Bundle up and prepare to get festive: we are full on into the holiday events this weekend! There are plenty of great opportunities to support local this weekend at one of the many holiday markets around town, as well as at all your favourite local shops. If you need some inspiration, check out some previous #Support613 Holiday Gift Guides (and let us know your favourite spots to shop local in the comments!).
And in case you missed it, Apartment613 is looking for new board members. Learn more here and apply by December 21.
All Weekend
Get in the festive spirit with a holiday concert! Take a peek at our roundup here for some of the shows happening this weekend (and later into December). Looking for a holiday market? We’ve got a roundup of those right here! Don’t miss the new Winter Market in the ByWard Market – be sure to bring your skates for a lap or two around the new ice rink on William Street!
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The Ottawa Little Theatre (OLT) is performing On the Farce Day of Christmas from December 4–21. Check out our preview here.
Enjoy a holiday stroll through Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm.
All aboard! Visit Santa’s holiday train at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
CrakdNutz: a holiday dream circus is an adaptation and continuation of the traditional Nutcracker story. Our 2023 reviewer had a blast at the show. Tickets available online for performances Saturday and Sunday.
The Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC) is performing FLOP! An Improvised Musical Fiasco from December 10–22 and it promises to be nothing like you’ve ever seen before. Learn all about the show in our preview here.
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While we all eagerly await the reopening of Moo Shu Ice Cream in their new location, get your ice cream fix with a visit to their production kitchen/temporary retail space. Visit them this weekend and Monday from 12-6pm at 464 Bank Street in the basement. There will be a mask enforced shopping session on Sunday 11am – 12pm.
Get ready for the IIHF World Junior Championship with a two-game series as part of Team Canada’s selection camp.
If you missed Bear Grease during its sold out run at the National Arts Centre last year, you’ve got a second chance! Read our review of the 2023 show here and an updated review from the new holiday special here.
Thursday
Head to Hintonburg for their holiday shopping night every Thursday throughout December.
Friday
Lansdowne is the place to be Friday! The Ottawa Christmas Market runs all weekend outside and inside Aberdeen Pavilion you’ll find the 613flea Holiday Market. Bring your skates and check out the Lansdowne Park Skating Court. The Ottawa 67’s play the Peterborough Petes at the Arena at TD Place on Friday.
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Have you heard about the new team in town? The Ottawa Black Bears are a pro team in the National Lacrosse League and they’re playing this Friday against the Buffalo Bandits at the Canadian Tire Centre. Tickets are available online starting around $30.
Saturday
Pique, Ottawa’s signature underground arts festival, returns for their winter edition this Saturday at Arts Court. Learn more about the festival in our preview here.
The Ottawa Senators are taking on the Pittsburg Penguins this Saturday. Tickets are available online.
Bring the whole family—pets included!—to Robert Plante Greenhouses for their 2nd annual pet day and holiday market. Enjoy more than 150 vendors and pet photos with Santa.
The Ottawa Carleton Choristers present A Choral Kaleidoscope. Admission is by donation and the event will be livestreamed online.
It’s a ByWard Market Christmas Drag extravaganza! Enjoy one (or both) family-friendly drag shows at the George Street Plaza.
The Indigenous Women’s Art Market features the diverse and amazing work of Métis, Inuit and First Nations makers. Shop from 10:30am-4:30pm at the National Arts Centre.
Enjoy a very retro Christmas at the Nepean Museum in a family-friendly event featuring vintage toys and games, crafts, and a scavenger hunt.
Sunday
One of my absolute favourite holiday traditions is to pick up a festive drink then drive around town to check out the various light displays. The Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks is an excellent (paid) adventure, as are trips to Taffy Lane in Orléans or to the Turcotte Family Christmas fundraiser in Stittsville. A bit further afield you can check out Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village.
You can also leave the car at home and explore the Winter Lights Across Canada display by foot in Ottawa and Gatineau (check out this handy map!). While walking downtown, don’t miss the Trees of Hope for CHEO at the Château Laurier.
For more of what’s happening in Ottawa, stay tuned to @apt613 on X. 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!
