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Holiday Markets In Ottawa
Ottawa Christmas Market
When: Select dates from November 20–December 31, 2026
Where: Aberdeen Plaza at Lansdowne.
Admission: Free
Where to park: TD Place: 1015 Bank Street
If your ideal holiday outing involves a warm drink, something tasty and a little gift shopping, start with the Ottawa Christmas Market.
This outdoor, European-inspired market brings vendor cabins, seasonal food and drinks, festive displays and live performances to Lansdowne. It’s an easy choice for a family outing or an evening with friends. The market operates on selected days, so check the calendar before choosing your date.
The Museum’s Christmas Market (at Canadian Museum of History)
When: November 26–29, 2026
Hours: Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Admission: Free; no market ticket required
Where to park: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier Street
Just across the river in Gatineau, the Canadian Museum of History offers an indoor holiday shopping stop with a setting worth taking your time to enjoy.
More than 100 exhibitors will showcase handcrafted gifts, jewellery, woodworking, holiday decorations, gourmet products and more. You can also meet Indigenous creators and artisans from a range of traditions. New for 2026, a dedicated food market in the Panorama Café brings ready-to-eat offerings together in one space.
613flea at Lansdowne
When: November 6–7 and November 27–28, 2026
Hours: Fridays, 5–9 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park
Admission: Free
Where to park: TD Place: 1015 Bank Street
Shopping for someone who always says they don’t need anything? A browse through 613flea might help.
The market mixes handmade goods, vintage clothing, antiques, food, and unexpected finds from independent vendors. The November editions take place in the Horticulture Building, with Friday evening and Saturday daytime hours giving you a few ways to fit a visit into your plans.
Holiday Market at Parkdale (at Parkdale Public Market)
When: November 28th, 2026 – December 23rd.
Where: Parkdale Public Market, 366 Parkdale Avenue
Where to park: 261 Parkdale Avenue
For a neighbourhood holiday outing, head to Parkdale Public Market in Wellington West.
As the season changes, the market becomes a stop for Christmas trees, greenery, and holiday decorating. Pair your visit with a warm drink nearby and a browse through the neighbourhood’s independent shops.
ByWard Market Holiday Market
When: Weekends during the November 19–December 20, 2026 season
Hours: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: EQ3 Plaza, George Street and ByWard Market Square
Where to park: 93 George Street
Make a little room in your downtown plans for holiday shopping. Browse the seasonal vendors at EQ3 Plaza, then stay in the neighbourhood for dinner or an evening visit to the lights.
HoliYay Craft Market
When: November 22, 2026, from 11 a.m.
Where: Atrium O’Brien, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street
Admission: Free
Where to park: 88 Metcalfe Street
Looking for an indoor Christmas craft market in downtown Ottawa? The National Arts Centre’s HoliYay Craft Market brings local creative talent together for a festive shopping day.
Browse a curated selection of handmade goods and support local makers while working through your gift list.
St. Nicholas Christmas Bazaar
When: November 28, 2026, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Annunciation–St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, 15 LeBreton Street North
Admission: Free
Where to park: 770 Somerset Street West
This community bazaar is a lovely option for a relaxed morning of holiday shopping.
Local makers will sell everything from handmade soaps and original artwork to greeting cards and crochet creations. Pick up a hot drink and something to eat while you browse. Proceeds support the cathedral’s ongoing fundraising needs.
Ottawa Vegan Holiday Market
When: December 5, 2026, from noon–4 p.m.
Weather backup date: December 6, noon–4 p.m.
Where: Parkdale Public Market, 366 Parkdale Avenue
Admission: Free
Where to park: 261 Parkdale Avenue
Come hungry and bring a tote bag. The Ottawa Vegan Holiday Market brings more than 50 small businesses to Parkdale for plant-based food, hot snacks, drinks, and locally made gifts.
It’s a chance to stock up on treats for holiday gatherings while picking up something for the people on your list.
Book Your Parking Near These Events
Planning to attend one of these holiday markets in Ottawa? Book parking with Indigo Neo and avoid searching for parking on event night.
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Holiday Lights and Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Ottawa
ByWard Market Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: November 19, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Where: George Street Plaza, ByWard Market
Where to park: 93 George Street
Welcome the holiday season with the ByWard Market’s tree lighting. The opening celebration includes a holiday market, seasonal announcements, and the debut of a new projection show. Arrive before 5 p.m. to catch the moment the tree lights up.
Footprints: Daily Screening
When: November 19, 2026–January 1, 2027
Screening times: To be announced
Where: Heritage Hall façade, 55 ByWard Market Square; view from George Street Plaza
Where to park: 700 Sussex Drive
Footprints brings a holiday story to Heritage Hall through light and music. Presented by Ottawa Tourism, the projection transforms the building’s façade into a seasonal storytelling backdrop.
Ottawa’s Smallest Tree Lighting
When: November 28, 2026; confirm the ceremony time before visiting
Where: Parkdale Public Market, 366 Parkdale Avenue
Where to park: 261 Parkdale Avenue
Big holiday spirit can come in small packages.
Ottawa’s Smallest Tree Lighting is listed at Parkdale Public Market on November 28. Make it part of an afternoon in Wellington West, with time to explore the market and nearby shops.
Winter Wander on Sparks Street
When: November 17, 2026–January 2, 2027
Where: Sparks Street, downtown Ottawa
Where to park: 219 Laurier Avenue West
Sometimes the holiday plan can be as simple as a walk, a warm drink, and a few good photos.
Winter Wander brings seasonal lights and festive installations to Sparks Street. Explore the displays, stop at nearby cafés and shops, and take your time enjoying downtown Ottawa dressed up for the holidays. It’s an easy addition to a dinner reservation or an evening at the theatre.
Book Your Parking Near These Events
Planning to attend one of these holiday festivals in Ottawa? Book parking with Indigo Neo and avoid searching for parking on event night.
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Holiday Shows and Theatre in Ottawa
Ethan Claymore’s Christmas
When: December 2–19, 2026
Showtimes: Wednesday–Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinees on December 6 and 13, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue
Admission: Ticketed
Where to park: 245 Rideau Street
Norm Foster’s festive romantic comedy follows Ethan, a widowed egg farmer whose neighbour decides it’s time for him to reconnect with the world.
A new teacher in town and an unexpected visit from Ethan’s deceased brother add a little Christmas magic to the story. Expect humour, second chances, and a warm holiday outing at Ottawa Little Theatre.
The Nutcracker
When: November 26–29, 2026
Where: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street
Admission: Ticketed; multiple showtimes
Where to park: 88 Metcalfe Street
Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Tchaikovsky’s familiar music return to Ottawa for a classic holiday theatre outing.
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens presents Fernand Nault’s production of The Nutcracker, accompanied by the NAC Orchestra. Follow Clara and her Prince through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, with larger-than-life characters along the way.
The Comeback
When: November 26–December 5, 2026
Where: Babs Asper Theatre, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street
Admission: Ticketed
Where to park: 66 Slater Street
Looking for a theatre night during the holiday season? The Comeback, by Trish Cooper and Sam Vint, explores family relationships, identity and the complications of bringing two families together.
Presented by NAC Indigenous Theatre, the play follows Métis writer Adam and his settler wife, Jesse. It’s an option for visitors who want to add contemporary theatre to their November or December plans.
Book Your Parking Near These Events
Planning to attend one of these holiday shows in Ottawa? Book parking with Indigo Neo and avoid searching for parking on event night.
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Holiday Concerts in Ottawa
24th Annual Christmas GOOSE Concert
When: November 30 and December 1, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street
Admission: Ticketed
Where to park: 88 Metcalfe Street
Settle in for an evening of seasonal songs that support the Ottawa Food Bank.
The Christmas GOOSE concert brings local singer-songwriters together in a song-circle format, combining original music with familiar favourites and collaborations. With two performances scheduled, you have a choice of evenings to make this musical tradition part of your holiday plans.
Under the Lights: A Tribute to the Music of A Charlie Brown Christmas
When: December 2, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, Building E, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue
Admission: Ticketed; all ages
Where to park: 1845 Baseline Road
If A Charlie Brown Christmas is part of your annual holiday watch list, this concert offers a way to enjoy its music live.
Pianist Thompson Egbo-Egbo and a three-piece jazz ensemble perform Vince Guaraldi’s compositions in a festive setting. Expect recognizable favourites including “Linus and Lucy” and “Christmas Time Is Here.”
Holidays with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra
When: December 12, 2026, from 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 290 Lisgar Street
Admission: Ticketed
Where to park: 290 Lisgar Street
Spend an afternoon with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra as it performs festive favourites and familiar holiday classics.
Conducted by Emmanuelle Lambert-Lemoine, Holidays with the OSO is designed as a seasonal celebration to share with family and friends. The afternoon timing also leaves room for dinner downtown after the concert.
Book Your Parking Near These Events
Planning to attend one of these holiday concerts in Ottawa? Book parking with Indigo Neo and avoid searching for parking on event night.
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Holiday Activities in Ottawa
Help Santa Toy Parade
When: November 21, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Driveway, starting at Somerset Street West and travelling south to Lansdowne Park/TD Place
Admission: Free to watch; donations encouraged
Where to park: 111 Cooper Street
Santa is coming to Ottawa, and this parade brings a chance to enjoy the festivities while supporting local families.
The Help Santa Toy Parade travels along Queen Elizabeth Driveway before finishing at Lansdowne. Find a viewing spot along the route, bundle up, and consider supporting the Help Santa Campaign, which benefits Toy Mountain.
Choose your parking based on where you want to watch; for more parking options, check out our Santa Claus parade guide.
CRAVE Food & Wine Festival
When: November 20–21, 2026
Where: HISTORY Ottawa, 47 Rideau Street
Admission: Ticketed; ages 19+
Where to park: 700 Sussex Drive
If your November plans call for an evening of food and drinks, add CRAVE to your list.
The festival brings food and beverage exhibitors to HISTORY Ottawa, giving you the chance to try a range of offerings in one visit. Admission and sampling are separate: sampling coupons let you choose what to try and how much to spend.
Ottawa Santa Shuffle: Fun Run & Elf Walk
When: December 5, 2026; 1 km Elf Walk at 10 a.m., 5 km Fun Run at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Lansdowne Park, meeting near Aberdeen Pavilion, 525 Princess Patricia Way
Admission: Paid registration
Where to park: TD Place: 1015 Bank Street
Trade the shopping bags for running shoes at Ottawa’s Santa Shuffle.
Choose the 5 km Fun Run or the 1 km Elf Walk and join a seasonal fundraiser supporting The Salvation Army’s local work. It’s an active way to spend a December morning with friends, family, or colleagues while helping people in your community.
Register in advance and allow time to park and reach the meeting area before your start.
Book Your Parking Near These Events
Planning to attend one of these holiday activities in Ottawa? Book parking with Indigo Neo and avoid searching for parking on event night.
| Title | Address | Description | Booking URL |
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Ottawa Holiday Events FAQs
What are some Christmas markets to visit in Ottawa in 2026?
Options include the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne, the ByWard Market Holiday Market, HoliYay at the National Arts Centre, and the Ottawa Vegan Holiday Market at Parkdale. The Museum’s Christmas Market is another option just across the river in Gatineau.
When is the Ottawa Christmas Market in 2026?
The Ottawa Christmas Market runs on selected dates from November 20 to December 31, 2026, at Aberdeen Plaza in Lansdowne. It does not operate every day throughout that period.
Where can I park for the Ottawa Christmas Market?
Check TD Place at 1015 Bank Street for parking at Lansdowne. Review event-day access before travelling, especially when other major events overlap with your visit.
Where can I see holiday lights in downtown Ottawa?
Explore Winter Wander on Sparks Street or head to the ByWard Market for its November 19 tree lighting and the Footprints projection season. Footprints screening times had not yet been announced when this guide was researched.
What free Christmas events can I attend in Ottawa?
Free options include the Ottawa Christmas Market, 613flea’s November markets, HoliYay Craft Market, and the Ottawa Vegan Holiday Market. The Help Santa Toy Parade is also free to watch, with donations encouraged.
When is Ottawa’s Santa Claus parade in 2026?
The Help Santa Toy Parade takes place November 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. It begins at Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Somerset Street West, then travels south to Lansdowne Park/TD Place.
Can I book parking before leaving home?
Use Indigo Neo to search your destination and review the parking options available for your visit. Advance booking and payment methods vary by location, so check the individual listing before heading out.
Make Your Ottawa Holiday Plans
Ottawa truly knows how to make the season shine. From festive markets to concerts, plays, and cozy community events, Ottawa has plenty of Christmas events to fill your calendar.
And to keep every outing easy, skip the parking stress and book your spot with Indigo Neo. That way you can focus on enjoying the lights, music, and magic of Christmas, one festive moment at a time.
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