This is something I am SO excited for this year! The Ottawa Christmas Market is going to be huge in the capital and the perfect spot to get in the holiday spirit. From European-style booths with local vendors, magical light installations, entertainment and more, this event needs to be on your Ottawa Christmas bucket list!
When Is The Ottawa Christmas Market?
The Ottawa Christmas market will be taking place every Friday-Sun from November 25th to December 22nd at Lansdowne at Casino Lac Leamy Plaza, formerly Aberdeen Square. You can get directions here. The Market schedule is:
- Friday, November 25th: 5 pm -10 pm
- Saturday, November 26: 10 am-10 pm
- Sunday, November 27th: 10 am-8 pm
- Friday, December 2nd: 5 pm-10 pm
- Saturday, December 3rd: 10 am – 10 pm
- Sunday, December 4th: 10 am – 8 pm
- Friday, December 9th: 5 pm – 10 pm
- Saturday, December 10th: 10 am – 10 pm
- Sunday, December 11th: 10 am – 8 pm
- Friday, December 16th: 5 pm – 8 pm
- Saturday, December 17th: 10 am – 10 pm
- Sunday, December 18th: 10 am – 8 pm
- Tuesday, December 20th: 2 pm – 8 pm
- Wednesday, December 21st: 2 pm – 8 pm
- Thursday, December 22nd: 2 pm – 10 pm
- Friday, December 23rd: 2 pm – 10 pm
Is The Ottawa Christmas Market Free?
Yes, it is! Enjoy free entry for this European-style Christmas market in Ottawa. This is a great event for families, friends, and couples!
Opening Weekend
The Ottawa Christmas Market kicks off on November 25th at 5:30 pm. You’ll be one of the first to experience the market and you’ll also be able to join the official tree-lighting ceremony. The Christmas tree at Lansdowne is one of my favourite Christmas trees in Ottawa! Everyone gathers around the tree! It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
Things to Do At the Ottawa Christmas Market
Stroll By The European-Style Christmas Booths
Get something for everyone on your Christmas gift with unique finds and a fun atmosphere to enjoy! You’ll love browsing these European-style Christmas booths with some mulled wine and friends. There will be booths for cheese, chocolate, coffee, candles, seasoning and sauces, socks, and more. Explore over 35 vendors. There’s plenty that’s sure to catch your eye!
You can see a full list of vendors here.
Browse the Light Installations at the Ottawa Christmas Market
The market will be a photographers dream with lights and installations throughout the plaza! You’ll get all the Christmas feels as you walk around! This includes lights that will be strung on top of the market! Get your camera/phone ready 🙂
Enjoy Some Hot Chocolate and Mulled Wine at the Ottawa Christmas Market
This year you’ll be able to walk around the market with drinks like mulled wine, making it a true, classic, Christmas market. I’m excited to be all cozy in my winter jacket, drinking mulled wine, browsing the market!
Catch A Live Show
There are 15 days of fun and entertainment. From DJs, bands to solo artists, there’s plenty of genres and talented artists to enjoy at the Ottawa Christmas market. Enjoy a free show while you sip you hot drink.
Dance The Night Away at a Silent Disco
This is such a unique experience you can enjoy at this year’s Ottawa Christmas market! Everyone is wearing headphones to tune into the live DJ. As soon as you take your headphones off, everything is silent. The Silent Disco will take place on Dec. 10th from 10 pm to 12 am. No registration required but there is limited headphones available so make sure to be one of the first 200 there.
Get Your Photo With Santa
There’s plenty of opportunities to meet Santa himself at the Ottawa Christmas market.
You’ll find Santa at the market on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm-6pm.
If you’re a pet parent, make sure to register in advance for a photo with Santa on Nov. 27th and Dec. 10th from 10am-12pm.
You can join a special skate with Santa on December 22nd from 10am-12pm.
Go Skating
Next to the Ottawa Christmas Market, you’ll find the Landsdowne Rink in front of Aberdeen Pavillion. I recommend going at an off time because it’s sure to be busy. If you’re looking for more spots to skate check out my Ottawa skating guide here.
Pop Into the Ottawa Farmers Market
On Saturdays and Sundays, the Ottawa Farmers Market has their Christmas edition inside Aberdeen Pavillion. If you visit the Christmas market during the day, make sure to pop in!
Here are more Christmas activities you can’t miss:
- Christmas Trees You Must See In Ottawa
- Best Christmas Lights in Ottawa
- 25+ Christmas Markets to visit in the Capital
- How To Stay Warm This Winter (My top tips/gear)
- Christmas in NYC
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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