2023/24 Winter Break Family Fun
A list of suggestions for family Christmas holidays/winter break activities and events to attend with kids in Ottawa – December 23, 2023 – January 7, 2024.
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 17 – January 6, 2024 @ Wesley Clover Parks Campground, 411 Corkstown Road, Ottawa
- Festival of Lights — November 18, 2023 – January, 2024 @ Crystal Palace, Perth
- Alight at Night — December 1, 2023 to January 6, 2024@ Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg
- Christmas Lights Across Canada — December 8, 2022, to January 8, 2023 @ Parliament Hill, Confederation Boulevard, Ottawa and Downtown Ottawa.
- Smiths Falls Celebration of Lights — December 7, 2023, to January 7, 2024 @ Centennial Park, Smith Falls
More fun things to do:
Christmas Holiday Getaways in Ontario
Things to Do on Christmas Day in Ottawa
2. 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
December 1 to 30, 2023
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 York’s Corners Road, Edwards
$10 to $12
3. Illuminated Walk at the Chutes
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 29 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Coulonge Falls Park, 100 Parc-des-Chutes Drive, Mansfield-et-Pontefract
$6 to $10
4. Family Day at Kōena Spa
For the first time in Kōena Spa’s history, they invite you to 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, 2023 | 8 AM to 6 PM
Kōena Spa, 1172 Aylmer Road, Gatineau
Adults: $55
Children: $25 (maximum of 2 children per adult)
5. Family Discovery Day
Nordik Spa-Nature’s Family Discovery Day offers a unique blend of thermal experiences, including saunas, baths, and rest areas, Aufguss sauna rituals, workshops on snowballs, essential oils, and towel waving, mini body treatments, massages for ages 14+, Källa flotation pool access, special children’s menu in four restaurants. Details
Sunday, December 24, 2023 | 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Nordik Spa-Nature, 16 Nordik Road, Chelsea
$94 (+ tax) per person
6. 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 in for official Christmas bird count walks in the Ottawa area.
7. Visit Ottawa Attractions
Holiday Hours at select Ottawa Attractions
Hours are subject to change. Please verify before travelling.
- Canada Agriculture and Food Museum: The museum closes at 2 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2023. Closed on Dec 25. December 26, 2023 to January 7, 2024: The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Canada Science and Technology Museum: The museum closes at 2 p.m. on December 24, 2023. Closed on Dec 25.
From December 26, 2023 to January 7, 2024, the museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum:The museum is open Thursday to Monday (Inclusive): Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Closed: December 25.
- National Gallery of Canada:
Closed on December 25
December 24 (Christmas Eve). Open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
January 1, 2024 (New Year’s Day). Open from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum: Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Holiday closures: December 24 to 26, January 1, 2
Other days:
Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Canadian War Museum:December 24, 2023: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
December 25, 2023: Closed
January 1, 2024: Closed- Monday: Closed
Tuesday and Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Monday: Closed
- Canadian Museum of Nature: Closed: Closed December 24 to 26, January 1
- Open other days: 9:30 am – 4 pm, Open on Jan 2, but closed other Tuesdays
- Canadian Museum of History: Monday: ClosedTuesday and Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.December 24, 2023: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
December 25, 2023, January 1, 2024: Closed - Bank of Canada Museum: Closed: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 to Wednesday, January 3, 2024; 7 days per week from January 4, 10:00 to 17:00
- Royal Canadian Mint: Tuesday – Sunday: First tour 10:15 am, last tour 4:00 pm
- Closed – December 24 to 26, December 31, New Year’s Eve, January 1, New Year’s Day
8. Holiday Activities at Museums
- Reach for the stars at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum this holiday season! Experience the joy of a Nunavik holiday tradition with The Kuujjuaq Christmas Candy Drop, journey to the stars with the inflatable planetarium experience and create beautiful soapstone prints. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.
- Sprinkle a little magic into the holiday season with a trip to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum! Vintage toys never go out of style; take a trip down memory lane as you admire and play with mementos of a childhood past. For some tasty treats, visit the Demonstration Kitchen to sample a family brunch recipe, festive dips, and recipes made with Canada’s little, red fruit — the cranberry! Stop by the craft corner to make a winter tree craft to take home. Don’t forget to bring your slippers and blanket…you’ll want to stay cozy as you watch a classic family movie.
- This holiday season, revisit the simplicity of the past with retro games and activities for the whole family at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
- Explore the Canadian Museum of Nature and take in Owls Rendez-Vous exhibitions. You can see live owls in this special outdoor exhibition! This exhibition opens at 10:30 am, an hour later than the museum.
- Enjoy the festive lights, music and flavours by joining in seasonal events for all ages at the Canadian Museum of History.
9. A Christmas Story
Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more. Details
December 27 to 30, 2023
Kanata Theatre, 1 Ron Maslin Way, Kanata
$15
10. Sleeping Beauty
Get ready to be enchanted as we awaken the stage with Sleeping Beauty. With a sprinkle of fairytale dust, madcap humor, lively music and a whole lot of heart, this family musical promises to be a magical holiday experience.
Make it part of your family tradition, and join us in cheering for our heroes and booing the villains in a show that will delight audiences of all ages. Details
December 27, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa
$35 to $52
11. Outerbridge Magic – Mysteries of the Keyhole House
From grand illusions and comedy-magic to mentalism and extraordinary prestidigitation, Outerbridge Magic – Mysteries of the Keyhole House is a world-class magic show you’ll never forget. Details
December 26 to 31, 2023
Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa
$26.78 to $49.64
12. Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations
AIN’T TOO PROUD – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying, new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one. Details
December 26 to 31, 2023
Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
$41 & up
13. 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. Book now, spots fill up fast! Details
Until December 26, 2023
Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa
$45 to $55
14. 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, 2024
Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa
$59 to $115
15. Holiday Activities at Museums
- Visit the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum this holiday season. Lace up your skates and enjoy the fresh wintry air on our outdoor skating rink (weather dependent). Then, warm up inside as you learn about wool and create a fun felted craft. Don’t forget to stop by our demonstration kitchen to discover recipes inspired by traditional holiday spices.
- Visit Canada Science and Technology Museum and celebrate the season with fun activities, suitable for all ages. Stroll through our interactive galleries and discover an array of artifacts — from tiny to enormous — that highlight the importance of science and technology in all aspects of our lives.
- There’s fun for all ages at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum! The eyes of the world will be watching the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. In celebration, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum has invited award-winning pastry artist Catherine Beddall to create the telescope and the Ariane 5 launch rocket out of gingerbread!
- Enjoy the festive lights, music and flavours by joining in seasonal events for all ages and gingerbread-themed family activities at the Canadian Museum of History. Search for gingerbread characters hiding throughout the Museum, contribute your creative talents to our gingerbread-style village, explore our exhibitions, and take in a movie at CINE+.
16. Cheer Ottawa Home Teams
Visit Canadian Tire Centre and TD Place and cheer Ottawa’s home teams – Ottawa Senators & Ottawa 67s.
17. New Year’s Run
Start the New Year off on the right foot by establishing or maintaining an active lifestyle. Details
Saturday December 30th, 2023
5K Run/Walk | 6:30 PM
1K Kids Run | 6:30 PM
Lansdowne Park, 450 Queen Elizabeth Dr, Ottawa
$15 to $65
18. Public Ice Skating
Enjoy a delightful day of ice skating at The Arena at TD Place. Glide across the ice, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Details
December 28, 2023 | 9:30 AM
The Arena at TD Place, Ottawa
pay what you can
19. Bell Capital Cup
Cheer the young hockey players from Europe, U.S. and Canada at this premier tournament taking place from December 28-January 1, 2024
20. 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.
21. 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 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.
22. Lace-Up
Lace-up for a twirl on the ice.
Do not miss exploring Rideau Canal Skateway if it opens during the holidays.
River Oak Skating Trail is another fantastic venue to skate (if it opens in time for the holidays). Skate through the 3km frozen pathway that winds through old growth apple orchards, and meadows.
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) 6:00am to 11:00pm. (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
23. 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.
24. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing
If ample snow is on the ground, explore the capital region on skis or snowshoes.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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.
26. 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.
28. Welcome New Year 2024
Watch a fireworks show and welcome 2024!
29. Science Experiments to Do at Home with Kids
Here are a few easy fun science activities/experiments that are easy and super fun in addition to being educational.
25 Fun Things to Do with Kids Inside Your Home
30. 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.