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Get in the Holiday Spirit with This Ottawa Christmas Guide 2023

Ottawa Christmas Winter Lights Across Canada

From markets, tree ceremonies, shows, events and more, it’s going to be a busy holiday season in the capital. Here are all the Ottawa Christmas activities you can’t miss:

Have A Hallmark Movie Moment With These Itineraries

Did you know there are lots of Christmas movies filmed in Ottawa? There were 15 filmed in Ottawa in 2022 alone. I made itineraries based on the filming locations you can use to guide an adventure and watch the movies at home. From cute neighbourhoods to scenic backdrops, you’ll be able to have your own special Hallmark moments. Get the full Ottawa Christmas moves trail guide here.

One of my favourite spots to go is Almonte! It has the cutest shops and main street. Have the best hot chocolate ever at Hummingbird Chocolate, stop by Dairy Distillery to try their unique Vodcow vodka and creamers and more! Full Almonte itinerary here.

Ottawa Christmas Movies

Go On A Magical Christmas Date From Free to Splurge

I’ve crafted over ten magical Christmas dates for every budget. Choose between free, affordable and splurge and have a romantic night out that celebrates the season. Date ideas include:

See Downtown Illuminated With Thousands of Christmas Lights

This free event is one of my favourites every season. Christmas Lights Across Canada illuminates dark winter nights with thousands of Christmas lights in the downtown core. I’ve created a guide of the best places to see the lights and details on the free multimedia show and photobooth at Parliament.

Walk Through A Winter Wonderland

See Upper Canada be transformed into a stunning Christmas village at Alight at Night from Dec. 1st to Jan 7th. There are over one million lights illuminating the heritage buildings, trees, and fences. This is something you need to see for yourself in person.

This is a great event for people in Ottawa, Kingston and Cornwall. Buy tickets it sells out quick. Make sure to bundle up because this event is outside and it can get quite cold but SO worth it! Check out my Canadian winter gear guide for tips to stay warm.

Enjoy A European Style Christmas Market

Head over to the Outaouais side from November 24th-December 3rd to Aylmer for their annual Christmas Market. It will feature treats and eats, artisans and more. Enjoy the bonfire, music, and hot chocolate while you’re shopping. Check the programming schedule to see if Santa and his elves will be there as well as horse-drawn carriage rides.

Head to Lansdowne from November 26th-December 22nd for the Ottawa Christmas Market. Walk under stunning twinkle lights as you visit vendors in European Christmas market booths. There are lots of fun things to check out from food, vendors, live music, illuminated decorations, and more. Grab some mulled wine and explore the market.

Outaouais Markets

If you’re looking for more calendars, check out this market guide from Outaouais Tourism. It shares all the different markets and what days they’re happening.

Take A Flight With Santa

Santa has teamed up with Ottawa Biplane Adventures on weekends to take you on a flight above Parliament. Flights are only $38/person and proceeds go to the Ottawa Food Bank. It’s a 10-15 minute flight and you’ll get an awesome view of Ottawa from the sky. I recently did this experience and I was so excited to just be in a plane again! We were three adults so unfortunately, we were over the weight limit to fly with Santa but we still saw him outside the plane. Book this experience here.

Visit Winter Wander on Sparks Street

I always love Christmas walks through Sparks Street and admiring the different storefronts. This year they’ve gone even bigger for Christmas with their Winter Wander displays. From lifesize presents and stars, wander through and make sure to get some photos. Stop by Le Mouline de Provence first. Not only do they have a great selection of festive drinks but they’ve been a scene for Christmas movies in Ottawa.

From here, continue on to dinner and drinks at Rabbit Hole or go skating at the Rink of Dreams.

Go For A Christmas Skate

I have a full guide to skating in Ottawa here. From dependable refrigerated rinks in scenic spots to skates through a forest, there are plenty of places to go for a festive skate.

Go On A Christmas Road Trip

Only an hour from Ottawa and 3.5 hours from Toronto, Perth is the perfect destination for a Christmas road trip. I loved seeing the heritage buildings with festive storefronts and all the Christmas trees. I have a full guide to Perth at Christmas here.

See Some Incredible Christmas Displays At Homes in Ottawa

Ottawa residents are going all out for Christmas this year. Head to my Christmas Lights guide and make sure to take a drive to visit these houses.

One of my favourite houses to see is in Stittsville. The Turcotte family goes all out recreating scenes from famous Christmas movies. This year they’ll be decorating their house to be themed around the movie National Lampoons Christmas Vacation to support of CHEO for youth mental health. Scan the QR code on their lawn or visit this link to donate.

You’ll find them at 18 Cypress Gardens in Stittsville. There are over 5000 Christmas lights and they always go all out to recreate different scenes! Huge thanks to the Turcotte family for spreading so much Christmas joy!

Enjoy A Cocktail At Holiday Pop-up

Elf’s Pub

Head to Fairmont Laurier for a speakeasy-style Christmas pop-up. Look for the Elf’s pub sign and then walk inside for a beautiful room decorated with hundreds of ornaments, festive decor, Christmas trees and more.

Miracle at Elgin Beer Project

New this year, this pop-up bar concept that originated in NYC is coming to Ottawa at Elgin Beer Project. Step inside for Christmas cocktails and seasonal decor that will instantly have you feeling festive.

Sippin Santa

Sippin Santa is a Christmas pop-up bar that will return at The Standard on Elgin at the end of November. The Sippin Santa pop-up focuses on themes of Tiki and Christmas. Anyone fancy a Kris Kringle Colada? This will be a fun spot to head with friends for a festive cocktail surrounded by decorations.

Visit a Stunning Christmas Tree

Throughout the capital, you’ll find some pretty spectacular trees for Ottawa Christmas. One of them has 12,000 lights alone! Here’s where you can find the best Christmas trees in Ottawa:

Find The Perfect Christmas Tree

Not only can you get your Christmas tree at an Ottawa Christmas farm, but many have fun activities you can enjoy while you’re there. From sleigh rides, mazes, light installations, and more, use this guide to choose which Christmas tree farm to visit this year. There’s even one that’s been used for Christmas movies before.

Have A Christmas Staycation

Fairmont Montebello is the world’s largest round cabin. They decorate it beautifully for the holidays. Curl up by the fire and their stunning Christmas tree. Make sure to check out my guide to Montebello in winter here.

Get Decked Out For Christmas at Tinseltown Christmas Emporium

I LOVE this store! This shop is dedicated to Christmas-themed items all year round. From ornaments, decorations, candles, and more, it’s your one-stop shop for Christmas! I’ve picked up many festive gifts for family and friends here!

Walk through a Christmas Village at Stanley’s Farm

Visit Stanley’s Farm in December on Saturdays/Sundays for their Christmas Village and Wednesday to Saturday nights for their Christmas Stroll. When you arrive at the Stonehouse Gift Shoppe you’ll be greeted by an elf and taken on sleigh ride into the forest where you can explore the elf village. You can also pick up your Christmas tree while you’re there!

Take A Christmas Themed Day Trip

Head to Almonte and Carleton Place for a day of exploring. You’ll love popping into the shops and restaurants and soaking in these charming towns. Once you visit it will be no wonder why they’re also a popular spot for movies! I have guides for things to do in both Almonte and Carleton Place 🙂 They’re also great spots to pick up some unique gifts.

Here are more Christmas activities you can’t miss:


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Julia Weber
Julia Weber

Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)

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