20 things to do for the holidays in Ottawa: pandemic style

Some of you may recall a post we wrote many years ago, called “The Holidays in Ottawa: 25 things to do under $25.” It’s still one of our most popular holiday posts, and we update it every year with new dates and costs. But the pandemic put a halt to almost all of the activities we had suggested and we had to let the post go. This year, I was sure that I would be able to freshen it up and send it out once again, but alas, it’s proving more difficult than I thought!

Some of the decisions being made about certain activities are very last minute, and we STILL don’t have a date for the Santa Claus Parade. So I thought it was time to work with what we’ve got, and share 20 things that are “for sure” things (although you’ll have to wait for details on a couple of these activities!) While some suggestions are not under $25, I hope that there’s enough variety to get you planning a super awesome holiday season with your family.

The Log Farm

We’ve really enjoyed having the Log Farm as our Fall sponsor, and we’re excited to see the change in seasons and a shift to Christmas down on the farm! Visit to feed the animals, see Santa’s workshop, wagon rides, Christmas music and pick up your pre-cut Christmas tree. You need to pre-book your tickets using this link! When: November 28th through December 23rd. Cost: $11.97 per person.

Photo credit: elizabeth fulton photography

Christmas Markets

There are a couple of options for Christmas markets this year, including the Ottawa Farmers’ Market (November 27th to December 19th), and the Ottawa Christmas Market (4 weekends: November 26th to December 22nd - also at Lansdowne!). The Log Farm also hosts an the Barrhaven Farmer’s Market outdoor market that you can visit on Saturday November 27th. There is currently no Christmas market planned for North Gower or Cumberland. Cost: whatever you want to spend! If you want to travel a bit, head to Aylmer for their Christmas market November 26th, 27th and 28th and December 3th, 4th and 5th.

Visit Almonte or Kemptville and step into a Hallmark Christmas Movie

Hallmark Christmas movie makers love Almonte and Kemptville, and stay tuned to some upcoming scenes from movies being aired starting November 12th! These small towns just outside of Ottawa light up in a wintry wonderland during the holiday season, and there is plenty of shopping and snacking to be done! Cost: some gas, and the goodies you’ll be purchasing!

Sledding

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without an epic sledding adventure, followed by hot chocolate and Timbits. There are hills all over the region, and here's a handy map on the City of Ottawa's website. I've heard Walter Baker Park has some great sledding!

Credit: City of Ottawa/City of Ottawa Museums

Snowshoe or hike in Gatineau Park

Gatineau has one of the largest trail networks in North America with 60km of snowshoe trails! Cost: this will vary depending on whether you own snowshoes or not. Day passes to Gatineau Park cost $10 for adults, and are free for children under 12 (or $24 for a family) If you have young kids, a short winter hike might be a better option.

Free time at Ottawa's museums

National Gallery - Thursdays 5-8pm
Canadian Museum of Nature - Thursdays 5-8pm
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum - wed - sun, 4-5pm
Canada Aviation and Space Museum - every day, 4-5pm
Canadian Museum of History and War Museum - Thursdays 5-8pm
Canadian Science and Technology Museum - every day, 4-5pm

A drive to Taffy Lane

There's no website for this, but here is Taffy Lane on Google Maps. This is a street in Orleans that goes light-crazy every year, and people drive from all over to catch a glimpse. It's bright and fun, and the kids love it! (Expert tip: park your car at the Orleans United Church and walk the block…much more fun than sitting in a car!!) Cost: FREE!

Take a trip to the North Pole

The North Pole Express at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario returns on Nov. 20th, 27th and Dec. 4th, from 12 noon to 6pm. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. Cost: Kids 4 and up cost $5.89 plus tax. HURRY because tickets are selling out fast!!

Cut down a Christmas tree

We try to do this every year - there's something so special about a real Christmas tree (although yes, yes I know some of you love your plastic!) It's the experience that counts, and there's nothing better than a cold walk through the woods and hot chocolate after carrying your tree back to the car. There are places all around Ottawa, but our favourite is Briggs Trees out in the East end. Cost: Depends! Do you want a Charlie Brown tree or something more majestic?

Go see a movie!

I have so many wonderful memories seeing movies with my parents over the holidays. Cine Starz ($5 per ticket) offers an affordable option, especially for larger families!

Christmas plays and concerts

Our 25 things post was always limited in terms of cost, so we never included some of the wonderful plays and concerts being hosted around Ottawa. But if you have a bit extra $$ to play with this holiday season, there’s nothing better than a night at the theatre! It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play looks like a fun all-ages production. The NAC also has a few things on the bill, including the Winnipeg Ballet and Holiday Cirque.

Santa Claus Parade

There is likely only going to be one day of parades this year, with a Kanata, downtown and Orleans version running on the same day. Rumour has it the date is December 4th, but stay tuned for an update!

Christmas Lights Across Canada

Every year the downtown core is magically lit up with thousands of twinkling lights. It makes for a perfect evening outing (paired with hot chocolate of course!) I’m waiting for word back on whether there will be an in-person launch date this year, which normally happens on Parliament Hill, complete with Beaver Tails and a winterscapes light show that is projected onto the Parliament buildings.

Alight at Night

The outdoor light festival at Upper Canada Village is always a treat, and while it’s definitely not under $25 for the whole family, it’s worth the drive and the cost of tickets! Stay tuned for dates and ticket purchases - these sell out quickly!

Stanley’s Farm Christmas Village

Christmas elves, Santa, sleigh rides and yummy treats make this a wonderful way to pass an hour. Tickets are on sale starting November 17th!

Wesley Clover Park’s Magic of Lights

Take a drive through a light tunnel that is sure to silence your bickering children for at least 5 minutes. Tickets are $20 per vehicle, so it’s an affordable activity for a family. A little tip: try to go during off times (weekdays or at dinnertime) because it can get BUSY!

Volunteer at Toy Mountain

I've been volunteering with this great cause for three years now, and I would highly recommend you check it out as a family. Email kristine_farnel@ottawaboothcentre.org for more information. Cost: your time.

Image Credit: City of Ottawa/City of Ottawa Museums

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

Last year’s drive-through experience was incredible, and we’re so excited to hear that the Cumberland museum is planning their regular in-person Vintage Village of Lights this year! Check out their website for details on registration. Cost: $20 for a family pass (2 adults and all of your children!) When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from December 3 through December 19.

Do an online Christmas cooking class

Julianna Banana is one of our favourites, and we’ve adored her culinary boxes! You can also sign up directly for cooking classes without purchasing a culinary box. December 5th is Christmas Cookies ($65) and December 12th is Merry Macarons ($40). December 22nd is the Yule Log class ($40). Sign up on her website: https://juliannabanana.ca/

Go our for a special holiday feast

Now that our kids are older, dinners out at a restaurant are getting a lot easier. They can sit for longer, and we can actually enjoy our food and a drink. If your kids are very young, you could supplement this activity with a shorter trip to a local café for a drink and treat. Restaurants have been hit HARD over the pandemic, and we’d love to put some $$ back into their registers. My favourites for the East end are OCCO Kitchen, Maker Feed Co. and the Bad Alibi. Share your favourite locally-owned restaurant in the comments!

Virtual Phone Calls with Santa

*SOLD OUT* This is a FREE program offered by the City of Ottawa. Your little one(s) can log into a special Zoom call with Santa, in French or English. A festive photo of your call will be captured and emailed to you. This must be booked by someone 18+ for their family and requires a personal electronic device with internet connection. To register visit their website.

Visit the Christmas Tree at the National Gallery of Canada

Every year, the National Gallery lights up their gorgeous Christmas tree with a special ceremony. While the lighting ceremony won’t be taking place this year, you can still go visit the tree from December 3 until January 9, 2022. A trip to the gallery is also fun for the whole family.

Santa Claus Parades

The word is out!! In-person parades will be going ahead this year in Kanata, downtown and Orleans. Richmond and Carp will be once again hosting drive-by parades on December 4th as well, and one of our readers had these tips: “Get there early. Line ups were long. Bring food for the food bank to get in.”

Ian’s Christmas Tree Adventure Park

Located in Beckwith, Ontario. about 20 minutes from Richmond, you can visit this lovely tree farm and buy a tree to enjoy any number of fantastic activities: Sledding, skating, movie nights, bonfire, feeding animals. Or pay $10 just to enjoy the activities! Check it out here: https://www.ianschristmaspark.ca/faq

A country Christmas at Saunders Farm

Join Saunders Farm for a Christmas in the country. Daytime features snowy daytime fun for everyone, farm fresh food, holiday sweets & treats and visits with Santa. Night time features a sound & light show drive through with thousands of lights, following a heart-warming story line. From December 4 until December 30, 2021. Cost: tickets range from $23 to $35 depending on when you go.