Well, it’s here. Winter really just arrived in all its glory, and I hope everyone is safe, dry, and feeling cozy. If you are looking to get out of the house this weekend, there is definitely lots going on, both Christmas themed and not. Dig out your driest socks and make the most of the city when it’s all clean and white!
If you’ve ever thought about joining the cultural conversation in Ottawa, Apartment 613 is looking for some cool new board members to join the team in 2025. Read more about it here! Join us! We’re great!
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All Weekend
This is the first weekend of Winter Lights Across Canada, the colourful explosion of lights downtown along the Parliamentary precinct and into Gatineau. Take a cheerful stroll along the path of the lights for some holiday cheer, now that the city feels like winter.
Do you have some burning questions about next steps, and what the new year will hold? Try the Ottawa Psychic and Crystal Fair all weekend at the Tony Graham Recreation Complex in Kanata. There will be psychics, healers, palm readers, numerology, tarot and more. Tickets are available online for $11.98, and the event is all ages.
For some old fashioned holiday charm, go to the Watson’s Mill and Dickinson House Christmas Market in Manotick. Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm there will be over 35 vendors, and the well stocked used book store between the two heritage buildings. Admission to the market is by donation, with a suggested amount of $2 for the museum.
Friday and Saturday you can check out the Odawa Christmas Craft Fair and Fundraiser from 10am-4pm both days at the Odawa Early Years Centre on St. Laurent Blvd. Find beadwork, knitwear and one of a kind crafts, and participate in the raffle to win a prize valued over $1000.
Feeling more like a good movie? Check out what our favourite independent theatres are playing right now.
One of my favourite holiday traditions is the Vintage Village of Lights at the Cumberland Heritage Village. Explore festive vignettes and light displays, visit with Santa, decorate gingerbread cookies, take in seasonal heritage demonstrations, and more. It’s perfect to visit with a fresh dusting of snow. You do have to register in advance —tickets are $26.14 per group (up to six people).
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The Ottawa Senators have three home games this weekend, beginning Thursday night against the Red Wings, with a Pizza Line reunion before the game, for those of us still yearning for those good old days. On Saturday they will take on the Predators, followed by an evening game on Sunday against the New York Islanders.
There is lots happening for the holiday season in the ByWard Market, which is definitely worth checking out. Local artisan markets, live choirs, circus performers, DJs, and skating on the new synthetic rink are only the start. Check it out, and support the market!
How about trying Not Your Typical Holiday Market? The Urban Art Collective and Algonquin College Photography Program are throwing this event at Zibi on Booth Saturday and Sunday. There will be DJs, gift wrapping stations, food and drink, local artisan vendors, and crafts in the dog friendly space. Urban Santa photos are a fundraiser for the Students in the Algonquin College Photography Program. Parking is free.
Friday
After winning our home opener on Tuesday against Toronto 3-2, the Ottawa Charge of the PWHL are taking on the Montréal Victoire on Friday at the Canadian Tire Centre! This is the first game the women will be playing in the NHL arena, so let’s sell it out! Tickets are still available online.
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Celebrate (or mourn) the end of the Eras Tour at one of our favourite breweries this Friday with the TSwift Dance Party: End of the Eras Tour (Stray Dog’s Version) at Stray Dog Brewing in Orléans. The $5 entrance cost will be donated to the Orleans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre, so wear your best Eras outfit, bring some bracelets and let loose.
613 Holiday Night Market is happening Friday evening in the Aberdeen Pavilion from 5-9pm, making it the perfect shopping addition to the outdoor Ottawa Christmas Market outside. This Holiday Night Market with 140 vendors is taking place every Friday night until the end of Dec. 13.
How about a blast from the past? Kenny vs Spenny Christmas Comedy Tour Live is at the Bronson Centre Friday night at 8pm. Tickets to this perfect Xillenial night out are still available for $48. The show is 19+.
Saturday
The Ottawa Farmers’ Market is back Saturdays and Sundays in the Aberdeen Pavilion this month from 10am-4pm. Find local produce, holiday treats and decor, and easy lunch options.
Its been 20 years since The Polar Express hit movie theatres, and you can see it again Saturday in 3D at the Ottawa Family Cinema. The show starts at 2pm, and tickets are $9 in advance for non-members.
Bring the whole family to the Mayor’s 22nd Annual Christmas Celebration at City Hall from 3-8pm Saturday. Admission is a non-perishable item for the Ottawa Food Bank, with $2 Beaver Tails for purchase. The Rink of Dreams will be officially opening for the season, so bring your skates. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be at 5pm. You can also purchase your fresh Christmas tree to take home.
No interest in Xmas carols? Head to the Dominion Tavern for a classic Ottawa night out. Up and coming local bands Growing Fires, Zeelle, and Victor Complex will be playing live, and bringing their ultra cool vibes to the Dom. Growing Fires are launching their new EP The Damage Touches Everything. We chatted with Zeelle this spring, if you’re curious. Tickets are available online for $15 plus fees. The show is 19+.
It’s the final weekend of the Festival of Small Halls 2024, and there are show on Friday and Saturday. You can catch The Redhill Valleys with opener Teilhard Frost in both Delta, and Perth. P.E.I.’s own The Eastpointers are playing Morrisburg and Carleton Place, and there are still some tickets left if you act fast! Be careful on the highways!
Sunday
Lean into your creativity with Happiness Habits 613 at their free Open Studio event at the Ottawa Art Gallery from 3-5pm on Sunday. Participants are invited to begin the creative process or bring an art project you’re working on (drawing, painting, writing, beading, sewing, lyrics, etc etc). Happiness Habits 613 and the OAG will guide the group through a creative warmup followed by some art-making time to flowy tunes, plus an optional artwork sharing.
The Ottawa Japanese Community Association & Cultural Centre is holding their Mochitsuki 2024 this Sunday at the Preston Event Centre from 12-5pm. Watch live mochi pounding, Japanese cultural dances and martial arts demonstrations while chowing down on Japanese food. Our friends Moo Shu will be there, among other great vendors. Get your admission ticket online ahead of time, $10 for non-members.
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