Skating, music and ice sculptures: Winterlude announces festival line-up
Posted Jan 28, 2025 12:51:31 PM.
Last Updated Jan 28, 2025 12:51:38 PM.
A Canadian and Ottawa winter tradition: The 47th annual Winterlude is set to kick off this Friday, and in preparation Heritage Canada announced the full line of events.
Running from Jan. 31 to Feb. 17, the “can’t miss event” will include activities that show off the country’s culture and diversity. It will also host many outdoor activities like skating on the beloved Rideau Canal and ice sculptures with slides.
The festival will celebrate a few anniversaries, the press release notes, such as the 60th anniversary of the National Flag of Canada and the 50th anniversary of the beaver becoming the official Canadian symbol.
Here’s a rundown of what to expect in the nation’s capital over the next few weeks.
Weekend 1: Jan. 31 to Feb. 2
- Launch party with DJ: Friday starting at 5 p.m.
- Mini Pow Wow and Indigenous Artisan Market: At the Canadian Museum of History, presented by Indigenous Experiences
- Winterlude Urban Sugar Shack, presented by OLG and Ottawa Tourism: Traditional treats on Sparks Street
- LüX: A Winterlude sound and light experience, featuring a rhythmic show, every Friday and Saturday evening on Sparks Street
- Rideau Hall Winter Celebration: Showcasing the beautiful winter grounds
- Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival: Featuring upbeat music for the winter blues
- The Tim Hortons Chinook Super Slide at the Snowflake Kingdom: 350 Laurier St. in Gatineau
Weekend 2: Feb. 7-10
- Interactive urban art installations: Located on Sparks Street
- Captivating exhibits from participating museums
- Ice sculpture exhibition, a classic, presented by Tim Hortons. Found on Sparks Street
- Luminous night skating in the ByWard Market: Markets and skating under the lights
- Fête Frissons 2025 at the Shenkman Arts Centre
Weekend 3: Feb. 14 to 17 (Family Day weekend)
- BIG BANG Music Festival at the National Arts Centre
- Gatineau Igloofest at Place des Festivals Zibi
- Winterlude in the Stars Drone show: The Snowflake Kingdom sky lights up
- 60th anniversary of the National Flag of Canada on Sparks Street: Test your knowledge, discover its history
- Family Day Skating Party at the Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall
- Cool Science Saturday at the Canada Science and Technology Museum
