The countdown is on as we arrive upon the final weekend before the holidays. If you’ve managed to get your shopping done already (or even if you haven’t), there are lots of festive things to do about town that are plenty more fun than braving a mall in late December.
All Weekend
The Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne is a great place to pick up presents made by local makers, while also getting into the holiday spirit. There are thousands of Christmas lights, over 50 local vendors, nearly 30 different food and drink options, two stages featuring festive musical performances, and a partridge in a pear tree. Jokes aside, this is a great way to enjoy some holiday cheer and pick up any last minute gifts.
There are many opportunities to take in the beauty of Christmas lights this weekend, both in and around the city. Well worth the drive is Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village. Here you can stroll through the village, alight with over a million lights, and enjoy some festive treats and activities, including a miniature train ride, pictures with Santa, and Christmas carols sung by a choir.
Closer to home is Ottawa’s most festive street, Taffy Lane, in Orleans. Quite the sight to behold, the houses on this street are decked out for the holidays. Be sure to get there early, as weekends are especially busy.
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If you prefer to stay warm and cozy in your car while you take in the Christmas lights, then Magic of Lights is your best bet. Taking place at Wesley Clover Parks, this drive-through light show also features a Mark Motors Group Holiday “Pit Stop,” where you can park and enjoy some outdoor activities.
For a little daytime family friendly fun, visit Stanley’s Christmas Village. Take a tractor ride to see the elves and the big guy himself, get busy with some holiday crafts, and take home a Christmas tree and some gifts from the farm shop.
Celebrate the solstice this Saturday and Sunday at the Ottawa Mystic Market Yule Market. Being held at the Next Door Market and Event Space on Gladstone, this solstice celebration is the perfect place to find unique gifts — from taxidermy to tarot cards, clothing, and candles.
Thursday
Check out the National Gallery for free this Thursday, from 5pm to 8pm. While there, you can also visit the Ecoequitable Fashion Show in the Great Hall from 6:30pm to 7pm. The exhibit showcases the work of students and alumni of Ottawa’s Sewing for Jobs, a “training program aimed at giving newcomers, and women facing employment barriers, the skills they need to thrive in the world of textiles and fashion.”
Head to the ByWard Market this Thursday for Snow Show Thursdays. Enjoy some delicious hot chocolate while you take in the acrobats, jugglers, and stilt walkers.
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The Urban Art Collective is hosting a Holiday Night Market this Thursday from 3pm to 8pm. There will be some great local vendors, a hot chocolate bar, an urban Santa, taquitos and churros, and more.
Friday
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The Bytown Sea Shanty Collective is hosting a fundraising concert for the Dalhousie Food Cupboard this Friday night at Brigid’s Well Pub. Join them for an evening of Sea Shanties, Carols, and Empty Beer Barrels for a great cause.
Saturday
I’m Dreaming of a White Rabbit, City at Night’s annual holiday party takes place this Saturday. This casual affair welcomes you in your sweats and ugly Christmas sweaters, to dance the night away to some great house music.
Sunday
Spend Sunday resting up. Stay inside in your pyjamas and watch all the holiday romcoms your heart desires. Enjoy some hot cocoa while you do some Christmas baking. Whatever it is that fills your cup, for what is sure to be a busy week to come.
