Holiday-inspired events and things to do in Ottawa this weekend

It is the weekend of last-minute gift-getting, watching holiday movies and strolling around a winter wonderland.

Over the last month there have been many events across the city, bringing holiday cheer, raising funds for a good cause and embodying the holiday spirit. Many festivals are ongoing even after Dec. 25 but a few will have the debut and close only this weekend.

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Events this weekend Dec. 20-22

• All of My Favourite Things Artisan Market: Vibrant crafts and art are displayed in outdoor tents at 55 Byward Market Sqr. Gallery 55 has more indoor finds and is located in the heart of the ByWard Winter Market on Dec. 21.
• A Christmas Carol Concert with The Stairwell Carollers: Festive traditional songs like Deck The Halls and O Christmas Tree including some newer holiday favourites. the cappella singing can be found at St.-François-d’Assise Church, 20 Fairmont Ave. at 2 p.m. on Dec. 21.
• Céleste Lévis: Returning to the National Arts Centre with her band, Lévis is sure to bring people an unforgettable experience on Dec. 21 at 8:00 p.m.
• O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy: Rich in wordplay, physical comedy this award-winning duo has created a funny show reminiscent of British pantomimes at the 101 Centrepointe Dr., with multiple shows at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 21 and 22.
• Carnegie Cup Blind Hockey Series: Thrilling hockey as a warm-up to the world juniors, the Blind Hockey League is set to feature the world’s best players in a three-game series until Dec. 22 at TD Place.

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Ongoing events and activities in Ottawa

• ByWard Market Synthetic Ice Rink: Open Sunday-Wednesday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Skating is free. A skate-rental kiosk is located nearby.
• Stanley’s Holiday Stroll: Take a stroll through through forest trails with lights and displays. Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm. Every weekend from 10 a.m. – 4p.m., ending Dec. 23rd.
• Magic of Lights: A drive-through display, lined with two-kilometres of LED lights. Nov. 22 – Jan. 4 at Wesley Clover Parks.
• Alight at Night Festival: Over one million lights light up the historic Upper Canada Village. Runs until Jan. 4, from 5 – 9 p.m. every evening.
• 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.
• A Country Christmas: Visit Saunders Farm for holiday-themed shows, Santa Claus, mazes, food, and a holiday light display. From Nov. 29 – Dec. 30.