family. Ring in 2026 early (at noon)! Wear your pajamas or your fancy finery if you would like and join us for stories, crafts, activities, and a countdown to the new year! Drop-in.

🎈 Noon Year's Eve / Décompte du Jour de l'An — NEPEAN + SOUTH OTTAWA
Wednesday, Dec 31 • 10:30 AM–12:00 PM • FREE • All ages (family-friendly)
Ruth E. Dickinson Library
Ring in the new year at noon! Family-friendly celebration with activities and a countdown for kids who can't stay up until midnight. Perfect for young children. Indoor event at library.

🎈 Happy Noon Year's Eve Stories & Celebration — NEPEAN + SOUTH OTTAWA
Wednesday, Dec 31 • 10:30 AM–1:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Centennial Library
10:30–11:00 Family Storytime | 11:00–1:00 Crafts, games and activities for everyone. Decorate a party hat, make a custom button, play LEGO, checkers and more! | 11:59-12:00 Countdown to the NOON Year!

🎈 Noon Year's Eve / Fête du midi du Nouvel An — NEPEAN + SOUTH OTTAWA
Wednesday, Dec 31 • 11:00 AM–12:00 PM • FREE • All ages (children)
Sunnyside Library
Can't stay up til midnight? Come celebrate the new year at the library! Join us for crafts, activities and snacks followed by a countdown to noon and a balloon drop. Drop-in program. For children of all ages.

🎈 Noon Year's Eve — NEPEAN + SOUTH OTTAWA
Wednesday, Dec 31 • 11:15 AM–12:00 PM • FREE • All ages (children and family)
Nepean Centrepointe Library
Join us for crafts, face painting and a parade as we count down to noon. Drop-in program.

👑 Kids New Year's Eve Royal Ball — ORLEANS
Wednesday, Dec 31 • 3:00 PM–5:00 PM • $15 per person • All ages
Boston Pizza Orleans
The most magical way to ring in the New Year! Meet and greet with Cinderella and Spidey. The evening culminates in a MASSIVE balloon drop as we count down to the New Year. Includes loot bags and crafts. Email [email protected] to purchase tickets.

🎅 Ottawa Christmas Market - New Year's Eve Celebration — THE GLEBE + OLD OTTAWA SOUTH
Wednesday, Dec 31 • 12:00 PM–1:00 AM • FREE admission • All ages
Aberdeen Plaza at Lansdowne
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with a historic first for the Ottawa Christmas Market - a massive New Year's Eve bash featuring live fireworks at midnight! Shop 60+ local vendors, enjoy live music (Sam Stone Band at 9 PM), DJ skate party (6-8 PM), kids crafts (12 PM), Bravo choo chtrina (12 PM), Strum Chums (2 PM), and dance the night away near the Aberdeen Building. Skating rink on site. Arrive early to secure the best view of the fireworks!

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