Things to Do This Christmas Day in Ottawa – Dec 25, 2025

Need ideas for Christmas Day Fun in and around Ottawa?

Here are 8+ things to do on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

I. Go Skiing

Enjoy the slopes at Calabogie Resort, which is located an hour from downtown Ottawa. You might even get to meet  Santas on skis! From 10 am to 4 pm (weather permitting). Call 613-752-2720 before you go!

II. Go on a Lights Tour

Christmas Lights in/near Ottawa

• Magic of Lights is a dazzling 2-kilometre drive-through holiday lights show featuring more than 300 spectacular displays. Experience the Magic of Lights from the comfort of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Ottawa’s favourite holiday tradition.  December 25 | 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. @ Wesley Clover Parks Campground, 411 Corkstown Road, Ottawa
• Christmas Lights Across Canada: Drive around Parliament Hill and enjoy various historic buildings decorated with twinkling lights.
• Brockville River of Lights: Set your car radio to 88.1 and enjoy the show from the comfort of your vehicle — 5 p.m.- 11 p.m.

III. A Winter Safari

Located about an hour from Ottawa (~80km) is Parc Omega, where you can discover Canada’s wildlife, including moose, elk, bison, wolves, and bears, all in their natural environment. Open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.).

On Boxing Day, experience ONIRO Night Walk, where you can immerse yourself in a unique sensory adventure, where animals, light and poetry meet.

IV. Watch a Movie

See a newly released movie at the local cinemas (Cineplex/Landmark).

• Cineplex Theatres Hours
• Landmark Theatres

Movies released/releasing include:

 

• Avatar: Fire and Ash
• Anaconda (Releasing Dec 25)
• Song Sung Blue (Releasing Dec 25)
• The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
• The Housemaid
• Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
• David
• Zootopia 2
• Wicked: For Good

ByTowne Cinema is closed on Dec 25th.

V. Christmas Brunch/Dinner/Tea

Head to Ottawa restaurants and enjoy a delicious meal. There are plenty of options listed on OpenTable.

• Options also include brunch, dinner, and afternoon tea at Chateau Laurier,

Enjoy Holiday High Tea under the beautiful chandeliers, crown moulding, and impressive marble bar in Zoe’s Lounge at the Chateau Laurier.  Fresh buttermilk scones, pinwheel sandwiches, smoked trout, smoked duck, and mouthwatering desserts will be served at high tea.

• Places to Order Christmas/Holiday Dinner Take-Out in Ottawa

VI. Skating

Enjoy skating on state-of-the-art refrigerated rinks (check websites before travelling):

• Lansdowne Park Skating Court – 8 am to 11 pm
• Rink of Dreams – 9 am to 11 pm
• Ben Franklin Place rink – 9 am to 11 pm
• Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink – 2:15 pm – 10:00 pm

VII. Winter Hiking

Enjoy winter’s solitude and go hiking in the green spaces of Ottawa, like Gatineau Park.

• 25 Must-Visit Nature Attractions and Nature Hotspots in and Around Ottawa
• 20 Family Hikes and Walks in and Around Ottawa
• 25 of the Best Hikes in and Around Ottawa

VII. Ottawa Scavenger Hunt

Explore Ottawa through a scavenger hunt. Go on an enthralling tour around Ottawa, checking out the art, history, and culture along the way.

VIII. Christmas Day Service

If you are visiting Ottawa and want to attend a Christmas Eve/Day Service, here is a list of 8 historic churches:

• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Saint Patrick’s Basilica
• First Baptist Church
• St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
• St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church
• Ste-Anne Catholic Church
• Saint Joseph Parish

You may like:

Family & Kids Activities during Christmas – Winter Holidays in Ottawa