Finding Christmas events in Ottawa sounds easy… until you start searching. One quick Google search and suddenly you’re juggling ten tabs, three TikTok recommendations, and zero actual plans.
So we made this guide to save your holiday sanity.
December in the capital is packed with festive fun, Christmas markets, concerts, light displays, and family outings; there’s something happening everywhere you turn.
And the best part? We’ve already figured out the parking. Just open the Indigo Neo app and book your spot before you head out, so you can focus on the fun, not the stress.
Planning a trip to Toronto this season? We have a full holiday guide for you there, too.
Let’s make this your easiest, most stress-free holiday yet.
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Holiday Markets In Ottawa
Ottawa Christmas Market
If you’re planning your holiday itinerary, the Ottawa Christmas Market is a must-see. This European-style market takes over the outdoor plaza at Lansdowne Park (Aberdeen Plaza, Marche Way) on weekends and selected extra dates from November 21 through December 31, 2025.
Visitors will find wooden vendor cabins filled with local goods, seasonal food and drinks (including alcoholic options), glittering displays, live performances, and a family-friendly, free event setting.
For holiday activities locals love, this market offers a blend of holiday shopping, festive ambience, and the convenience to tie in other nearby activities.
WHERE TO PARK:
TD Place: 1015 Bank Street
6-minute walk to the venue
Open 24/7, this underground lot offers 1100 parking spaces. EV charging is available on-site.
The Museum’s Christmas Market (at Canadian Museum of History)
Another fantastic stop for holiday events in Ottawa is The Museum’s Christmas Market at the Canadian Museum of History. From November 27 to 30, 2025, nearly 100 exhibitors gather in the majestic Grand Hall and Douglas Cardinal Salon to showcase holiday decorations, wood art, glasswork, gourmet food items, fine spirits, original jewelry and more.
What makes this particular market special among others is the setting and the range of crafts. You’ll find Indigenous creators and artisans from diverse traditions who bring unique works that tell stories. The environment is quieter and more relaxed than an outdoor plaza hustle, making it perfect for focused gift-shopping or bringing someone who appreciates artisan design. Free admission, complimentary coat check, and on-site ATM are added perks, all making your holiday market visit a little more comfortable.
WHERE TO PARK:
Canadian Museum of History: 100 Rue Laurier
1-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground garage offers 309 parking spaces for convenient access at any time of day.
613Christmas (by 613flea)
For those who love discovering unique finds and supporting independent makers, 613Christmas by 613flea is one of the top holiday markets in Ottawa. The event occurs November 29 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.) and November 30 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) at Carleton University Fieldhouse (Bronson at Sunnyside).
The market features about 200 vendors, free admission, and a focus on independent makers, unique gift items, vintage finds, and artisan goods. There is also the “613Holiday Night Market” on Fridays (Nov 28, Dec 5, Dec 12, Dec 19) at Aberdeen Pavilion with 150 vendors. If your goal is to find something truly original for your Christmas shopping list, this market delivers.
WHERE TO PARK:
Canada Agriculture Museum: 901 Prince of Wales Drive
13-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 surface lot has 128 parking spaces. Perfect location to explore the market.
Holiday Market at Parkdale (at Parkdale Public Market)
If you prefer a neighbourhood feel for your holiday outings and want to explore some of the holiday activities Ottawa’s west end offers, the Holiday Market at Parkdale is a great choice. The event is hosted by Parkdale Public Market on November 29, 2025. The market will include evergreen trees, dazzling décor and holiday cheer.
WHERE TO PARK:
261 Parkdale Avenue
5-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 surface lot has 20 parking spaces.
Luminaire- ByWard Market
For one of the most central locations in the capital where holiday activities come alive, the ByWard Market Holiday Market is a go-to stop. The ByWard Market’s 2025 holiday season kicks off with an outdoor Christmas Market by Minerva on William Street, featuring local vendors and festive treats.
Seasonal activities & events run November 21 through January 1, including daily light projections, carollers (weekends 12-2 p.m.), horse-drawn wagons (weekends 1-3 p.m.), and a tree & wreath market on York St (seven days a week).
This market brings together the essence of Christmas in Ottawa: shopping, lights, entertainment, and downtown energy.
WHERE TO PARK:
93 George Street
3-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 surface lot has 65 parking spaces. Close to all the festivities at the market.
Holiday Concerts in Ottawa
A Sherlock Carol
At the Ottawa Little Theatre this December, “A Sherlock Carol” offers a clever twist on holiday theatre and stands out among the city’s top Christmas events. Running from December 3–20, 2025, this witty play mashes up the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and Ebenezer Scrooge in a mystery-meets-holiday tale.
Expect all the festive mood you’d want for Christmas, steam-puffed windows, Victorian London meets Dickensian ghosts, while also enjoying a playful murder mystery.
WHERE TO PARK:
245 Rideau Street
3-minute walk to the venue
This underground lot is open 24/7 and offers 158 parking spaces.
Christmas with Music and Beyond
On Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., the Music & Beyond classical-arts festival presents “Christmas with Music and Beyond” at the Carleton Dominion‑Chalmers Centre (290 Lisgar St).
This concert showcases a rich blend of baroque and modern holiday repertoire, from Handel to Holst, performed by top-tier musicians including sopranos, violinists and harpists. If you’re after a more refined outing among the best Christmas concerts in Ottawa, this event delivers.
WHERE TO PARK:
290 Lisgar Street
1-minute walk to the venue
This surface lot is open 24/7 and offers 54 parking spaces.
Handel’s Messiah with the NAC Orchestra
A cornerstone of the holiday season, this rendition of Messiah by NAC Orchestra takes place at the National Arts Centre (1 Elgin St) on December 17–18, 2025.
For those seeking classic holiday activities in Ottawa, this performance offers full choirs, powerful soloists and the timeless “Hallelujah” chorus set in an acoustic-rich venue. It’s a deeply moving experience that captures the heart of Christmas.
WHERE TO PARK:
World Exchange Plaza: 45 O’Connor Street
7-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground lot offers 1100 parking spaces. EV charging is available on-site.
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol, Live in Concert
Another standout among holiday events in Ottawa is Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol, Live in Concert at the National Arts Centre (1 Elgin St). Taking place on December 11 to 13, 2025, this holiday favourite gets an elevated twist with a full orchestra performing the score live while the beloved film plays on the big screen.
This event brings together everything people love about Christmas: nostalgia, family-friendly fun, and the magic of live music. You’ll get to watch Kermit as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, and Michael Caine as the iconic Scrooge, all while hearing the soundtrack performed with rich orchestral detail.
WHERE TO PARK:
88 Metcalfe Street
7-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 surface lot offers 35 parking spaces.
Holly Jolly Jill Barber Christmas
Mid-evening fun meets holiday jazz at this concert by Canadian vocalist Jill Barber, on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the National Arts Centre.
Expect a glamorous yet cozy night out full of Christmas classics (like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “I’ll be home for Christmas“) and original songs all wrapped in a festive vibe. It’s a great option among holiday concerts for couples or friends who want a stylish, laugh-filled Christmas.
WHERE TO PARK:
66 Slater Street
6-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground lot offers 161 parking spaces.
OrKidstra Holiday Concert
For families and younger audiences, the OrKidstra holiday concert is a standout among holiday activities in Ottawa. Taking place on December 16, 2025, at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, expect a wonderful mix of classical, jazz, pop, holiday favourites, and music from around the world. The event is free to attend and features over 150 young musicians onstage. For a holiday event that’s kid-friendly, interactive and memorable, this one earns a spot.
WHERE TO PARK:
234 Laurier Avenue West
5-minute walk to the venue
This underground lot is open from 7am- 6pm and offers 223 parking spaces.
Holiday Activities in Ottawa
Breakfast with Santa
Get into the holiday spirit with a truly memorable morning at the “Breakfast With Santa” event on December 6, 2025, as part of the bigger Christmas celebration at the Ottawa Christmas Market. Hosted in the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park, this festive breakfast includes a hearty pancake buffet, special guests from the Ottawa REDBLACKS, a personal visit and photo-op with Santa, children’s crafts and holiday music.
WHERE TO PARK:
TD Place: 1015 Bank Street
6-minute walk to the venue
Open 24/7, this underground lot offers 1100 parking spaces. EV charging is available on-site.
All Aboard Santa’s Holiday Train
The “All Aboard Santa’s Holiday Train” at the Ingenium (Canada’s Science & Technology Museum) adds a twist to your usual winter outing. Running from November 29 to December 6, 2025, at the museum grounds, visitors can meet Santa, snap a photo, and hop aboard a vintage train car for a short festive ride around the museum grounds.
This is one of the standout holiday activities for families and those wanting something less typical. It blends a bit of nostalgia, train rides and Santa’s workshop energy in one attraction.
WHERE TO PARK:
Canada Science and Technology Museum: 1867 Saint Laurent Boulevard
1-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 surface lot offers 250 parking spaces.
Jingle Jazz
For a chic, fun night out, the “Jingle Jazz” show at the LabO Theatre (60 Waller St) on December 13, 2025, blends live jazz music with circus acrobatics. Produced by the creative collective Cirquonscient, this event offers holiday flair, live swing rhythms, dazzling aerials and a festive atmosphere.
WHERE TO PARK:
3 Daly Avenue
2-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground lot offers 250 parking spaces.
Mayor’s Annual Christmas Celebration
Hosted at Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Ave W), the “Mayor’s Annual Christmas Celebration” on December 6, 2025, from about 3 – 6 p.m. is free (donation to the Ottawa Food Bank optionally) and packed with warm community spirit.
Expect a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides, marshmallow roasts around outdoor campfires, skating and vendors.
WHERE TO PARK:
111 Cooper Street
7-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 surface lot offers 34 parking spaces.
Winter Wander
From November 18, 2025, to January 5, 2026, the pedestrian pathway of Sparks Street Mall transforms with the “Winter Wander” event into a festive corridor filled with twinkling lights, holiday installations, a glowing tree lighting and free hot chocolate on kickoff night.
This is a standout because it requires minimal planning, just show up, stroll and enjoy the ambiance. Great for friends, couples or anyone wanting a low-key but magical night out.
WHERE TO PARK:
270 Albert Street
5-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground lot offers 46 parking spaces.
Holiday Brunch & Board Game Bonanza
If you’re looking for Christmas activities in Ottawa that are cozy, fun and totally different from the usual markets and concerts, the Holiday Brunch & Board Game Bonanza at Hintonburg Public House is a perfect pick. Located in the heart of Hintonburg, this event blends comfort-food brunch classics with a massive collection of board games you can play right at your table. Running daily from December 20 to January 4, this festive brunch is the perfect way to celebrate the season together.
WHERE TO PARK:
52 Bayswater Avenue
5-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground lot offers 20 parking spaces.
Conclusion
Ottawa truly knows how to make the season shine. From festive markets to concerts, plays and cozy community events, there’s no shortage of Christmas events in Ottawa to fill your calendar.
And to keep every outing easy, skip the parking stress and book your spot with the Indigo Neo app. That way you can focus on enjoying the lights, music and magic of Christmas, one festive moment at a time.
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