Ottawa • Dec 26 – Jan 1
27 Fun Things to Do in Ottawa Over the Holidays (Dec 26–Jan 1)
Hey Ottawa! 2025 is wrapping up. If you’re looking for festive events, seasonal fun, and cozy vibes in the last days of the year, here are some must-see experiences around the city.
10 Events You Won’t Want to Miss in the Last Days of 2025
1) NYE Fireworks
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with a big New Year’s Eve bash: fireworks at midnight, live music, and a DJ party from 9pm.
- When: Wed, Dec 31 • midnight–1am
- Where: Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St
- Details: ottawachristmasmarket.com
2) Ottawa Christmas Market
Photo ops, 50 vendors, craft cocktails & hot drinks, Santa workshops, live music, DJs, and a skating rink. FREE
- When: Dec 26–28 and Dec 30–31
- Where: Lansdowne Park
- Details: ottawachristmasmarket.com
3) Ottawa Charge vs Boston Fleet (PWHL)
Final home game of 2025 — come cheer on the team as they charge into 2026. Tickets from $36.
- When: Sat, Dec 27 • 12:00pm
- Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St
- Details: thepwhl.com
4) Ottawa 67’s vs Kingston Frontenacs
Family hockey + Christmas Market nearby = a perfect holiday combo. Tickets from $25.
- When: Sun, Dec 28 • 3:00pm
- Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St
- Details: chl.ca/ohl-67s
5) Ottawa Black Bears vs Philadelphia Wings
One final battle before the holidays wrap — join the fun. Tickets from $38.
- When: Sat, Dec 27 • 7:00pm
- Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr
- Details: ottawablackbears.com
6) Bell Capital Cup
A global hockey celebration with elite youth teams from around the world. Tickets vary.
- When: Dec 28–31
- Where: Various venues across Ottawa
- Details: bellcapitalcup.ca
7) Stankfest
Funk + jazz night with some of the best musicians from Ottawa–Gatineau. Tickets from $15.
- When: Sat, Dec 27 • 8:00pm
- Where: Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray St, ByWard Market
- Details: therainbow.ca
8) New Year Festival (Capitalfest)
Indoor family festival with kids’ activities, local vendors, and free face painting. FREE
- When: Sun, Dec 28 • 11:00am–6:00pm
- Where: Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, 102 Greenview Ave
- Details: Facebook event
9) Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets
NHL night out. Tickets from $45.
- When: Mon, Dec 29 • 7:00pm
- Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr
10) Ottawa 67’s vs Guelph Storm
Another great hockey option to close out 2025. Tickets from $25.
- When: Tue, Dec 30 • 3:00pm
- Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St
More Things to Do This Weekend
Friday
11) Ken Ludwig’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas
Holiday comedy with a mischievous mouse, Santa mishaps, and festive adventure. Tickets from $30.
- When: Dec 27–30 • various times
- Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave
- Details: kanatatheatre.ca
12) Hansel and Gretel Go West
A funny holiday musical with a wild-west twist, toe-tapping songs, slapstick humour, and audience participation.
- When: Dec 20 – Jan 4 • 2pm and 7pm
- Where: Great Canadian Theatre Company (Irving Greenberg Theatre), 1233 Wellington St W
Saturday
13) Latin Soiree Gala (Gatineau)
Dancing, dinner, and live band vibes — salsa, merengue, and bachata. Tickets: $55 (dinner included) / $25 general admission.
- When: Sat, Dec 27 • starting 7pm
- Where: Centre Aydelu, 94 Rue Du Patrimoine, Gatineau
More Recurring Holiday Favourites
14) Rink of Dreams
Outdoor refrigerated rink with rentals, sharpening, change room, and BeaverTails. FREE
- When: Daily • 7am–11pm
- Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier St W
15) A Country Christmas (Saunders Farm)
Light Walk, Santa, Elf Academy, ornaments & cookies, plus warm seasonal treats. Family pass $80.
- When: Dec 6–30
- Where: 7893 Bleeks Road, Munster
16) Stanley’s Holiday Stroll
Evening forest walk with colourful lights, warm fire pits, and tons of photo moments. Tickets from $10.
- When: Dec 4–Jan 3 • 6–9pm
- Where: 2452 York’s Corners Rd, Edwards
17) Christmas at Mādahòkì
Trail of Lights, craft market, workshops, feasts — holidays through an Indigenous perspective. Craft market is FREE.
- When: Nov 27–Dec 28 • various times
- Where: 4420 West Hunt Club Road
- Details: madahoki.ca
18) Alight at Night (Upper Canada Village)
Over a million LED lights, illuminated forest path, seasonal food & drinks, and optional carriage rides.
- When: Nov 28–Jan 15 • 5–9pm
- Where: 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg
19) Trees of Hope 2025 (CHEO)
Beautifully decorated holiday trees at the Fairmont Château Laurier supporting CHEO Foundation.
- When: Nov 17 – Jan 6
- Where: 1 Rideau St
20) Magic of Lights (CHEO)
Drive-through light show with 2M+ LEDs and Ontario’s longest light tunnel. Tickets per car from $31.58.
- When: Nov 21 – Jan 3 (evenings)
- Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd
21) Winter Wander (Sparks St)
Downtown Sparks St becomes a winter wonderland. FREE
- When: Nov 18 – Jan 5
- Where: Sparks Street
22) Butterflies in Flight
Live tropical butterflies, including the blue morpho. Ticket add-on: $6 + museum admission.
- When: Dec 6, 2024 – Jan 6, 2026
- Where: Canadian Museum of Nature
- Details: nature.ca
23) Ottawa Quad Sessions Social Rollerskating
All levels, no instruction, lots of watch-and-learn. Rentals available as add-on.
- When: Fridays • 9:00pm–10:45pm
- Where: Norm Fenn Gym (Carleton), 1125 Colonel By Dr
24) Arboretum Hill Club
Early-morning workout meet-up. All ages, all levels. Dogs welcome. FREE
- When: Fridays • 6:29am
- Where: Friends of the Farm parking lot (via Prince of Wales roundabout)
25) Capital Art Fair Gallery Holiday Market
Last-minute gifts by local artists and artisans + free gift wrapping.
- When: All December (closed Christmas Day)
- Where: 71 Sparks Street
26) Riveroak Skating Trail
3.5km trail through orchards and evergreens. Skate rentals available. Dogs allowed.
- Tickets: $15 / $19 • Family (5) $63 • Under 5 free
- Where: 2900 York's Corners Road, Ottawa
27) Icelynd Skating Trail
No rentals. No dogs. No sticks/pucks. Opening day: Sat, Dec 27.
- Tickets: $14 / $19 • Family (4) $60 • Under 4 free
- Where: 6865 Fernbank Road, Stittsville
