Check out this list of events and activities taking place in and around Ottawa this December 2025. Click on the event title for more information.
Powwow Life-Drawing | December 2
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
Come join the NAC for this two-hour life-drawing session where you can capture the dynamic beauty of powwow dances and their regalia on your own paper. Participants will bring their own material and work with art facilitators to create drawings that capture both the movement of the dancers and their regalia. Suitable for intermediate to advanced artists. Bring your favourite materials along to participate. Some supplies will be offered to those that do not have any on hand.
Twelfth Night | December 3 – 6
The Gladstone Theatre | 910 Gladstone Avenue
Experience Twelfth Night live at the Gladstone Theatre — a beloved Shakespearean comedy that explores love, identity, and joyful chaos. Full of wit, music, and mistaken identities, this timeless classic reminds us that love can find its way, even in the most unexpected places.
Osgoode’s Christmas in the Village | December 5 – 6
Osgoode Village
Osgoode’s Christmas in the Village is a cherished annual tradition filled with festive fun and small-town charm. Enjoy the parade of lights, tree lighting, breakfast and photos with Santa, the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, and family crafts and activities. It’s a joyful celebration that brings neighbours together to share the magic of the holidays.
The Nutcracker presented by Les Petits Ballets | December 5 – 6
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe | 101 Centrepointe Drive
Celebrate this year’s holiday season with Les Petits Ballets and their production of The Nutcracker!
Witness the classic story of Clara and her festive adventures after she receives a Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. From battles of mice and toy soldiers, to whirling snowflakes, joyful sweets, and everything in-between, this production choreographed by Olesya Egorov is sure to delight audience members of all ages!
Mayor’s Annual Christmas Celebration | December 6
Ottawa City Hall | 110 Laurier Avenue West
Celebrate the holiday season at City Hall!
Festive activities await you, including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their very own cabin, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, skating on the Rink of Dreams, taking a horse drawn wagon ride, enjoying delicious hot chocolate and live entertainment.
Cumberland Farmers’ Market Christmas Market | December 6
Various locations | Cumberland
Get into the holiday spirit at the Cumberland Farmers Market Christmas Market, where local artisans and producers come together for a festive day of shopping and cheer. Browse handmade gifts, baked goods, and seasonal treats while supporting local vendors. Discover farm-fresh produce, specialty foods, and unique finds perfect for the holidays. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the warmth and magic of the season.
Stittsville Parade of Lights | December 6
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.
Ottawa Santa Shuffle | December 6
Lansdowne
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.
Retro Christmas – Children’s holiday party | December 6 – 7
Nepean Museum | 16 Rowley Avenue
Step into a time machine and celebrate the holidays with your family in retro style! Enjoy the nostalgic charm of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s with vintage toys and games, throwback crafts, a themed scavenger hunt, and more. Recommended for children ages 10 and under.
Nutcracker – Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet with the NAC Orchestra | December 3 – 7
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
The many cultural references in this beloved Canadian-themed production are sure to bring a smile to viewers’ faces. A hockey game on a frozen pond, RCMP officers battling the evil Mouse King on Parliament Hill, a few nods to the Hudson’s Bay Company—all the elements are in place for this fabulous holiday tradition. When the clock strikes midnight, Clara will fall in love with her dashing Nutcracker and find herself on a storybook journey into the heart of a fairy tale.
Rendez-vous de la bande dessinée de Gatineau | December 5 – 7
Maison du citoyen | 25 Laurier Street | Gatineau
Activities for all comics fans: live drawing performances, round tables, workshops, and conferences. Come see and participate! Presentations are in French.
Paskong Pinoy sa Ottawa – Filipino Christmas in Ottawa | December 7
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
The Philippine Centre Canada (PCC), in partnership with the National Arts Centre, invites you once again to join us for a festive holiday market – the Filipino way! Shop for holiday goodies and gifts made by local Filipino businesses and artisans, learn how to make a parol (lantern), and enjoy listening to Filipino Christmas carols.
Mochitsuki | December 7
Preston Event Centre | 523 St. Anthony Street
Mochitsuki Market will be packed with exciting Japanese cultural performances and martial arts demonstrations. Try your hand at mochi pounding.
Ottawa Wine Auction | December 12
Fairmont Château Laurier | 1 Rideau Street
Whether you’re a connoisseur, collector, or a complete beginner, this evening is a unique opportunity to discover amazing vintages and immerse yourself in the realm of fine wines. It is an initiative of the Music and Beyond festival to support annual programming.
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol, Live in Concert | December 11 – 13
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
The National Arts Centre Orchestra presents Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert featuring a screening of the film while the musical score is performed live by the orchestra! The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’s classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Gonzo, as Dickens, narrates the story with the help of Rizzo the Rat. The film also features Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim. Presented in English with French subtitles.
Metcalfe Farmers’ Christmas Market | December 13
Greely Community Centre | 1448 Meadow Drive | Greely
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.
Pet Day & Holiday Market at Robert Plante Greenhouses | December 13
Robert Plante Greenhouses | 4228 Navan Road | Navan
Celebrate pets and the holiday season at the 3rd Annual Pet Day & Holiday Market. Browse over 40 pet-themed vendors and 150+ local artisans offering handmade goods, festive décor, treats, and more, all in a lively greenhouse setting. Visitors can create holiday memories with their furry friends, enjoy unique shopping, and capture magical photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Carp Santa Claus Parade | December 13
199 Langstaff Dr. | Carp
The Huntley Community Association presents the 16th annual Santa Claus Parade in support of the West Carleton Food Access Centre. Enjoy a festive evening filled with lights, music, and holiday cheer as Santa makes his grand entrance through Carp. Donations of non-perishable food items and cash will be collected along the parade route. Celebrate the season with this beloved community tradition.
Jingle Jazz | December 13
LabO Theatre | 60 Waller Street
Step into the sparkle of the season with live jazz, dazzling circus acts, and holiday cheer all wrapped into one unforgettable show! Bring your friends, your family, or your holiday spirit — and get ready to jingle, get jazzy, and be amazed!
Adàwàning: Indigenous Women’s Art Market | December 13 – 14
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
The Indigenous Women’s Art Market showcases the diverse and incredible creations of Métis, Inuit, and First Nations makers. Explore a variety of products, including jewelry, beadwork, paintings, sculptures, mittens, moccasins, coffee, crafts, and much more.
Originals Christmas Craft Sale | December 10 – 14
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
Visit over 200 of Canada’s best artists, artisans and designers with innovative displays and contemporary designs at this handmade marketplace. Plus, attend this in-person event to meet and learn from Canada’s makers and creatives from across country.
Fly Market | December 14
Next Door Market & Event Space | 955A Gladstone Avenue
Shop multi vendors, listen to tunes and take in all the vibes!
Give the gift of sustainability this holiday season…or just come buy yourself something rad! We don’t judge.
Grab your pals and shop all the best curated vintage clothing, designer brands, up-cycled garments, and unique goods.
Handel’s Messiah with the NAC Orchestra | December 17 – 18
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
Experience the festive magic of Handel’s Messiah, a beloved holiday classic that brings joy to many each season.
A Sherlock Carol | December 3 – 20
Ottawa Little Theatre | 400 King Edward Avenue
Your favourite characters from Dickens and Conan Doyle come together in this thrilling holiday tale of intrigue and suspense. Sherlock Holmes, haunted by the death of Moriarty, is pulled out of his lethargy when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks him to investigate the strange death of Ebenezer Scrooge. Once again, the holiday season is haunted by the spirits of the past, present, and future, as Holmes takes on a new mystery. Described as “a clever, crowd-pleasing holiday comedy that happens to be a murder mystery” (NY Times) and “an entertaining new play filled with thrills, chills, and laughs” (DC Metro), this festive story offers a delightful mix of suspense and holiday cheer.
Christmas at Mādahòkì | November 27 – December 28
Mādahòkì Farm | 4420 West Hunt Club Road
Mādahòkì Farm celebrates the holiday season with Indigenous-inspired programming, including the Trail of Lights & Traditions, cultural storytelling, and music. Shop the Indigenous Craft Market, take part in hands-on workshops, and enjoy family-friendly activities like Breakfast with Santa and barnyard visits. Fireside bannock, hot drinks, and over 60 Marketplace vendors add to the festive atmosphere. Private group dining and holiday feasts are also available for a unique seasonal experience.
Ottawa Kwanzaa Celebration | December 28
Preston Event Centre | 523 Saint Anthony Street
The Ottawa Kwanzaa celebration will include a dynamic showcase of cultural dancers, drumming, singing, music and authentic African and Caribbean cuisine — entertainment for the entire family. It offers an excellent opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the Ottawa-Gatineau Black Community.
Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the night before Christmas | December 27 – 30
Ron Maslin Playhouse | 1 Ron Maslin Way
“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” But wait! A mouse is stirring – because Santa missed his house last year. Before you can say “Merry Christmas!”, we’re off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who just won’t take no for an answer.
A Country Christmas | November 29 – December 30
Saunders Farm | 7893 Bleeks Road
Embrace the festive spirit with family fun at Saunders Farm! Enjoy the Elf Academy Stage Show, meet Santa, and explore snow-covered hedge mazes. Visit our Town Square for holiday activities, grab delicious treats from our food booths, and shop for unique gifts and seasonal decor at the Farmshop. As night falls, take a stroll through our dazzling Holiday Light displays and create magical memories with loved ones. Let Saunders Farm be part of your most cherished moments this season!
New Year’s Eve Ottawa Ball at Preston Event Centre | December 31
Preston Event Centre | 523 St. Anthony Street
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 at the vibrant New Year’s Eve party at Preston Event Centre! Enjoy three DJs spinning the best hip-hop, R&B, and afrohouse hits, alongside light bites, a VIP open bar, a champagne toast, electrifying effects, a photo booth, and more. Dress to impress and secure your tickets before they sell out. This is a 19+ event.
New Year’s Party at Casino du Lac-Leamy | December 31
Casino du Lac-Leamy | 1 Casino Boulevard | Gatineau
Join Casino du Lac-Leamy for an exclusive, immersive, and spectacular NYE Party on December 31, to which only ticket holders will be admitted.
You won’t want to miss a thing — from unique shows and amazing performances throughout the casino to a one-of-a-kind countdown and delicious dine-in offers!
Ottawa New Year’s Eve Charity Ball | December 31
Ottawa Conference and Event Centre | 200 Coventry Rd
The Ottawa New Year’s Eve Charity Ball promises a glamorous, unforgettable New Year’s Eve — think red-carpet entrance, elegant four-course dinner, live music and DJ, midnight champagne toast, and a chance to ring in the New Year in style.
More than just a party: the event supports Journey House — a charity that provides homes and support for young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, helping them build independence.
Get Started
Get to know Ottawa’s leading real estate agents, and how we make the market work for you.
