Ottawa 
Winter Break Family Fun
A list of suggestions for family Christmas holidays/winter break activities and events to attend with kids in Ottawa.
1. See Christmas Lights
Enjoy Ottawa with all glow-in twinkling Christmas lights, or go on a day trip to see the best lights in Ontario!
- Magic of Lights — November 21, 2025 – January 3, 2026 @ Wesley Clover Parks Campground, 411 Corkstown Road, Ottawa
- Festival of Lights — November mid – January, 2026@ Crystal Palace, Perth
- Alight at Night — November 28, 2025 to January 15, 2026 @ Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg
- Christmas Lights Across Canada — December 8 to January 8, 2026 @ Parliament Hill, Confederation Boulevard, Ottawa and Downtown Ottawa.
- Smiths Falls Celebration of Lights — until January 5, 2026. @ Centennial Park, Smith Falls
- Country Christmas Holiday Light Festival-December 6 to 30, 2025 @ Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Road, Ottawa
More fun things to do:
Christmas Holiday Getaways in Ontario
Things to Do on Christmas Day in Ottawa
2. Ottawa Christmas Market
New this year is the extended market running until the end of Christmas break. This year’s market is packed with entertainment and programming suitable for all ages, enhancing the festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, entertainment and delicious baked goods.
December 20, 21, 26 to 31, 2025
Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne, Ottawa
Free
3. Stanley’s Holiday Stroll
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm transforms into a magical wonderland at sunset. The Holiday Stroll offers a 2+ km enchanted forest trail with twinkling lights and Christmas displays. Visitors can enjoy cozy fireside warmth, capture memorable photos, and sip on hot beverages. This mesmerizing experience is spacious, allowing for leisurely exploration and unforgettable moments with friends and family. Details
Until January 3, 2026
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 York’s Corners Road, Edwards
$10 to $13
4. Illuminated Walk at the Chutes
Credit: Parc des Chutes Coulonge Adventure Park
Discover Coulonge Falls Park trails under beautiful, bright lights while being surrounded by holiday cheer. More than 10,000 twinkling Christmas lights and special effects will guide you to the waterfall. Details
December 19–21, 26–28, 2025
Coulonge Falls Park, 100 Parc-des-Chutes Drive, Mansfield-et-Pontefract
$10 to $12
5. Christmas at Mādahòkì
Experience a winter wonderland blending sparkling lights with vibrant Indigenous traditions at Mādahòkì Farm. Enjoy family-friendly festivities, including walking the Trail of Lights & Traditions. Details
December 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, Jan 5, 2025
Mādahòkì Farm, 4420 West Hunt Club Road, Ottawa
$10 – $40
6. ONIRO Night Walk
As night falls, the trees of Parc Oméga come to life and tell the story of the wolf cub Oniro. Immerse yourself in a unique sensory adventure, where animals, light and poetry meet. Details
December 19 to 23, 26 to 30, Jan 1 to 3, 2025
Parc Omega, 399 Route 323 North, Montebello
$22 to $29
7. Home Alone with Cheese Pizza
The only thing better than watching “Home Alone” in December is watching “Home Alone” in December while enjoying a slice of cheese pizza, ‘just for you,’ the way Kevin McCallister likes it! Cheese pizza and ONLY cheese pizza will be served! (We know you hate sausage and olives and onions…). Details
Sunday, December 21, 2025 | 12:00 PM
Bytowne Cinema , 325 Rideau Street, Ottawa
$13.28 – 18.15
8. Dogs Do Magic: A Canine Christmas
This Christmas season, experience an unforgettable afternoon of mind-blowing magic, laughter, and jaw-dropping canine tricks as Dogs Do Magic: A Canine Christmas takes the stage for one show only!
Starring one of Canada’s favorite magicians, Aaron Matthews—as seen on Disney Plus, YTV, and the Calgary Stampede—this award-winning show promises excitement for all ages.
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe
Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM @ Harold Shenkman Hall, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2:30 PM @ Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe – Mainstage, 101 Centrepointe Dr
$46.50 – $69.50
9. Christmas Concerts
- Christmas with Seventeen Voyces – December 20 & 21 @ St. Bartholomew’s Church and St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Ottawa
- Noels – Stairwell Carollers – December 20, 2025 | 2:00 PM @ St.-François-d’Assise Church, 20 Fairmont Ave, Ottawa
- Good Lovelies Christmas Concert – December 20, 2025 | 7:30 PM @ Babs Asper Theatre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
- The Jersey Nights Before Christmas Show – December 20, 2025 | 8:00 PM @ Harold Shenkman Hall, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
- Nine Lessons and Carols – Sunday, December 21, 2025 | 4 PM @ Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks Street, Ottawa
- Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More on Sunday, December 21, 2025 | 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM. 8:30 PM @ First Baptist Church, 140 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa
- In the Christmas Mood with Glenn Miller Orchestra – Tuesday, December 23, 2025 | 8:00 PM @ Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
10. Flights with Santa
Our favourite sleigh pilot is returning to Ottawa! This year Santa will be trading in the reindeer for our vintage Cessna 172, and can’t wait to bring all the children for an adventure over the city. Details
December 13, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Carp Airport, 1500 Thomas Argue Rd, Carp
$51 to $61
11. Family Day at Kōena Spa
Celebrate Christmas Eve as a family in a serene environment! Share a unique relaxation moment with your children (aged 8 and above) and create lasting memories. Details
December 24, 2025 | 8 AM to 6 PM
Kōena Spa, 1172 Aylmer Road, Gatineau
Adults: $49
Children (maximum of 2 children per adult): $49
12. Hansel and Gretel Go West
OttawaMusicals is back at the Great Canadian Theatre Company with their 9th annual panto—a rollicking family musical adventure inspired by the classic story of Hansel and Gretel, now with a wild west twist! Hidden Valley Ranch is home to a colourful cast of characters: a tough-as-nails sheriff, a whip-smart outlaw called The Kid, a suspiciously charming new farmhand, and a pair of clever kids always ready for mischief. Details
December 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Irving Greenberg Theatre, 1233 Wellington Street West, Ottawa
$37 to $60+fees
13. Do a Christmas Bird Count
Why not see how many winter birds you can find in Ottawa? Count the birds that visit your backyard, or go on a walk to see Ontario’s winter birds.
You can also join us for official Christmas bird count walks in the Ottawa area.
14. Bell Capital Cup
The 25th Annual Bell Capital Cup promises to be the best ever, with over 280 teams from Canada, USA, Hong Kong, Austria, Japan, Korea and Kazakhstan to celebrate the world’s greatest game.
With full food & beverage service provided by our friends at the Centre Ice Restaurant, the festival also features several activities and games for the kids including giant inflatables, Sens Street Team, and so much more.
December 28 – 31, 2025
Various Venues, Ottawa
Varies
15. Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” But wait! A mouse is stirring – because Santa missed his house last year. Before you can say “Merry Christmas!”, we’re off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who just won’t take no for an answer.
December 27 to 30, 2025
The Ron Maslin Playhouse, 1 Ron Maslin Way, Kanata
$15
16. Visit Ottawa Attractions
Holiday Hours at selected Ottawa Attractions
Canada Strong Pass – Enjoy free admission for children and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
- Canada Agriculture and Food Museum (Ottawa)
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum (Ottawa)
- Canadian Museum of History (Ottawa)
- Canadian Museum of Nature (Ottawa)
- Canada Science and Technology Museum (Ottawa)
- Canadian War Museum (Ottawa)
- National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa)
Hours are subject to change. Please verify before travelling.
- Canada Agriculture and Food Museum: Closed Dec. 25 and 26.
- Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Canada Science and Technology Museum: Closed on Dec 25., .
- Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum: Closed: December 25., closed on Tuesdays
- Wednesday to Monday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- National Gallery of Canada: Closed on December 25
- December 22 (Winter Break). Open from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
December 24 (Christmas Eve). Open from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
December 26 (Boxing Day). Open from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
December 29 (Winter Break). Open from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
January 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day). Open from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- December 22 (Winter Break). Open from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum: Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, Closed from December 24–26, January 1
- December 22–23: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
December 27–28: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
December 29–31: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Canadian War Museum: Dec. 25: Closed
- Dec. 24, 2025: 9 am to 2 pm
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm
- Thursday: 9 am to 7 pm
- December 22–23: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Canadian Museum of Nature: Closed: December 24 to 25, January 1
- Tuesday – Closed
- Thursday: 9:30 am – 8 pm
- Saturday to Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:30 am – 4 pm
- Canadian Museum of History: Dec. 25: Closed
- Dec. 24: 9 am to 2 pm
- Monday to Wednesday: 9 am to 5 pm
- Thursday: 9 am to 7 pm
- Friday to Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm
- Bank of Canada Museum: Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays plus December 20 to 26, 2025
- Monday, Thursday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Royal Canadian Mint: Closed: December 25, 26, January 1, 2026
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 24, 2025: Christmas Eve (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday)
- December 31, 2025: New Year’s Eve (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday)
17. Holiday Activities at Museums
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum – December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026: This holiday season, journey north and experience the magic of winter through stories, stars, and shimmering lights. Take part in a cherished Nunavik tradition with The Kuujjuaq Christmas Candy Drop, explore the wonders of the universe in our immersive Planetarium, and create your own dazzling northern lights artwork at our Aurora Borealis craft station.
- Canada Agriculture and Food Museum! – December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026: Marvel at our live holiday trees on display, then get creative in our craft corner by decorating a felt tree ornament to take home. Drop into our holiday snack station to whip up easy, festive, kid-approved snacks that make snack time the highlight of the day. Stay cozy as you watch a fun family movie or chase away your winter blues in our games room featuring games for all ages.
- Canada Science and Technology Museum. – December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026: Feast your eyes (and ears!) this holiday season with immersive, hands-on activities for all ages. Step into our large-scale Luminorama experience, where light, colour, and texture intermingle through playful stations, from a collaborative weave to glowing light displays. Experiment with our coloured-light demo or make music on the tubulum. And don’t miss the massive miniature railroad display crafted by the Ottawa Valley HOTRAK Club!
- Explore the Canadian Museum of Nature and take in Butterflies in Flight. Experience the beauty of nature up close as these delicate creatures soar freely in our Solarium. A warm tropical paradise welcomes dozens of new pupae from Costa Rica and the Philippines every week.
- Enjoy the festive lights, music and flavours by joining in seasonal events for all ages at the Canadian Museum of History.
18. Holiday Dining
The Grandest of Feelings comes from spending the holidays at Ottawa’s castle. Fairmont Château Laurier comes alive during the holidays. The halls are lined with beautifully decorated trees for the annual Trees of Hope for CHEO making it the perfect setting to enjoy time with friends and family. Details
December 1 to January 1, 2025
Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa
Varies
20. Cheer Ottawa Home Teams
Visit Canadian Tire Centre and TD Place and cheer Ottawa’s home teams – Ottawa Senators, Ottawa Charge & Ottawa 67s.
21. Go Skiing
- Find your edge skiing and snowboarding at Calabogie Resort and the tallest ski mountain in Ottawa. With the longest beginner run in the province, cruising trails, terrain parks, glade runs and challenging steeps and dips.
- Or get to Camp Fortune, located about 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa/Gatineau.
22. Experience the thrill of tobogganing
If there is ample snow on the ground (Weather dependent), go tobogganing. Some of the best tobogganing hills are those maintained by the National Capital Commission, like Bruce Pit (Nepean), and Conroy Pit.
Walter Baker Park in Kanata, Mooney’s Bay Park, and Carlington Ski Hill are great venues, too. Hills on Green’s Creek are lit in the evening, making for a great experience.
23. Lace-Up
Lace up for a twirl on the ice.
Skating Trails
- Do not miss exploring the Rideau Canal Skateway if it opens during the holidays.
- River Oak Skating Trail is another fantastic venue to skate (now open). Skate through the 3.5km frozen pathway that winds through old-growth apple orchards and meadows. @ 2900 York’s Corners Road, Ottawa
- Icelynd Skating Trails features over 2 kilometres of exquisite trails on a natural ice surface @ 6865 Fernbank Road, Ottawa
- Countryside Adventures offers a 3km trail through the woods @ 16485 Sixth Road, Moose Creek
- Discover the Little Penguin Trail, a 5.5 km ice trail located on the enchanting grounds of the Touraine Golf Club. @ 312 Chemin Taché, Gatineau
Other great places (refrigerated surfaces) include:
- Sens Rink of Dreams(Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa), daily, 6 am to 11 pm (weather permitting).
- Lansdowne Park Skating Court (1525 Princess Patricia Way) 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. (weather permitting)
- Ben Franklin Place Skating Rink (101 Centrepointe Drive); open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m
- Jim Tubman Chevrolet Sens Rink – Schedule
Must-Visit Outdoor Skating Rinks in Ontario
25. Go Winter Camping
Why not experience winter camping in the capital region at Gatineau Park? The park has 13 ready-to-camp units equipped with beds, wood stoves and a cooking surface.
26. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing
If ample snow is on the ground, explore the capital region on skis or snowshoes.
27. Sleigh Rides
Do you have family and friends visiting and want to take them on a sleigh ride amidst snow-laden landscapes? Get to Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm (2452 York’s Corners Road, Edwards) or Fallowfield Tree Farm (6100 Fallowfield Road, Stittsville)for a trip through Christmas tree forests and maple forests.
28. Day Trips and Getaways
Whether you want to plan a day trip or a long getaway during this holiday season, Ontario offers plenty of options:
- Winter in Ontario
- Christmas in Ontario
- Provincial Parks to Visit During Winter
- Family Getaways During Winter
- Ontario Resorts and Lodges for a Christmas Holiday Getaway.
29. Visit indoor attractions & playgrounds
Take the kids to one of the indoor kids’ playgrounds and let them have a rollicking time climbing on play structures, going down the slides, racing indoor go-karts and other fun activities.
30. Enjoy a Winter Walk
Ottawa is home to some of the largest urban parks in all of Canada. Check out some of the best places to enjoy a walk in the snow.
See some waterfalls decked in snow, and enjoy winter scenery.
31. Welcome New Year 2026
Watch a fireworks show and welcome 2026!
32. Science Experiments to Do at Home with Kids
Here are a few easy and fun science activities/experiments that are super fun and educational.
25 Fun Things to Do with Kids Inside Your Home
33. City Recreation & Library
The City of Ottawa offers fitness classes, camps, and more, offering something for everyone.
- Play Free: Children, youth 17 years old and under and accompanying parents can drop into activities, like swimming and skating, at recreation facilities across the City for free. The free drop-in activities at each facility are different and vary throughout the year.
- Try It: A fitness pass for individuals 13 years old or older, Try It provides three free visits to weight and cardio rooms, squash and racquetball courts and various fitness classes at participating facilities.
- Youth weight and cardio: As part of a new partnership with Tony Graham Automotive Group, free weight and cardio summer memberships are offered to youth at select facilities.
- I Love To: In partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, these programs organize dancing, swimming, skateboarding and other activities for over 3,500 children and youth in Ottawa.
- Ottawa Hand in Hand: This program provides fee support for individuals and families with a low-income or a family member with a disability, among other eligibility requirement.
