We’re getting into the home stretch of the holidays and I hope everyone is having a great December with family and friends. There are lots of ideas here for you whether you’re celebrating with others, need to get gifts, or just want to check out all the great things this season has to offer—or just go about your weekends like any other time of year!
All weekend
Alight at Night has returned to Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, transforming the historic village into a dazzling winter wonderland with over one million lights. The festival runs Thursday through Sunday until December 17 and will be open nightly from December 26, 2023, to January 6, 2024 (closed December 24 and 25).
On Friday and Saturday check out the Adàwàning: Indigenous Women’s Art Market to support local Indigenous women artists and artisans, featuring the diverse and amazing work of Métis, Inuit, and First Nations makers. Browse jewelry, beadwork, paintings, sculptures, mittens, moccasins, coffee, crafts, and much more.
Until December 21, Bear & Co. presents Dylan Thomas: A Child’s Christmas in Wales (& CarolSing) at the GCTC.
For cozy indoor movies, check out what’s playing at Ottawa’s independent theatres.
There are still plenty of holiday markets to check out as well if you need to find more gifts (for yourself? We won’t judge!)
9th Hour Theatre presents The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at Shenkman Arts Centre.
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Thursday
JW-Jones and Friends: Live + Local featuring DeeDee Butters, Raoul Bhaneja, Megan Francoeur, and Zach Raynor (The Lionyls) takes place at Meridian Centrepointe Theatre.
The Ottawa Tool Library hosts its WorkSpace Safety 101 Workshop for those who’d like to learn how to use power tools safely. (The 201 level workshop takes place on Tuesday, December 19, if you want to keep going!)
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Friday
Calling all musical theatre and Disney fans: A Whole New World—The Musical Magic of Alan Menken takes place at Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe. Hear all your favourite hits including “Be Our Guest,” “Part of Your World,” “Friend Like Me,” “Under the Sea,” “Colors of the Wind,” “Go The Distance,” “Suddenly Seymour,” and of course, “A Whole New World.”
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Saturday
Ottawa’s popular 2SLGBTQIA+ choir, Tone Cluster, is excited to kick off its 30th season with a holiday extravaganza concert. The show will feature old and new holiday tunes, as well as performances from local drag artists Dr. Androbox and Sardonyx.
Soulful Ottawa singer Sherri Harding performs at Queen St. Fare, featuring songs from her new album, A Million Pieces, plus a selection of holiday favourites including her new single “Doin’ Christmas Right”.
DB Cohen will be playing original ska, blues, and folk at Bar Bougie, the candle factory turned concert haven in Old Chelsea, for Bougie Nights Vol. 1, joined by Clint Everson.
Jim Bryson’s Holiday Show takes place at La FAB sur Mill with a special holiday concert in this warm and cozy converted church in lovely Old Chelsea in the Gatineau Hills.
The Urban Art Collective presents the ‘Last Minute’ Holiday Shopping Party and Art Show at the UAC Art Hub with special guests, DJs, local artists, snacks, drinks and more.
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Sunday
The Ottawa Choral Society presents an afternoon of Christmas music narrated by well-known Ottawa storyteller and playwright Pierre Brault. The concert will explore the pairing of voices and brass from the Renaissance to the present day.
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The Great Canadian Theatre Company and CKCU-FM present the fifth edition of FemmeVox, a series of concerts celebrating established and emerging talent, and promoting mentorship among its artists. The concert features four Ottawa-based artists: Mia Kelly, OK Naledi, Suzie Vinnick, and Ms. McLeod. Continuing a FemmeVox tradition, the artists will be working together in pairs to write two brand-new compositions, which they will debut in front of the live audience.
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