Winter Celebration

Experience the joy of winter at Rideau Hall with your family and friends during Winter Celebration.

An afternoon of free outdoor activities, captivating performances and more than a few surprises will delight young and old alike. Explore the snow-clad grounds of Rideau Hall and discover winter games and pastimes from all over the world. Lace up your skates on the superb natural ice of the Rideau Hall Rink! Take your best photos against the enchanting backdrop of the Governor General’s official residence, or warm up with a tour inside.

Vivez la joie de l’hiver à Rideau Hall avec votre famille et vos amis lors de la Célébration hivernale, le 7 février 2026, de 12 h 30 à 16 h. Cet après-midi d’activités gratuites en plein air ainsi que des spectacles captivants et quelques surprises raviront petits et grands. Explorez les terrains enneigés de Rideau Hall et découvrez les jeux et les loisirs hivernaux des quatre coins du monde. Chaussez vos patins et venez profiter de la superbe glace naturelle de la patinoire Rideau Hall! Prenez vos plus belles photos dans le cadre enchanteur de la résidence officielle de la gouverneure générale, ou réchauffez-vous en faisant une visite guidée à l’intérieur. Toutes les activités sont gratuites!

All activities are free.

Visitors are encouraged to pay it forward by bringing non-perishable food items for the Ottawa Food Bank or articles of winter clothing for the Snowsuit Fund.

Date & Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Venue : Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Trip Planning

Walking and public transportation are the best ways to get to Rideau Hall (1 Sussex Drive).

A free Winterlude shuttle bus will be running in a loop from downtown to Rideau Hall, with the last bus departing Rideau Hall at 4:30 p.m. Presented in partnership with Winterlude and the National Capital Commission.

Visitors are also encouraged to walk or use public transportation or taxis to get to Rideau Hall. Limited free parking will be available on the streets in the surrounding neighbourhood.

Limited parking for persons with mobility restrictions will be available on the Rideau Hall grounds via the Princess Gate on a first come, first served basis (accessible parking permit required).