Holiday markets, food and fun: What’s on this weekend in Ottawa?

Photo by Ottawa Christmas Market (Instagram page).
Photo by Ottawa Christmas Market (Instagram page).

By Andrea Bennett

Posted Nov 29, 2024 09:12:48 AM.

Last Updated Nov 29, 2024 09:12:55 AM.

The holiday season is upon the nation’s capital and it’s filled with family-friendly events and activities for the next several weeks — including holiday markets, sporting events and more.

As Ottawa lights up at night — with various holiday displays across the city — and the first snowfall is set to arrive this weekend, it’s the opportune time to visit city’s holiday attractions and special events.

O-Train Line 1 service will not be running between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair Stations on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Full Line 1 service will resume at 12:30 p.m., wrote the City of Ottawa in a news release.

Events this weekend

  • World Multicultural Festival: Everyone is invited to enjoy live multicultural performances, musical performances, multicultural fashion shows, and more. Nov. 30. Located in Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. Click here for details.
  • Christmas in Old Aylmer: A holiday market with handcrafted goods and tasty treats, featuring local artisans and vendors, as well as a Santa Claus parade. Nov. 29-Dec. 1. Click here for details.
  • Vintage Village of Lights: Visit a heritage village from the 1920s and ’30s, decorated and lit for the holidays. Kids can visit with Santa, decorate gingerbread cookies, view seasonal heritage demonstrations, and more. Located at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, Nov. 29 – Dec. 1. Click here for details.
  • 613Holiday Night Market: An indoor shopping experience, with local vendors displaying unique gifts and food. Admission is free and dogs are welcome. Located in Aberdeen Pavilion. Nov. 29 from 5-10 p.m. Click here for details.
  • Watson’s Mill’s Christmas Craft Market: Two floors of local artisans selling unique, hand-made items. Located in Manotick. Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Click here for details.
  • Santa’s Parade of Lights: The holiday parade kicks off at 6 p.m. on Nov. 30, St-Joseph Boulevard. Hosted by the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association. Click here for details.

Sporting events

  • Ottawa 67s: Playing against Peterborough Petes on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m., TD Place. Click here for details.
  • Ottawa 67s: Playing against London Knights on Dec. 1 at 2 p.m., TD Place. Click here for details.
  • Ottawa Black Bears (lacrosse): Playing against Toronto Rock on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m., Canadian Tire Centre. Click here for details.

Ongoing events and activities

  • SoulRhythms: African and Caribbean-inspired group dance classes, designed for all levels. Tuesdays until Dec. 17 at the NAC. Click here for details.
  • A Country Christmas: Visit Saunders Farm for holiday-themed shows, Santa Claus, mazes, food, and a holiday light display. From Nov. 29-Dec. 30. Click here for details.
  • Magic of Lights: A drive-through display, lined with two-kilometres of LED lights. Nov. 22-Jan. 4 at Wesley Clover Parks. Click here for details.
  • Ottawa Christmas Market: Ottawa’s European-style Christmas market. Located in Aberdeen Plaza, Landsdowne. Enjoy seasonal food and drink, local goods, and live performances from Nov. 22-Jan. 5. Click here for details.
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