Ottawa 
Wooden Christmas cabins, the smell of freshly prepared holiday treats, and live music turn Lansdowne Park into one of Ottawa’s festive gathering places each winter. You can browse handmade gifts, stop for a warm drink or simply enjoy the illuminated market without paying an admission fee.
Credit: Ottawa Christmas Market
The Ottawa Christmas Market opens November 20, 2026, with more than 60 local merchants and a program of performances, children’s activities and seasonal events. The European-style outdoor market runs on weekends through December 20, followed by a New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31.
What Makes Ottawa’s Christmas Market Worth Visiting?
Unlike a conventional craft sale, this market combines holiday shopping with entertainment in an open-air setting. The wooden chalets, illuminated decorations and surroundings of Aberdeen Plaza give you plenty to explore even if your shopping list is short.
Families can spend an afternoon browsing and meeting Santa, while couples and groups of friends may prefer an evening visit when the lights and live performances become the main attraction.
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:
What Can You See and Do in 2026?
- Participate in the Christmas Tree Lighting: There’s something special about seeing a Christmas tree light up for the first time. Visit on November 20 for the opening-night celebration, featuring live music and the tree-lighting ceremony from 6 to 6:30 p.m.
- Take Photos Among the Christmas Lights: Bring your camera or phone for a stroll through the market’s illuminated displays. The large Christmas tree, glowing decorations and rows of wooden chalets provide plenty of festive backdrops for family photos or a holiday evening with friends.
- Shop at Over 60 Local Merchants: Take a leisurely stroll past more than 60 wooden cabins filled with handmade gifts, Christmas decorations and specialty products. It’s an opportunity to find something thoughtful for your holiday shopping list while supporting local makers.
- Visit Santa and Enjoy Children’s Crafts: Bring the little ones to Santa’s Village on Friday, November 20, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., for a chance to meet Santa Claus. Kids can also enjoy free Christmas crafts at Santa’s Workshop from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. that evening. It’s a lovely way to begin the holiday season with some hands-on festive fun. You can also enjoy Breakfast with Santa on December 5 at the Horticulture Building, with sittings from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to noon.
- Catch Live Entertainment: Let live music accompany your evening stroll through the market. Opening night features performances by Rebecca Noelle, Valley Mountain and SUSSEX, with more entertainment scheduled throughout the festival. Check the daily lineup before planning your visit.
- Go Ice Skating at Lansdowne: Add some outdoor skating to your Christmas Market outing at Lansdowne Park’s skating rink. It’s an enjoyable way to spend more time outside before warming up with a hot chocolate. Check rink availability and weather conditions before visiting.
- Watch a Holiday Movie at the Chalet: Settle in for a festive movie during the market’s Friday Holiday Movie Nights. Screenings include the Ottawa-filmed short romantic comedy “Magic on Set.” The Chalet accommodates 100 people, so arriving early or checking reservation arrangements is advisable.
- Gather Around the Fire Pits: Take a break from shopping and spend a little time warming up by the market’s outdoor fire pits. Grab a seasonal drink, enjoy the lights and catch up with friends before exploring another row of vendor cabins.
- Get Creative at Adult Craft Workshops: Enjoy a creative evening at the market’s Cocktails and Crafts workshops, held at Santa’s Workshop from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can make a Jolly Burlap Wreath on November 21, December 4, 5, 18 or 19, or decorate a Festive Frame on November 27, 28, December 11 or 12. These ticketed workshops offer a relaxed way to spend an evening with friends or your partner while making something festive to take home. Spaces are limited, and some dates have already sold out.
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Fireworks: The festivities continue on December 31, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., with live entertainment, food vendors and a drone show by Capital Drone Show. Stay until midnight to watch the fireworks and welcome 2027 at Lansdowne Park.
The 2026 festivities also include a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring the Capital drone show and midnight fireworks.
Credit: Ottawa Christmas Market
What Can You Eat and Drink?
Food is part of the market experience, especially when you’re exploring on a chilly evening. Look for hot chocolate, BeaverTails, poutine, potato sticks and other seasonal treats.
Adults can also explore beverages from producers including Saunders Farm Cider, Vodkow and Dunrobin Distillery. Since admission is free, your main expenses will depend on what you choose to eat, drink or purchase from the vendors.
When Should You Visit, and What Should You Plan For?
Allow around one to two hours to explore the cabins, enjoy refreshments and take in the atmosphere. Plan extra time if you’re attending a performance or workshop.
A Festive Evening for Young Families: If you’re looking for an easy holiday outing with the kids, Ottawa Christmas Market offers plenty to keep little ones entertained. Visit Santa’s Village, explore the illuminated wooden cabins and let children enjoy the festive decorations. Daytime visits may be more convenient for families with young children, while evenings offer the full effect of the Christmas lights. Pick up hot chocolate and a sweet treat before heading home.
A Christmas Date Night or Evening With Friends: The market is equally inviting for couples and groups of friends looking to spend a relaxed evening together. Wander through the glowing market stalls, browse handmade gifts and enjoy live music with a warm drink. For something different, book a Cocktails and Crafts workshop, or simply enjoy the Christmas lights and conversation around the fire pits.
Since the market takes place outdoors, dress warmly and wear comfortable, insulated footwear. Check the official website for weather-related updates before travelling.
Parking at Lansdowne is limited during busy events. Consider public transit or the free shuttle service from Carleton University. OC Transpo routes 6 and 7 also serve the area.
What You Need to Know: Ottawa Christmas Market 2026
Ottawa Christmas Market 2026, an outdoor European-style holiday market featuring local vendors, festive food, live entertainment and family activities.
When: November 20 to December 20, 2026, Fridays through Sundays, plus December 31, 2026.
Hours:
- Fridays: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sundays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- New Year’s Eve: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Aberdeen Plaza, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario.
Admission: Free. Additional fees apply to certain workshops and special activities. Food, beverages and merchandise are purchased separately.
Who Can Attend: The market is family-friendly, with children’s activities and programming for adults.
Parking and Transit: Limited parking is available at Lansdowne. OC Transpo routes 6 and 7 serve the area, and a free shuttle service from Carleton University is listed for market visitors. Accessible parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Weather: The market is outdoors. Check the official event website for updates before visiting during poor weather.
Things to Do: Christmas & Holidays in Ottawa
