8 Family Christmas Events in Ottawa

I can not even believe I am writing this post. Where did the year go? In my defence, it is still November but the Ottawa Christmas festivities are starting as early as tomorrow.

I know what it is like as a parent at Christmas. You want to keep the kids busy and make memories. Possibly while creating your own family traditions. So let me help you out with some ideas for this Christmas season.

8 Family Christmas Events in Ottawa

Magic of Lights

Comprised of LED displays celebrating the joy of the holidays. A “drive through” experience from the comfort of your own car. Pile everyone in the car and bring them out to see the lights!

When: November 21st, 2019 – January 4th 2020
Where: Wesley Clover Parks
Cost: Per Vehicle (3 Rows or less) Online: $20 +HST & fees Gate (Mon – Thurs): $25 Gate (Fri – Sun): $30
Website: Magic of Lights Ottawa

Trees of Hope

Following the main decorating event 30 trees are moved into the public spaces of the Fairmont Château Laurier, where the public is invited to vote on their favourite tree and make a donation to CHEO.

When: November 25, 2019 – January 3, 2020
Where: Fairmont Château Laurier
Cost: Free. They do ask for a donation to CHEO.
Website: Trees of Hope

CP Holiday Train

Seriously an amazing event for all ages. The train arrives and pulls to a safe stop in front of the crowd. The stage door lowers and the band opens with its first song. After that, a brief presentation takes place with local food bank officials and other dignitaries. Once complete, the band resumes performing a mix of traditional and modern holiday-themed songs.  The whole event lasts about 30 minutes. Once the band plays its farewell song, the stage door closes, and the train heads off to the next stop

OK so this isn’t exactly in Ottawa but it is worth the drive. There are two locations within an hour drive of Ottawa.

When: November 27th, 2019
Where: Merrickville train arrives at 4:45pm, Smith Falls train arrives at 6:20pm
Cost: Donation to Food Bank
Website: CP Holiday Train

Ottawa Christmas Market

Ottawa’s first European style Christmas Market is set to launch in the Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne on November 29th with JUNO Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, Chantal Kreviazuk performing songs from her latest and first Christmas album, “Christmas Is A Way of Life, My Dear”. The magic of the season comes to life with vendors, local craftsman, delicious baked goods and holiday favorites!

When: November 29th until December 22nd. Tree lighting to kick off the Ottawa Christmas Market is on November 29th approx. 6pm.
Where: 1015 Bank Street
Cost: Free but bring money for shopping it is a market after all.
Website: Ottawa Christmas Market

Alight at Night

Bundle up for an evening stroll through this picture-perfect postcard setting! Close to one million lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees, and fences of Upper Canada Village for its annual Alight at Night Festival.

Hop on board a horse-drawn wagon. Sing along with the carolling at Christ Church. Visit Saint Nick at his Victorian-style mansion (select evenings). Ride with the kiddies on a life-sized toy train and vintage merry-go-round.

When: Select nights from November 29th – January 4th, 2020
Where: Upper Canada Village
Cost: Adults (13+) $16, Youth (5-12) $12, Children under 4 are free
Website: Alight at Night

Christmas Lights Across Canada

The Christmas Lights Across Canada program was introduced in 1985 to showcase monuments and sites along Confederation Boulevard in Canada’s Capital Region. Parliament Hill, national museums, embassies and other significant sites are highlighted by thousands of dazzling holiday lights.

When: December 4th, 2019 – Early January 2020
Where: Monuments and sites along Confederation Boulevard in Canada’s Capital Region. Parliament Hill, national museums, embassies and other significant sites are highlighted. The Opening Night Ceremony and official lighting will take place at Confederation Park on December 4th at 5:30pm.
Cost: Free
Website: Christmas Lights Across Canada

Glow Ottawa

Experience a magical family-friendly indoor wonderland as you Glow Around the World and follow Santa on his journey to deliver presents in 6 different countries! Enjoy interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, delicious food, festive drinks and daily live entertainment all under the twinkle of a million lights.

Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more about this amazing event as I am an ambassador for them this year.

When: December 5th, 2019 – January 4th, 2020
Where: EY Centre
Cost: Adults $22.99, Child (4-12 years old) $16.99, Senior (65+) $16.99, Family Pass (2 Adults, 3 Children) $74.99, Season Passes starting at $38.99
Website: Glow Ottawa

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