It’s a busy time of year with plenty to do! Whether you’re staying cozy inside at a holiday market or concert, or venturing out to check on the winter trails, have fun!
All Weekend
We’ve got holiday markets galore (like the Signatures Original Christmas Market at the EY Centre) and a roundup of local Christmas concerts, including this Sunday’s Choir! Choir! Choir!. The National Arts Centre is home to many shows this time of year, including A Tyler Shaw Christmas on Friday and Antoine L Collins on Saturday. While we’re at it, here’s a roundup of what’s playing at Ottawa’s independent cinemas in the first half of December.
Whether it’s your first winter in Ottawa or you’re a seasoned pro, you might have noticed that the city is gearing up for cross-country season. If you’ve got some time to volunteer for trail prep, or some extra funds that can go towards grooming equipment, this weekend would be a great time to research trails near you.
Vintage Pop-Up 613 is hosting The Very Merry Holiday Pop-Up at Carlingwood Shopping Centre on Saturday from 11am-9pm and Sunday from 11am-6pm.
Check out Home Alone in Concert at the National Arts Centre. The score will be performed live by the National Arts Centre Orchestra December 7-9.
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If you’re looking for a festive drink (alcoholic or non!), be sure to stop by Kichesippi’s new pop-up spot on Sparks Street at 187 Sparks. The pop-up will be open this December and then close for a makeover before opening as a new spot to grab a drink on Sparks Street. Woohoo!!
The Grove is a new creative studio space at 78 Hinton Avenue North whose mission is to empower creativity and capture visual stories through the art of photography and videography, providing a dynamic space for creative professionals and enthusiasts. They offer access to professional-grade equipment and facilities, and also plan to offer educational workshops and mentoring. Check them out at their Open House on December 8 from 11am–6:30pm and December 9 from 1–8pm. (Please note that masks will be required to enter the space.)
A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley continues at the Ottawa Little Theatre until December 16.
Thursday
Join Wind Up Radio (Sarah Blumel and Anisa Cameron) on December 7, from 6-8pm for Funky in the Bunky in the DARC Microcinema (67 Nicholas Street). It’s a special screening of videos from the exhibition Cold Comfort for a Hot World, including archival material from the Diefenbunker and original music by Wind Up Radio. Want the full experience? Visit the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum before February 4, 2024!
Enjoy Christmas with the Ennis Sisters at Centrepointe Theatre.
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Get some shopping done at the Elgin Shop Hop with select stores offering deals from 4-8pm.
Friday
This Friday at 7pm Hors Pair Social presents a special edition of Débranché, an intimate unplugged music, poetry, and open mic night at Red Bird Live in partnership with the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC). The open mic portion is open to anyone in the crowd with the talent and courage to come up on stage and share their craft. Hors Pair Social is an Ottawa company created to respond to the gap in entertainment for young Black adults in the capital by hosting curated social and entertainment events. The featured artist lineup for this event includes Christjay, Mikyas, OK Naledi, The Lionyls, and Sandra.
613Holiday Night Market is on Fridays in December from 5-10pm inside the Aberdeen Pavilion. Free admission and dog-friendly!
Saturday
Westboro Village is hosting a charity drive on Saturday to support Cornerstone – Housing for Women. Learn more about the event here.
4Wheelies is hosting a Winter Wonderland Roller Skate Bash. Dress in dazzling white attire and light up the rink in an enchanting flurry of white magic!
Ho Ho Holiday Craft Market at the Glebe Community Centre presented by Square Lemon Ottawa featuring over 40 local artists and makers.
Dominion City Brewing Company hosts their annual Christmas Night Market this Saturday from 1–8pm. They are collecting food and cash donations for the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard. The market will bring together over 55 local makers and artisans, as well as food by Hintonburg faves Meat Press (coming out of retirement!) and The BBQ Joint. There’s even a holiday-themed beer: Crispy Kringle IPA.
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The winter edition of Debaser’s Pique takes place this Saturday with 20 artists across 10 different stages. Learn more in our post here.
Bluesy soul singer-songwriter Jeff Rogers performs at the NAC Azrieli Studio with special guest Jenie Thai.
Ottawa Celtic Choir offers a choral presentation of Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales at 7pm on Saturday at First Baptist Church (140 Laurier Avenue West).
Stuff your stocking at the Get Stuffed Market this Saturday at Mill Street Brew Pub. Admission is pay what you can and all proceeds are being donated to Highjinx, a local social enterprise that aims to help our most vulnerable neighbours.
Bicycle Craft Brewery is hosting their 10th Holiday Toast with new beers, live music, local food, and a visit from Santa himself.
Sunday
FanFair, a free concert by the NAC Orchestra Players’ Association to raise funds for the Ottawa Food Bank, takes place in the NAC Canal Lobby on Sunday at 11am with costumes, a bake sale and a festive vibe. Entry is free but donations to the Food Bank will be accepted.
Fancy a holiday tea? Visit Billings Estate National Historic Site for Christmas Tea on Sundays, or book yourself a seating at the Fairmont Château Laurier.
Enjoy holiday classics as the Ottawa Gay Men’s Choir presents a Nut Cracker concert at The Gladstone.
Tired of cooking and want to try something new? Check out the first two editions of Bites in Ottawa here and here, a new series on Apt613. Reader submissions welcome!
For more of what’s happening in Ottawa, stay tuned to @apt613 on Twitter. Out snapping photos? Tag us on Instagram @apt613 for a chance to be featured on our feed. Be sure to use the hashtag #Apt613 so we can share your photos!
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