Ottawa 
A weekly digest of what’s on this weekend in Ottawa including free fun family & kids’ activities, live music, theatre & performing arts, sports and exhibitions.
Weekend Events & Festivals in and around Ottawa: December 13 to 15, 2019
You may like:
I. Family & Kids Activities
Christmas Lights & Santa Claus Parades
Christmas Lights & Santa Claus Parades in Ottawa
- Carp Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 12 PM @ Diefenbunker – 3911 Carp Road
- Christmas Lights Across Canada from December 4, 2019, to January 7, 2020 @ Parliament Hill, Confederation Boulevard, Ottawa and Downtown Ottawa.
- Glow Gardens from December 5, 2019 to January 4, 2020 @ EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr, Ottawa
- Alight at Night from Friday, November 29, 2019 to Saturday, January 4, 2020 @ Upper Canada Village , 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg
- Vintage Village of Lights from November 29 to December 22, 2019 @ The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road, Ottawa
Le problème avec le rose
The colour of chaos An idea—a pretty silly one at that—turns the world of four friends upside down. Pink is for girls? Pffft! Whatever! Yes, but what if? In this lively show, Érika Tremblay-Roy’s resonant text is reflected in the vibrant dance of Christophe Garcia. The problem with pink is that it’s everywhere! Just open your mouth, and you’ll see. So if pink is just for girls, things get complicated, right? That’s the topic that divides a group of four happily rambunctious friends, who previously had never known a moment of worry in their cozy and… pink play space! Details
December 14 & 15, 2019 | 3:00 PM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$17
Kidsmas Traditions
Explore the history of Nepean while discovering the stories behind popular Christmas traditions. Surprise a friend or family member with a handmade toy you built yourself! Decorate your own mini Christmas tree! Or have your face painted by Fantasy Face Painting! Holiday fun awaits for kids of all ages and the young at heart. Details
Saturday, December 14 | 10 AM to 4 PM
Nepean Museum, 16 Rowley Avenue, Nepean
$6.75 per person
Home for the Holidays
The holiday season has been celebrated at Billings Estate since 1829. Family and friends of all ages are invited to experience the classic Christmas traditions of early Ottawa together with kid-friendly storytelling, a cozy campfire (weather permitting), performances by the Dickens Carolers, a themed photobooth station, and more! Details
Sunday, December 15 | 10 AM to 4 PM
Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot Street, Ottawa
$6.75 per person
Christmas in the ByWard Market
Wagon Rides and Christmas Choirs at the Byward Market. Complimentary wagon rides and Christmas Choirs for the first three weekends of December! Head over to William Street Performance Area (where York Street and William Street meet beside Tucker’s Marketplace/ByWard Nut House) to find your seat on the next available wagon ride with Cundell Stables around the ByWard Market.Details
November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 2019
William Street, ByWard Market, Ottawa
Free
Stanley’s Christmas Village
Celebrate Christmas through the eyes of the elves! An interactive children’s activity in the heart of a snow capped elf village. Details
Saturdays & Sundays, November 30th through December 22nd
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 York’s Corners Road, Edwards
$13+charges
Ian’s Christmas Adventure Park
Bring the entire family and enjoy a real tradition – harvest your own fresh christmas tree and/or enjoy the adventure park. Come to the park and visit Santa’s workshop, make your way through our rope mazes, jump on a wagon ride and tour the park, cozy up to a campfire and warm up with a free hot chocolate! Enjoy our many cross-country hiking trails. Details
November 23 through December 22, 2019
Ian’s Christmas Adventure Park, Richmond Rd, Beckwith
Free/$10
Other Santa Activities
- Sensory sensitive Santa on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM @ Carlingwood Shopping Centre
- Breakfast with Santa! on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 8 AM – 12 PM @ St. Mother Teresa High School, 440 Longfields Drive, Barrhaven
- Breakfast With Santa on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 8 AM – 11 AM @ Stittsville Legion Branch 6181481 Stittsville Main Street, Stittsville
- Lunch with Santa on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 11 AM – 1 PM @ Boston Pizza, 1681 Greenbank Rd., Barrhaven
You may like:
General Activities
At the library
Ottawa Public library offers plenty of free activities to choose from for all ages including toddler story times. Plan ahead to attend some of the free activities in the following weekends:
Details and link for registration.
2.By Ottawa Recreation – Drop in Programs
3. Movies
Family Favourites Cineplex: Visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a family favourite film each week for only $2.99. | Saturdays at 11:00 AM.
Landmark Theatres — Every Sunday, kids can get out of the house, a movie ticket and Snack Pack (popcorn, drink, choice of candy treat)
The Polar Express 3D Experience (3D) – Saturday, December 14, 2019 2:00pm @ Notre Dame Auditorium, 710 Broadview Avenue, Ottawa
Toddler Tuesdays
Arts & crafts, singing, dancing, stories, and more! Toddler Tuesdays are the perfect morning activity for caregivers and children, ages 18 months to 4 years! @ NAC – Free
Rideau Hall Historic Skating Rink
Enjoy a unique skating experience on Rideau Hall’s historic skating rink, from December 7 to March, 2020 @ Rideau Hall, Sussex Drive, Ottawa
More To Do
II. Live Music
Weekday Concerts/Concert Tours
- Brass Christmas on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 7:30 PM @ Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street, Ottawa
- Holidays with the Central Band ft. Laila Biali on December 10 & 11, 2019 @ Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe
- Christmas In The Valley on Thursday, December 12, 2019 | 7:00 PM @ Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa
- Rebel 101.7 Real Rock Concert Series: Danko Jones on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 7:30 PM – 1 AM @ The Brass Monkey
- The Barra MacNeils An East Coast Christmas on Thursday, December 12, 2019 | 7:30 PM @ National Arts Centre
- Born Ruffians on Friday, December 13, 2019 at 7 PM @ Bronson Centre Music Theatre211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa
- Erta Ekosso & Band + DJ Papus, Highlife Afrobeat Vibes on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 10 PM – 2:30 AM @ Mercury Lounge, 56 Byward Market, Ottawa
You may like: Christmas Concerts in Ottawa
Holiday Hits with the NAC Orchestra
Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, White Christmas, You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch and many more! Hum along with your best-loved Christmas carols in this evening of music from Canada and around the world featuring singer Meredith Lustig and Ottawa’s beloved Cantata Singers. We’ve got your holiday favourites with a slightly new groove, fresh takes on everything from the traditional to the contemporary, but with the heart and soul you love to return to each year. Details
December 12 – 14, 2019 | 7:00 PM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$15 – $99 + charges
A Winter’s Night
The Festival of Small Halls and NAC Presents are thrilled to co-present A Winter’s Night featuring Donovan Woods, Basia Bulat, and The Skydiggers. Join them for an intimate evening of holiday songs! Donovan Woods could have taken the easy road on his new album. Where others might simply drill down to voice and guitar, Woods went widescreen with his vision. Details
December 13 & 14, 2019 | 7:30 PM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$61 to $81
Silent Winters Christmas Show
Olenka Bastian and Jonathan Chandler are Silent Winters, an Ottawa folk duo with a warm, intimate repertoire born of cold months and fireside contemplation. Channeling a musical chemistry perfected while harmonizing as lead singers in rock outfit Amos the Transparent, Olenka and Jonathan craft pared-down, acoustic compositions supporting pure vocals and heart-melting lyrics. Details
Friday, December 13, 2019 | 8:30 PM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$15 +charges
Ottawa Carleton Choristers’ Christmas Concert
Come join the Ottawa Carleton Choristers for our 30th Anniversary Christmas Concert “Pearls of the Season”. Special Guest is Celtic trio Tradhead and MC Geoff Linklater. Details
Saturday December 14, 2019 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Woodroffe United Church, 207 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa
$5-20
An a capella Christmas
In celebration of their 42nd season, Pierre Massie and his award-winning Stairwell Carollers invite you to their annual Christmas Concert. The repertoire includes traditional favourites like “Carol of the Bells”; “The Huron Carol” and “Il est né le divin enfant” by Pierre Massie; along with more contemporary/pop gems like “Song of the Crib” by Bob Chilcott. Details
Saturday December 14 | 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Ave, Ottawa
$15; Under 12: Free
Christmas with Céleste Lévis
Céleste Lévis invites you to an evening of fun for the whole family. Her dream of singing the most beautiful Christmas songs with her soft and powerful voice will become a reality, gathered around a piano reminiscent of the past with her grandfather. Details
Saturday, December 14, 2019 | 8:30 PM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$15 – $25 + charges
Tea with a Side of Holly
This group of four Ottawa musicians are back for another year to entertain classical music fans. This intimate show gives the audience a chance to enjoy new interpretations of some of their favourite songs from ballet classics, to festive tunes, and movie toe tappers. Details
Sunday, December 15, 2019 | 1:00 PM
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa
$16
Nine Lessons and Carols
A service of Lessons and Carols for Christmas was first developed in 1880 by Bishop Edward Benson of Truro (who eventually became the Archbishop of Canterbury). A later adaptation by King’s College, Cambridge, became widely known. Christ Church Cathedral Ottawa has further adapted this iconic Christmas liturgy, using readings and carols to narrate the story of God’s loving purpose in creation: from the beginning of time and the covenant God made with humankind—to humankind’s abandonment of that covenant and the promise of redemption by the holy child of Bethlehem. Details
Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 4 PM – 5 PM
Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks Street, Ottawa
Free
A Harmonic Christmas with Friends
Harmonic Generation is pleased to celebrate “A Harmonic Christmas with Friends” along with multi-talented, singer-songwriter/pianist Tyler Kealey, as well as world-renowned beatboxer Julia Dales. Come and join us for a fun evening of eclectic music, featuring some of your favourite pop, contemporary, and Christmas classics! Details
Sunday, December 15, 2019 | 7:00 PM
First Baptist Church, 140 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa
$15 to $20
Serena Ryder Christmas Kisses
Toronto-based vocal powerhouse Serena Ryder is an artist adored by fans, peers and critics alike, in part due to her raw and earnest songwriting, and beautifully electric live performances. She has received numerous accolades, including six prestigious JUNO Awards, a MuchMusic Video Award for Best Rock Video for “Stompa.”, and a Canadian Screen Award for Achievement in Music – Original Song. Details
Sunday, December 15, 2019 | 4:00 PM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$40 – $70 +charges
Cantiamo Choirs of Ottawa Concert
Come and join the Cantiamo Choirs of Ottawa! Featuring all four levels of the Cantiamo Choirs of Ottawa with special guest, The Northwinds Brass Quintet. Seasonal songs, new and familiar, to celebrate the holidays. CCO choristers from age 5 to 17 will sing with the Northwinds Brass Quintet who will also perform a set of audience favourites! Details
Sunday, December 15th | 3:00 PM
Woodroffe United Church, Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa
$15 to $20
III. Live Theatre & Related Events
- Champions of Magic on Thursday, December 12, 2019 | 7:30 PM @ TD Place Arena — 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
Cottagers and Indians
November 26 to December 15, 2019
Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, 1233 Wellington Street West, Ottawa
$39 to $55
Christmas at Pemberley
As the Bennet sisters gather for Christmas at the grand estate of the now wedded Darcys, who should arrive on the scene but a new “single man in possession of a good fortune”. Is it finally time for Mary, the bookish middle sister, to shine – or are there too many obstacles on the path to true love? Written with modern wit and period style, this comedic sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is sure to enchant. Details
November 27 – December 14, 2019
Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa
$14-$29
Casablanca:The Radio Show
The Radio Show is back, in high style. Put down your phones and tablets, turn off social media and stop listening to twits on Twitter: go back to a time when radio reigned and listen to stories that changed the world. This year, Plosive Productions pays homage to the 1944 LUX Radio classic Casablanca. Join some of your favourite radio show voices and some shiny new talent for a wonderful night at the theatre. Details
December 6 – 14, 2019
The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa
$24 to $40
The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition
Featuring choreography by Bengt Jörgen and the timeless music of Tchaikovsky, this holiday favourite continues to delight audiences of all ages. Jörgen’s vision is a distinctly Canadian Nutcracker set in Algonquin Park – where Klara meets lumberjacks, Mounties and woodland creatures in her dream journey. Return to The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition to experience the magic of the holidays! Details
December 11 & 12, 2019
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
$22 to $57
Patrick Groulx – GROULX
Patrick Groulx is back with an on-stage persona that has never been bigger in his new comedic show entitled GROULX. This title reflects the simplicity and the “return to my roots” approach of a stand-up comedian at the top of his game. In this show, Patrick gets back to basics and to what he has always wanted to be: an honest Joe who loves people and who is more authentic than ever. Details
December 13 & 14, 2019 | 8 PM
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
$21 to $45
The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition
Featuring choreography by Bengt Jörgen and the timeless music of Tchaikovsky, this holiday favourite continues to delight audiences of all ages. Jörgen’s vision is a distinctly Canadian Nutcracker set in Algonquin Park – where Klara meets lumberjacks, Mounties and woodland creatures in her dream journey. Details
Saturday, December 14, 2019 | 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe,101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa
$22 to $57
A Christmas Carol
For over 25 years, veteran solo performer John D. Huston has recreated the performances of Charles Dickens’ own one man A Christmas Carol to full houses and standing ovations in the NAC’s 4th Stage. We’re proud to welcome this Ottawa holiday tradition to The Gladstone for a fourth year. Huston, nominated by the Capital Critics’ Circle as Best Actor 2014-15, performs A Christmas Carol using a remarkable range of accents and body language. Details
December 15 – 23, 2019
The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa
$24 to $40
God is a Scottish Drag Queen: Christmas Special
From critically acclaimed comedian Mike Delamont comes God Is A Scottish Drag Queen: A Christmas Special! Join everyone’s favourite deity in a power suit as God celebrates Jesus’s birthday and skewers everything from Brussel sprouts to the three wise men in an unforgettable evening of holiday hilarity! Details
December 15, 2019 | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Arts Court Theatre, Daly Avenue, Ottawa
$25–$35
IV. Sports & Related Events
Ottawa Senators
National Hockey League. Details
vs. Boston Bruins on Monday, December 09, 2019 | 7:30 PM
vs. Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, December 14, 2019 | 1:00 PM
Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa
$19.36 +charges & up
Ottawa 67’s
Teddy Bear Toss on Sunday. Bring your new bear and when we score our first goal, launch that bear towards the ice. It’s an awesome tradition and the spectacle of thousands of bears flying through the air makes for quite a moment.
vs. Barrie Colts on December 14, 2019 | 2:00 PM
vs. Niagara IceDogs on December 15, 2019 | 2:00 PM
Arena at TD Place , Ottawa
$23 to $36
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Christmas craft shows & fairs
- Ottawa Christmas Market on Fridays through Sundays, November 29, 2019 – December 22, 2019 @ Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne, 1015 Bank St, OttawaOttawa Farmers’ Market’s Christmas Market on Nov 30, Dec 1, Dec 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 2019 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM @ Aberdeen Pavilion, Exhibition Way, Ottawa
- Originals Ottawa Christmas Craft Sale on December 5 – 15, 2019 @ EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa
- Metcalfe Farmers’ Christmas Market @ Greely Community Center , 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely
- 35th Annual Holiday Art Sale: An OSA Fundraiser through Sunday December 15, 2019 @ Ottawa School of Art, 35 George Street, Ottawa
- Ottawa Guild of Potters Holiday Pottery Sale on December 13-15, 2019 @ Horticulture Building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa
- Cheerfully Made Saves Christmas / Holiday Market on Saturday, December 14 | 10 AM – 6 PM @ Bell Sensplex, 1565 Maple Grove Road, Kanata
- Adàwàning: Indigenous Women’s Art Market on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM @ NAC, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
- Capital Pop Up! Holiday Edition on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 10 AM – 3 PM @ Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave, Ottawa
A Dickinson Christmas
Featuring the re-telling of a seasonal classic: The Victorian charm of Dickinson House provides the ambiance for the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey through darkness to light and new beginnings.
Followed by a festive roast dinner lovingly prepared by our friends at the Miller’s Oven. Details
Saturday, December 14, 2019 | 4:30 PM – 9 PM
Dickinson House, 1127 Mill St, Manotick
$40 +charges
Holiday Brunch and Harps
Sunday, December 15, 2019, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
allsaints event space, 330 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa
$35 for adults
$20 for children aged 6-12
Nightmare Before (and after) Christmas Tour
Join us as we explore the darker side of the festive season. Hear about strange and frightening holiday traditions from around the world and gather in close as we share creepy Christmas-themed ghost stories. Details
December 5 to 30, 2019
46 Sparks St., Ottawa
$19.99 to $23.99
Trees of Hope for Cheo
Fairmont Château Laurier Trees of Hope for CHEO is a magical event that helps kick off the holiday season, while raising much needed funds for our very own Children’s Hospital. Take a walk through the forest of 30 trees, vote on your favourite tree and make a donation to CHEO. Details
Monday, November 25, 2019 and Friday, January 3, 2020
Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau St, Ottawa
Free
Holly Jolly Hunt – Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Through December 29, 2019 | 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM
100 Elgin St, Ottawa
$27.17 per group, a max of 10
Decoding – Metal Tapestry Exhibition
Textile art in 2D and 3D exhibition by Zivana Djukic-Kostic. Exhibition follows the journey of an umbrella’s view of Ottawa. Details
Friday November 22, 2019 to Wednesday January 8, 2020
Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa
Free
Luck and Lore Exhibition
When you toss a quarter in a fountain, lift a penny off the sidewalk or bake a nickel into a cake, you are taking part in rituals dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. Explore the spiritual, the ceremonial, the seemingly impractical uses we have for money. Details
October 25 to Sunday November 1, 2020
Bank of Canada Museum, 30 Bank Street
Free
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there might be oversight errors/Events might be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned Event Websites/officials.
To add events to this list – Submit Event.
Thanks for the list!!! It really helps me plan my activities with my kids on the weekend.
Wow wish I had found this site much sooner. So many great events happening in Ottawa this weekend. Thanks for providing this list.
To allay any confusion–when you click on “details” under “Shakespeare in the Park–A Midsummer Night’s Dream” there is an error suggesting that the play is “Cymbeline.” That was last year’s Bear production! This year’s show is, indeed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Join us for one of our final three performances, Aug 2, 3, & 4!