Christmas is such a magical time of year, with so many places to go and things to do. Pretty soon the entire city of Ottawa will transform into a Christmas wonderland covered in twinkling lights and holiday festivities. Starting in early December up until the new year, there will be non-stop festive events all around Ottawa and the surrounding area. With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to start planning which events and markets you’d like to attend this year with friends and family. You can never be too early, right?
To make this holiday season the best one yet, here are 5 of the best Christmas markets and events to hit up in Ottawa this winter:
1. Ottawa’s First European-Style Christmas Market
Price: Free admission
When: November 29 – December 22, 2019
Address: The Aberdeen Square, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa
This holiday season is especially exciting in Ottawa. We will finally be getting a huge Christmas market similar to the markets in Toronto and Quebec City. Be sure to bundle up and head on down to Lansdowne to check out Ottawa’s first European-style Christmas Market!
The event will start with the lighting of the massive Lansdowne Christmas tree, which you definitely can’t miss! There’s no better start to the holidays then looking at the magical display of lights and browsing the Christmas market. Among the lights, Christmas trees, and various other displays, there will be traditional cabins selling classic holiday favourites. These vendors will sell everything from unique gifts, traditional foods and pastries, and warm beverages. Be sure to check it out! It would make for an amazing date night or evening exploring with your friends.
2. Christmas Lights Across Canada
Price: Free
When: December 4, 2019 – January 7, 2020
Address: Parliament Hill, Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
This is an Ottawa holiday season must-see! Every year a festive display of lights is displayed onto the Parliament buildings every night.
3. Santa Claus Toy Parade
Price: Free
When: November 16, 2019
Address: Starts at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON
Who doesn’t remember going to the Santa Claus Parade as a kid? This is a holiday classic that will be sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
Price: From $20 per vehicle
When: November 21, 2019 – January 4, 2020
Address: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd., Nepean, ON
At Magic of Lights you can drive through a 2km tunnel of breath-taking Christmas lights! If this doesn’t get you into the festive spirit, I don’t know what will.
4. Glow Gardens
Price: From $19.99
When: December 5, 2019 – January 4, 2020
Address: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
Come check out this magical indoor lights festival! With over 500,000 lights, this festival features illuminated historical landmarks from all around the world. Not only is it breathtaking, its super Instagram-worthy too.
5. Christmas at Byward Market
Price: Free
When: November 30 – December 15, 2019
Address: ByWard Market Square, Ottawa, ON
Come down to Byward Market to hear the Christmas choirs and enjoy free sleigh rides! You can also enjoy the many shops and restaurants down in the market.