Take a look at this list of events and activities taking place in and around the Ottawa area this December, 2023. Click on the event title for more information.
Magic of Lights | November 17, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Wesley Clover Parks
Magic of Lights is a dazzling family friendly drive-through holiday lights experience! The 2km route illuminated by over two million lights will be back at the Wesley Clover Parks Campground located in Ottawa’s west-end from November 17th, 2023 through January 6th, 2023.
Vintage Village of Lights | November 24 – December 17, 2023 (Fri/Sat/Sun only)
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum | 2940 Old Montreal Road
Explore traditions from days gone by in an enchanted, drive-through setting with over 30,000 Christmas lights! See a portable printing press in action, and travel back in time with a festive soundtrack from the interwar years. This family-orientated event lets you continue the fun at home with a take-away cookie decorating kit, hands-on crafts, and a special telegram from Santa.
Ottawa Christmas Market | See website for dates
Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne | Marché Way
Get into the holiday spirit at Ottawa’s European-style Christmas market—the perfect place for great food, warm drinks, traditional kiosks and a festive atmosphere!
Each year on weekends and select additional days leading up to Christmas, the Ottawa Christmas Market takes over the outdoor plaza at Lansdowne in the vibrant Glebe neighbourhood. The family-friendly and free event features seasonal food and drink (including alcoholic options), local goods at vendor cabins, glittering displays, and live performances.
Trees of Hope for CHEO | November 27, 2023- January 5, 2024
Fairmont Château Laurier | 1 Rideau Street
Kick-start the holiday season with this magical fundraiser event! Experience in-person or take a virtual tour of the beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the Fairmont Château Laurier halls then vote for your favourite. Proceeds towards the Trees of Hope event support the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
Nutcracker – Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet | November 29 – December 3, 2023
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
A single gift from Clara’s godfather kicks off an amazing adventure. When the enchanted nutcracker mysteriously comes to life during the night, the stage is set for a tale filled with charm, nostalgia and magic. From a battle with the fiendish Mouse King to the opulent kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the costumes, choreography and characters in this production are sure to enchant your eyes and your heart.
A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley | November 29 – December 16, 2023
Ottawa Little Theatre | 400 King Edward Avenue
This ingenious and theatrically dazzling adaptation of a great classic by one of theatre’s most inventive and respected playwrights brings Dickens iconic characters to heart-warming life – the miserly Scrooge, the gentle, long-suffering Bob Cratchit, the heart-tugging Tiny Tim and all the rest. Audiences of all ages will be delighted.
Stanley’s Holiday Stroll | December 1-30, 2023
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm | 2452 Yorks Corners Road
Enjoy the beauty of the holidays while taking a stroll through forest trails that have been decorated with colourful lights and displays. Along the paths, you’ll find space to warm up by a fire before you continue along more than 2km of trails.
Alight at Night | December 1, 2023- January 6, 2024
Upper Canada Village | 13740 County Road 2
Stroll through a historic village filled with holiday joy including over one million lights, Christmas music, BeaverTails and more. Just one hour south of Ottawa, you can step back in time to 1866 at Upper Canada Village, a living-history site. On select nights during the holiday season each year, the Alight at Night event brings Christmas magic to the village.
Osgoode Village Parade of Lights | December 1, 2023
Manotick Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade | December 1, 2023
Constance and Buckham’s Bay Santa Claus Parade | December 2, 2023
Richmond Christmas Parade | December 2, 2023
Richmond Fair Grounds
Together, the Richmond Village Association with the Richmond Agricultural Society are excited to welcome you to the 2022 Richmond Santa Claus Parade!! The format will again be the drive thru type and held at the Richmond Fairgrounds. Floats will remain stationary as spectators will drive by in their vehicles.
Watson’s Mill’s Christmas Craft Market | December 2-3, 2023
Watson’s Mill | 5525 Dickinson Street
Complete your Christmas shopping with a unique local touch at the annual Watson Mill’s Christmas Market. With two floors of distinct artisans to explore you are sure to find something that catches your eye!
Stittsville Parade of Lights | December 2, 2023
Stittsville Main Street
A community favourite, drawing thousands of spectators along Stittsville Main Street parade route as dozens of beautifully decorated community floats set the tone for Santa’s much anticipated arrival at the end of the parade. Merry makers are encouraged to stay for the lighting of Village Square Park, and to share in some hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit with Santa immediately following the parade.
A Very Retro Christmas! | December 2, 2023
Nepean Museum | 16 Rowley Avenue
Hop in a retro Christmas party at Nepean Museum! Enjoy crafts, storytelling, scavenger hunt and vintage toys inspired by the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Don’t miss the retro photo station for the perfect holiday picture!
Ottawa Santa Shuffle | December 2, 2023
Lansdowne | Ottawa, Ontario
A 5km Fun Run and 1km Elf Walk for all ages and skill levels in proud partnership with the Running Room. Participants are encouraged to wear their funkiest festive running attire for a day of laughter and fun.
Snow Day Shop | December 2, 2023
Bronson Centre | 211 Bronson Avenue
Discover and support local artists and their handcrafted merchandise at the annual winter art market extravaganza! Explore an impressive array of paintings on canvas, prints, sweatshirts, t-shirts, tote bags, works on paper, zines and more. Find that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift for your loved ones. Give better. Shop BEING! BEING Studio is a diverse community of artists with developmental disabilities. At BEING, artists have access to the space, the tools and the representation to create and commercialize their visual art.
GamerCon | December 2, 2023
Nepean Sportsplex | 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
Geeked Out is excited to bring GAMER CON back and this time to the Nepean Sportsplex in Halls A&B. Gamer Con is a convention dedicated to everything game related. You’ll shop from over 80 tables of video games, board games, RPG, trading cards, action figures, toys and miniatures.
Shop the Consignment Corner and get deals on all sorts of game related merchandise.
GAMING TOURNAMENT: Come and test your driving skills in the Mario Kart Game Tournament, monitored by Just Push Play. Prizes donated by Geeked Out and TBA soon.
A Country Christmas | See website for dates
Saunders Farm | 7893 Bleeks Road
By day, enjoy pre-cut Christmas trees, hedge mazes, wagon rides, Christmas displays, a Farm Shop with local vendors and more! By night, drive through the Country Christmas drive-through experience and enjoy the holiday lights and displays from the comfort of your own car!
A Country Christmas Holiday Light Festival | See Website for Dates
Saunders Farm | 7893 Bleeks Road
Discover a stunning path adorned with tens of thousands of colourful lights that dance to music. After your stroll, visit the Town Square Christmas Market, grab a slice of wood-fired pizza and sip on a Saunders Cider in the CiderHouse. Warm up around the site’s bonfires and indulge in seasonal treats like BeaverTails. Pick out your perfect Christmas tree from the pre-cut lot, as well as homemade fresh wreaths and unique gifts in the Saunders Farmshop.
Rockland’s Christmas Parade of Lights | December 3, 2023
Laurier Street
Christmas Tea at Billings Estate | December 3, 10 & 17, 2023
Billings Estate National Historic Site | 2100 Cabot Street
Celebrate the season at Billings Estate National Historic Site with festive décor and a delightful three-tier tea service. Enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, mini desserts and your choice of refreshment in a beautiful heritage setting. All items are freshly prepared in-house. Come with your friends and loved ones for a memorable experience! Reservations are required.
Stanley’s Christmas Village | See website for dates
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm | 2452 Yorks Corners Road
Bundle up and head over to Stanley’s Christmas Village for a winter wonderland experience. Snap a photo with Santa, grab some hot cocoa and jump on a sleigh ride through the winter forest. Play games, sing songs, and warm up around the bonfire before heading home with a freshly cut Christmas tree or goodies from the Farm Shop. Reservations required.
Christmas Candlelight Concert | December 5, 2023
Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre | 355 Cooper Street
Thirteen Strings returns with a favourite – its annual Christmas Candlelight Concert on Tuesday, December 5th at 7:30 pm at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre with home-grown success, guest soprano Mireille Asselin, a graduate of De La Salle High School. The school is recognized for its artistic excellence program: the Centre d’Excellence Artistique de l’Ontario. Set against a background of glowing candles creating the intimacy, warmth and beauty of a Christmas panorama, this Candlelight concert showcases the magical sounds of the season and surrounds the audience in a delightful glow.
Home Alone in Concert | December 7-9, 2023
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
A true holiday favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the NAC Orchestra.
Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family!
Huntley Community Association’s Santa Claus Parade | December 9, 2023
Carp Road
The Huntley Community Association is thrilled to present the 14th Annual Santa Claus Parade on December 9th, 2023, supporting the West Carleton Food Access Centre.
Fitzroy Harbour’s Santa Claus Parade | December 9, 2023
Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade | December 10, 2023
Holidays at the Symphony | December 13, 2023
Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre | 355 Cooper Street
Holidays at the Symphony — with the Ottawa Pops Orchestra and friends! Unwrap the magic of the season at our annual winter concert.
Metcalfe Farmers’ Christmas Market | December 16, 2023
Greely Community Centre | 1448 Meadow Drive
Come and join Metcalfe Farmers’ Christmas Market! All of vendors are local, and make, create, bake or grow all of their products. There’s everything that you need for all of your Christmas holiday needs. There’s free parking and an ATM on site. You’ll also find hot prepared food. It’s a great time to come and shop and support local.
A Christmas Concert with John Rutter | December 16, 2023
Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre | 355 Cooper Street
Experience the magic of Christmas with Société philharmonique du Nouveau Monde.
It will be a magical evening of enchanting melodies and festive cheer at the Christmas Concert with John Rutter! Celebrate the holiday season with the music of renowned composer and conductor, John Rutter. An unforgettable performance filled with heartwarming carols and joyful music. On stage for this performance will be more than 150 choristers, an orchestra and guest soloist, soprano Ania Hejnar, conducted with intensity and sensitivity by artistic director and condutor Michel Brousseau.
Christmas with Music and Beyond | December 21, 2023
Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre | 355 Cooper Street
Join Music and Beyond for their annual Christmas concert. Highlighting a medley of beloved Christmas classics to get you in the holiday spirit.
Handel’s Messiah | December 20-21, 2023
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
The NAC Orchestra is thrilled to perform George Frideric Handel’s Messiah, the holiday masterpiece. Since the opening of the NAC in 1969, Cantata Singers of Ottawa have performed every year with the NAC Orchestra. This holiday season, experience the irresistible joy and mystery of Messiah and feel the wonder and hope few other sacred works can express.
All that Glitters & Rolls Roller Party | December 29, 2023
Horticulture Building at Lansdowne | 1525 Princess Patricia Way
Roll and dazzle with lights, sparkles and music!
All Ages session: 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Adult Session: 8:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Hogman-eh! | December 31, 2023
Landsdowne | Ottawa
Reconnect and rejoice at the annual family-friendly Scottish-style New Year’s Eve celebration and the largest Hogmanay celebration outside of Scotland. Bring a wee bit of traditional Hogmanay cheer to your New Year’s Eve.
Hammond New Year’s 1920’s Speakeasy Party | December 31, 2023
Hammond Golf and Country Club | 600 Du Golf Road
Eat, drink and be merry, prohibition style!
New Year’s Eve Comedy Night | December 31, 2023
Shenkman Arts Centre | 245 Centrum Boulevard
Ring in the new year with great Canadian comedians. This is the ultimate way to say goodbye to 2023 and welcome in the new year.
Truly Galas’ 2024 New Years Party | December 31, 2023
Delta Hotels by Marriott | 101 Lyon Street
Shimmer and Shake! Enjoy a Full Course Buffet Dinner, Full-Service Bar, Party Favorites, and Dance Party Colored by Disco and Rock N’ Roll! Located in the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Ottawa’s Downtown City Centre! Exceptional Extreme Entertainment DJ Will Have You Rockin’ All Night Long! Playing ONLY the Ultimate Best Tunes for a Night of Fun Dancing and Excitement! Balloon Drop Free Bubbly at Midnight Party Favorites Coat Check Semi – Formal Attire Event.
Light Up The Night NYE 2024 Party | December 31, 2023
Rideau Carleton Casino | 4837 Albion Road
Join us for an electrifying New Year’s Eve celebration in The Joint at Rideau Carleton Casino. Get ready to dance the night away as we ring in the new year with a bang! This is the New Year’s ticket you won’t want to miss grabbing before they sell out! Prepare to be transported back in time with the mesmerizing neon lights and retro vibes brought to you by the talented artists of Neon Nostalgic. Featuring all your favourite songs and original music videos. These internationally renowned musicians will have you out of your seat and dancing to the very best the decades have to offer.
New Year’s Eve – A Black & White Formal Affair for Singles | December 31, 2023
Sheraton Ottawa Hotel | 150 Albert Street
Celebrate New Year’s Eve – ‘A Black & White Affair’ for singles. This celebration will be at the Ottawa Sheraton – Rideau Room where you will dine, dance and chime Aulde Lang Syne when the clock strikes midnight. This is THE New Year’s Eve party for singles in Ottawa. Dust off the suit/evening wear and join us for a fabulous night.
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