Christmas time in Ottawa is truly enchanting. There are so many wonderful Christmas events in Ottawa and throughout Canada’s Capital Region that I know you’ll enjoy.
Whether you’re bringing the whole family together or having a cozy date night, the sparkling lights and festive spirit will definitely get you into the holiday mood.
Ottawa boasts one of Ontario’s top Christmas markets, and it’s just a short drive to some of the most beautiful Christmas towns in Ontario.
I recommend planning a long weekend trip to Ottawa during the holiday season. Spend a day or two exploring the city, then take another day for a road trip to nearby towns like Perth, Merrickville, and Almonte.
In this guide to the best of Christmas in Ottawa, I’ll share some of my favorite holiday markets, places to see stunning Christmas lights, and where you can shop for seasonal decorations.
These festive events in Ottawa bring joy from November through December (with some extending into the first week of January).
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Ottawa Christmas Market
Where: Lansdowne Park When: November 21st – December 31st (Friday – Sunday, plus December 30th & 31st) Admission: Free The Ottawa Christmas Market is one of my absolute favorite holiday markets outside Europe! It reminds me so much of those charming Christmas markets in Germany. You’ll find rows of wooden chalets offering tasty food and drinks alongside unique gifts. The market’s atmosphere is enhanced by twinkling lights, beautiful decorations, and even a tunnel made of lights. There’s an ice skating rink, live musical performances, a giant Christmas tree, a pedal bar that seats 14 people, and much more. At Blitzen’s Bar right in the center of the market, you can enjoy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.By Ward Market Holiday Events
Where: By Ward Market When: November 21st – December 31st Admission: Free The By Ward Market area is always such an entertaining spot to visit with over 350 businesses nearby. This year there are plenty of holiday celebrations happening at By Ward Market. The festivities kick off with a tree lighting ceremony featuring Ottawa’s largest Christmas tree at George Street Plaza. Following that is an outdoor holiday market with free Beavertails treats and an impressive laser light show. A small outdoor holiday market runs daily at By Ward Market. Additionally, Heritage Hall hosts an indoor holiday market on the first three Saturdays in December. Each day features free laser light shows along with nightly aurora light displays at George Street Plaza and York Street respectively. Plus, carolers will be singing festive songs every weekend from noon until 4 PM.Winter Wander on Sparks Street
Where: Sparks Street When: November 18th – January 6th, 2026 Admission: Free Winter Wander offers a free display of dazzling Christmas lights along pedestrian-only Sparks Street. You can take an evening stroll here any night from mid-November until early January to soak up all the beautiful decorations for the holidays. A towering 20-foot Christmas tree stands proudly alongside several interactive light displays-perfect spots for capturing memorable moments with your loved ones. Enjoy wandering while sipping on your favorite warm drink as you create magical memories together!Winter Lights Across Canada
Where: Illuminated Route in Ottawa and Gatineau When: December 8th, 2025 to January 9th, 2026 Admission: Free Winter Lights Across Canada creates a stunning path filled with thousands of sparkling lights decorating various sites and monuments around town. You can check out their website for a map that guides you along this delightful trail-it’s completely free! The route includes: National War Memorial Rideau Canal Park Confederation Park Mackenzie Triangle Reconciliation: The Peacekeeping Monument Jacques-Cartier Park Garden of Provinces and Territories Portage Park Supreme Court of CanadaCanadian Museum of History’s Christmas Market
Where: Canadian Museum of History When: November 27th, 2025 Admission: Free The Canadian Museum of History located just across from downtown Gatineau holds its annual Christmas market each November. With over one hundred exhibitors featured in both the Grand Hall and Panorama Cafe showcasing handcrafted goods-it’s always free entry! If you’ve missed out on visiting during market hours don’t worry; there’s still an impressive outdoor Christmas tree near the museum waiting for your admiration!Magic of Lights
Where: Wesley Clover Parks When: November 21st – January 3rd ,2026 Admission: Prices vary (~$35-45 per vehicle) Magic Of Lights allows families to experience breathtaking displays from their own vehicles through this drive-thru event! If temperatures drop during your visit-turn up those heated seats as you relax while enjoying all these colorful illuminations! This event mainly occurs from inside cars but there’s also one “pit stop,” allowing guests out onto footpaths leading through illuminated forest trails! You’ll discover Instagram-worthy displays perfect for photos along with letter writing stations addressed directly towards Santa-and yes they have treats too like Beavertails!”Alight at Night Festival
Where: Upper Canada Village When: November28th-January15th ,2026(select dates) Admission:$18-20, reduced rates availablefor young adultsand children.The Alight At Night Festival happens yearly within Upper Canada Village transforming it intoa winterwonderland filledwith over amillion twinklinglights illuminatingthe entire site. P
Youwillexperiencefestive soundsandspectacularlightshowsas wellas ridesonaminituretoytainalongsidevariousactivitystationsofferedduringthisevent!
Additionallyyoucanfinishupyourholidayshopping, getinvolvedwithsingingchristmascarolsandsavorsomefestivediningwhiletakingpictureswith Santa himself !
Thelightsanddecoraredefinitelythehighlightofthisfestivalbuttherearesomanyotherentertainingactivitiesavailableforbothkidsandadults alike.
Trees Of HopeWhere : Fairmont Chateau Laurier When : November18 th-January6 th ,2026 Admission : Free
Trees Of Hopeisforyearlyfundraisingeventsheldby Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Sinceitsbeginningover20 yearsago, it hasraisedover $1.5 millionfor Children ’s Hospitalof Eastern Ontario. P
Sponsors decorate Christmas treesduringthiseventand awardsaregivenforoutstandingdisplays. Firstnightoftheeventwitnessesgrandunveilingofalldecoratedtrees followed byvisitorswalkingaround admiringtheseincrediblecreationsmadefortheoccasionwithout needingtobeaguestatthehotel!
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