As we get closer to the holidays for many, there’s no shortage of things to do, local vendors to support for your gifts, and excuses to get together with friends and family to celebrate the season.
All Weekend
You still have time to check out some holiday markets for fantastic locally-made products for all your gift-giving needs!
A Christmas Carol: Solo is a one-man hit at the GCTC with the incomparable Pierre Brault.
The Headstones play Friday and Saturday at the Bronson Centre. Flight Risk and Arcanada Kings open.
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition is taking place at the EY Centre for a digital art spectacular.
Thursday and Friday you can head to Red Bird Live for Christmas Sisters Greatest Hitsters for some holiday medleys and cheer.
Final shows of Miracle on 34th Street at Ottawa Little Theatre: Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
British comedy duo James & Jamesy bring their rollicking holiday comedy O Christmas Tea to Shenkman Arts Centre on Dec. 15 at 8pm and Centrepointe Theatre on Dec 18 at 3pm and 7:30pm. Reminiscent of classic British pantomimes, O Christmas Tea is rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and interactive elements. Jamesy’s Christmas wish for enough tea to serve the entire world is answered in Biblical proportions, leading to an adventure through a world filled with tea.
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Thursday
For the first time in three years, OrKidstra Centre Hub Holiday Concert will be held live and in person at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre starting at 6:30pm. Featuring over 100 young musicians, this free, in-person concert will be a joyful celebration of music and community. No tickets are required but donations to OrKidstra are welcome.
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Friday
It’s an East coast kitchen party at the Stray Dog Brewing Company with The Mason’s Apron and their holiday show!
The Good Lovelies play their annual Christmas show at the NAC.
CreativeMornings Ottawa presents a free breakfast lecture series on Abundance this month. The guest speakers for these events are always fascinating, insightful, and engaging.
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Saturday
Christmazz at Art House brings some beautiful Christmas jazz to you and your loved ones this holiday season. Wear your ugliest holiday sweater and grab a warm drink as you cozy up for this great evening of live music.
The Barenaked Ladies: Hometown Holidays show at the NAC will be a lovely treat and makes a great early gift if you need one!
After your holiday shopping in the market, head to The Laff for the weekly Lucky Ron Show.
Have someone in your life who’s always wanted a worm farm?! OK, if not, maybe you’d just like to build your own vermicomposting bin and learn more with this Box of Life woodworking workshop.
SOS–The ABBA Experience Christmas Show takes place at the Gladstone Theatre. With so many classic hits ,you’re sure to have a great time.
Trio Danceworks presents The Nutcracker at Algonquin Commons Theatre with a matinee and evening performance.
JUNO award-winning Molly Johnson plays a holiday show at the NAC, including old favourites and new songs from her latest album.
Voices in Harmony, a mixed-voice community chorus, is hosting their friends and family winter concert at Bromley Road United Church starting at 2pm. Admission is $20.
Got some bookworms in your life to gift to? Or just want to add to your library while supporting the Ottawa Library? Check out the Mammoth Book Sale.
Check out the Victorian tradition of sharing ghost stories to celebrate the holidays with Haunted Walk Ottawa’s evening of Haunted Holiday Stories.
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Sunday
Congregation Machzikei Hadas are hosting Let it Glow: A Family Chanukah Party with card-making, a glow-stick dance party, food, and a community menorah lighting.
Pick up your Samosas for Mental Health for some yummy treats for a great cause.
Stock up for your holiday plans at the Ottawa Farmers Market at Lansdowne with lots of local vendors.
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Bonus Monday
Holidays at the Symphony: A holiday-themed concert organized by the Ottawa Pops Orchestra at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. Flexible ticket price from $10—pay what you are able.
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