Santa Claus parades and holiday activities across Ottawa and eastern Ontario

The festive season is upon us  — a very busy time of year for Santa and Mrs. Claus!

The big guy in red will be on the move over the next month, as Santa Claus parades are held across Ottawa and eastern Ontario.

First up is the 54^th Help Santa Toy Parade in down town Ottawa on Saturday, Nov. 18, starting at 11 a.m.  The route will start at Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue where it will head west to Bank Street. The parade will then turn south onto Bank towards Lansdowne Park where it will end. New, unwrapped toys will be accepted along the parade route, as well as monetary and ‘tap’ donations.

Rundown of other Santa Claus parades across the region:

• Barrhaven Santa Claus Parade, Sunday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m.
• Kanata Santa Claus Parade, Saturday, Nov. 25 at 10 a.m.
• Riverside South Community Association Toy Mountain Parade, Saturday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m.
• Orléans Santa’s Parade of Lights, Saturday, Nov. 25 at 6 p.m.
• Osgoode Village Parade of Lights, Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.
• Manotick Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade, Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.
• Constance and Buckham’s Bay Santa Claus Parade, Saturday, Dec. 2 at 4:45 p.m.
• Richmond Christmas Parade, Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.
• Stittsville Parade of Lights, Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
• Huntley Community Association Santa Claus Parade, Saturday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
• Fitzroy Harbour Christmas Parade, Saturday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
• Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade, Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.

The City of Ottawa has also released a list of other holiday activities, including Christmas markets and light shows.

Here if your full rundown:

• Ottawa Christmas Market: Aberdeen Square at Lansdowne from Nov. 24 to Dec. 23.
• Magic of Lights: Wesley Clover Park Campground, 411 Corkstown Road from Nov. 17 to Jan. 6
• Winter Lights across Canada: Parliament Hill from Dec. 7 to Jan. 7
• Billings Estate National Historic Site – Home for the Holidays: Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 2 to 23, 2023. Regular admission fees apply.
• Cumberland Heritage Village Museum – Vintage Village of Lights: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Nov. 24 through Dec. 17 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost: $25 per group (1 – 6 people per group). Advance registration is required.
• Nepean Museum – Retro Christmas! Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $19.64 per family (two adults and accompanying children under 18); $12.25 per pair; $7.40 single admission. This is a drop-in program; advance registration is not required. The activities are best suited for families with children ages 6 to 12. Younger children are welcome to participate with the assistance of an adult or older sibling.

Another very popular holiday event is the ‘Alight at Night’ festival at Upper Canada Village. During the festival, over one million lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees, and fences. There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides.

‘Alight at Night’ will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the following nights:

• Friday, Dec. 1 to Sunday, Dec. 3
• Thursday, Dec. 7 to Sunday, Dec. 10
• Thursday, Dec. 14. to Sunday, Dec. 17
• Thursday, Dec. 21 to Saturday, Dec. 23
• Tuesday, Dec 26 to Saturday, Jan. 6

Learn more and book your tickets here.