Here are some beautiful and unique spots to see Christmas Lights in Ottawa. From incredible views to winter wonderlands, here are the spots you have to add to your list this season:
See Downtown Illuminated for Christmas Lights Across Canada
Winter Lights Across Canada is a must-see for thousands of dazzling lights in Ottawa. Wander through the downtown core to see over 400,000 Christmas lights brightening up the night. This is one of my favourite holiday events in the capital. You’ll get right into the holiday spirit. Full details are in the post below. It includes information on the best places to see the lights, the free multimedia show, and the photo booth on Parliament.
Enjoy Winter Wander on Sparks Street
Sparks Street is always beautiful around the holidays, but they’ve brought stunning life-size ornaments and decor to the street for winter wander. Take a stroll and grab a photo in front of the beautiful installations. This would be a great event to add to Winter Lights Across Canada.
See The “Elf” House
A family in Stittsville goes all out each year to recreate scenes from Chritmas movies. This year they’ve transformed their house for scenes from Elf. They did an amazing job with lifesize cutouts, props and more surprises. They have a sign out front welcoming people to take photos and also asking that you make a donation to the Stittsville Food Bank. Such a great way to bring smiles and give back at the same time. You’ll find the house at 18 Cypress Gardens in Stittsville.
Drive through Wesley Clover Park to see Dazzling Lights
From Nov. 21st until January 4th find Christmas lights in Ottawa at Magic of Lights, a 2-kilometer drive-through holiday light show featuring more than 400 spectacular displays. It’s open from dusk until 10 pm and you can experience the dazzling lights from the comfort of your own car as you drive through the park.
See the Vintage Village of Lights at the Cumberland Museum
See over 30,000 Christmas lights in Ottawa illuminate the Cumberland Museum for the Vintage Village of Lights on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 30th to December 23rd, 3 pm to 8 pm. Explore seasonal scenes and activities, visit with Santa, and send a telegram to the North Pole. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and then warm-up by the bonfire.
Lights At Lansdowne
Heard to the Ottawa Christmas Market to be dazzled by hundreds of lights and cool life-size light displays. TView installations under the canopy of lights and lots of instagrammable elements. Grab some hot apple cider from Farmgate at their booth and enjoy the view. Hours and full details on the market here.
See Upper Canada Village Turned Into a Winter Wonderland
There will be over one million lights illuminating Upper Canada Village for Alight at Night. It’s a unique experience to see their heritage buildings, fences, and trees decorated with Christmas lights. On top of that, there will also be horse-drawn wagon rides, romantic carriage rides for 2 (separate fee), holiday caroling, rides on the toy train, a sound & light show plus the ultimate visit Santa experience at Saint Nick’s Merry Mansion. New this year is a colourful vintage 1965 merry-go-round of prancing horses that will be offering rides for young visitors. Its quite windy so make sure to bundle up! Check out my guide to dressing warm for winter here. With the right gear, you’ll be toasty warm and this is definitely worth checking out. I also recommend getting there earlier and pre-purchasing your ticket to avoid lineups. It’s taking place Nov. 29-Jan 4, excluding some dates.
Dec.6: Light Up The Night in Almonte
When my family first moved to CARP, I remember heading to the neighbouring town of Almonte for Light Up The Night. People fill the main street of Almonte to enjoy a night of music and festive fun. Santa Claus will be there too 😉
Dec.6: Festival of Lights In Perth
Head to this charming town for a day trip this holiday. Downtown you’ll find over 12,000 twinkling lights in the trees. For the Festival of Lights on December 6th, head to Crystal Palace where you browse over 40 trees decorated by local businesses. There will also be a fireworks show at 6:30 pm you won’t want to miss! The Mountain of Food Truck will be onsite, so any donation for the local food bank would be appreciated.
Take a Drive to Taffy Lane
The residents of Taffy Lane in Orleans go all out for their Christmas lights. Take a stroll through and admire all the decorations.
Here are some more Christmas activities you can’t miss:
- Things To Do This Christmas in Ottawa
- Christmas Trees You Must See In Ottawa
- Your Guide to The Ottawa Christmas Market
- 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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