Things to Do at Ottawa’s Massive Christmas Market at Lansdowne This Holiday Season

The Ottawa Christmas Market is set to dazzle with sparkling decorations over 50 local vendors, showcasing a wide range of holiday gifts, Christmas-themed items, and unique food and beverage options.

Credit: Ottawa Christmas Market

This year’s market is packed with entertainment and programming suitable for all ages, enhancing the festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, local crafts, and delicious baked goods during its 20 day run from November 21 to December 31, 2025.

Guide to 2025 Christmas & Holidays in Ottawa – Parades, Lights, Concerts, Markets, Theatre

In addition to taking in all the Christmas lights and decorations, here are some of the reasons why you should plan a visit this year:

Over 55 Local Vendors — From sustainable kids’ fashion to artisanal chocolates, cozy alpaca goods, luxurious perfumes, and festive eats, the Ottawa Christmas Market showcases heartfelt craftsmanship and local passion. Discover handmade jewelry, indulgent treats, eco-conscious skincare, unique home goods, fine spirits, and more, all rooted in quality, creativity, and community.
- - Vendors include ADORABLE, Alicja Confections, Alpaca Tracks, Always Fudge Time, Amya Signature, Anne‑Marie Chagnon & welldunn Jewelry, Bless Soins Corporels Naturels, BluSaffron, ChaiGuys, Cookies by Kat, Cravings Coffee Company, Dunrobin Distilleries, Farmgate Cider, Glorified By Society, Junior & The Kid BBQ, Kreativhive, Le Cheesecake Bar, Mindfull Mode, Oh My Doughnuts, Ostras, Paw Platters, Pistols Brewery, PokoLoko and many more!
Christmas Tree Lighting on November 21 –Kick off the holiday season at Lansdowne’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! Join Ottawa/Gatineau locals, Big Joe Ho Ho, Riley Raccoon, and special guests for a magical evening. Enjoy live music by The Chantal Hackett Band from 5–6 p.m. and 6:30–6:45 p.m., with the spectacular tree lighting happening from 6–6:30 p.m.
Live Performances on Two Stages — This year’s Ottawa Christmas Market features two vibrant stages, the Hôtel Casino Lac-Leamy Stage and The Chalet Stage, showcasing amazing local talent daily. Enjoy performances from acts like Lemon Cash, Kristine St. Pierre, The Chantal Hackett Band, and Trip the Breaker.

Credit: Ottawa Christmas Market

Breakfast With Santa on December 6 — Enjoy festive pancake breakfast on Saturday, December 6 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Horticultural Building! Enjoy photos with Santa, fun kids’ activities, and special guests from the Ottawa REDBLACKS. All proceeds support the OSEG Foundation, helping create sports opportunities for local youth.
Santa’s Village — Santa Claus will welcome visitors at Santa’s Village. The village runs on select dates from November 21 to December 21. Visit Santa on Friday (Nov 21) from 6:45 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m. Enjoy festive fun, meet Santa, and create magical memories with the whole family at the Ottawa Christmas Market!

DJ Skate: Get ready to glide and groove at DJ Skate on the Laiterie de l’Outaouais Skating Rink! Join us Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., plus New Year’s Eve, for an energetic evening of skating with friends and family. No registration needed, just show up and enjoy great music by Marquez The DJ under the stars!
Roaming Entertainment: Enjoy festive surprises throughout the market with lively roaming entertainment! Catch the Elf Stilt Walker delighting crowds on Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Nov 22, 29 & Dec 6, 13, 20, 27). Don’t miss the Canadian Showtime Chorus on Nov 30 (1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.) and the charming Dicken’s Carolers on Dec 7 (12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.) bringing music and cheer!
Crafts at Santa’s Workshop — Santa’s Workshop will offer free craft activities for kids during the day, with no registration required. Kids can enjoy free daily crafts like snowflake bracelets, paper plate snowmen, penguins, cupcake ornaments.
Holiday Cocktails and Crafts for Adults — Unwind with a cozy night of crafting and cocktails! Every Friday and Saturday from 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., enjoy sessions like wreath-making, centrepieces, and charming crescent crafts at the Chalet Stage. Plus join for Holiday Planter Making on Saturday, Nov 29 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) and Holiday Centrepiece Making on Saturday, Dec 6 (7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.) at the Chalet Stage. Each Cocktails & Crafts session includes a cozy heated cabin, cocktails, and creative fun for up to 8 guests!
Movie Magic: Enjoy festive film evenings every Friday from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Chalet Stage. Each night begins with Magic on Set followed by a holiday classic like The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Holiday, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Santa Clause, or The Mighty Ducks.
Ice Carving: Watch the magic of ice come to life with live carving demos by the Canadian Ice Carvers’ Society! Join them on Saturdays: Nov 29, Dec 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. for stunning displays of icy artistry.

Winter Solstice — Celebrate the Winter Solstice on Sunday, December 21 at the Hôtel Casino du Lac-Leamy Stage with an afternoon of reflection, culture, and tradition. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. with a powerful Hoop Dance performance by Jennifer Tenasco, an Algonquin Anishinàbe dancer from Kitigàn Zìbì, followed by Solstice celebrations honouring natural cycles and Indigenous teachings.

Things to Do: Christmas & Holidays in Ottawa

Trip Planning – Ottawa Christmas Market

See the magic of the season come to life through the twinkle of the lights at each of the vendors. Local craftsman, delicious baked goods and holiday favourites will satisfy all.

When:

Fridays through Sundays, November 21 to December 21, 2025
- - Fri – 5 pm – 10 pm
  - Sat 10 am – 10 pm
  - Sun 10 am – 8 pm
Friday, December 26 – 5 pm – 10 pm
Saturday, December 27 – 10 am – 10 pm
Sunday, December 28 – 10 am – 8 pm
Tuesday, December 30 – 12 pm – 8 pm
New Year’s Eve, December 31 | 12 pm to midnight