Get in the Holiday Spirit with This Ottawa Christmas Guide 2026

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:

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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.

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:

Hop on Board the Pedaler Express

This holiday season, hop aboard The Pedaler Express — a 14-passenger party bike that will make your spirits bright. Cruise from the Ottawa Christmas Market through the Glebe and sing along to your favourite holiday hits on this one-of-a kind Carol-oke crawl. Experience the season’s magic from a seat better than Santa’s sleigh. My friends and I did a ride and it was such a blast singing our favourite Christmas songs and soaking in scenic sights at the same time. Book your tickets here.

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 Nov. 28th to Jan. 3rd. 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 because it sells out quickly. Make sure to bundle up because this event is outside, and it can get quite cold, but it’s SO worth it! Check out my Canadian winter gear guide for tips to stay warm.

Christmas Family Fun

Head to Domaine Perrault for lots of Christmas fun from mulled wine, live music, crafts, charcuterie and more. This beautiful winery in Navan is also the perfect place to stock up on local wines for the holidays.

Enjoy A European Style Christmas Market

Old Aylmer Christmas Market

Head over to the Outaouais side from November 28th-December 7th 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.

Ottawa Christmas Market

Head to Lansdowne from November 21st to Dec. 31st 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.

Marché de Noël de Montebello

Step into the magic of the season at Marché de Noël de Montebello! This charming Christmas market transforms the historic village into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, local artisans, cozy treats, and festive cheer. It’s the perfect spot to sip hot cocoa, shop for handmade gifts, and soak in the holiday spirit. After the market, enjoy a night at the Fairmont Montebello where you can cozy up by the fire and gorgeous Christmas tree.

Take A Flight With Santa

Santa has teamed up with Ottawa Biplane Adventures to trade the reindeer for a vintage Cessna 172. Emnjoy a flight with Santa for Christmas in Ottawa on weekends for a flight above Parliament. Flights are only $30/person for 3 people and $40/person with an unwrapped toy donation or else they are $51/person for 3 people and $61/person for 2 people. 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. 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.

Head to Taffy Lane, an Orleans street that goes all out for the holidays. You’ll see lots of epic Christmas displays, lights and holiday figures. Grab a hot drink at Beyond Cafe before you go.

Christmas at Mādahòkì

Mādahòkì Farm has kicked off its annual Christmas at Mādahòkì celebration. The seasonal experience invites guests to step into a world of shimmering lights, festive flavours, and meaningful Indigenous cultural teachings. The holiday programming runs every Thursday to Sunday through December 28.

A major highlight this year is the Trail of Lights & Traditions. Visitors can stroll the illuminated Legacy Trail, where ten creative light installations brighten the forest pathways. Partway through, a sheltered dome offers a moment of calm with a Northern Lights–inspired soundscape. Throughout the event, guests can enjoy Indigenous holiday music, cozy drinks, festive snacks, and a variety of family-friendly activities—including meeting farm animals, exploring a kids’ play zone, and browsing the Mādahòkì Marketplace, home to more than 60 Indigenous artisans and makers.

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

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. It returns this year on November 21st.

Sippin Santa

Sippin Santa is a Christmas pop-up bar that will return at The Standard on Elgin on November 21st for 2024. 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

You’ll find some pretty spectacular trees throughout the capital 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 Shop 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 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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