As November begins to freeze the rivers and lakes, December brings a surprising warmth. We’re instantly hugged by colorful Christmas lights, nostalgic music, and a contagious holiday spirit. The beautiful city of Ottawa and its surrounding areas transform into a vibrant winter wonderland.
It’s the perfect setting for Ottawa citizens to dawn their finest winter gear (we do live in one of the coldest capital cities in the world after all) and adventure through the region. Of course, we love outdoor activities, so we wanted to put together a list of our must-do family winter activities in our nation’s Capital for you!
1. #WelliWindows Holiday Display Contest
November 25 – December 21, 2022
This is an annual display contest hosted by the people of Hintonburg and Wellington Village. Grab the whole family and collectively vote on the best-decorated windows by using the hashtag #WelliWindows and tagging the merchant. Displays entered can win amazing prizes!
2. Metcalfe Farmers’ Christmas Market
December 17, 2022
Enjoy a beautiful Christmas shopping experience and purchase from 45 unique vendors at the Metcalfe’s Christmas Market! You’ll be able to purchase everything from flowers, wine, spirits, artwork, books, quilts, baking, and candles, you name it. Grab the whole family, your wish lists, and wallets and shop at this year’s Metcalfe Farmers’ Christmas Market.
3. Holiday Lights Walking Tour
December 17, 2022
Explore Ottawa’s noteworthy locations while being led by a well-versed guide. Lean into the city’s beautiful history, learn more about impactful historical figures, take a deep dive (& bring out your cameras) into ancient architecture and so much more! This 90-minute tour will cover Ottawa’s “must-see” moments and will provide ample opportunity to take awesome photos with your friends and family.
4. 613 Flea
December 23, 2022
Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park will be hosting 613 Flea, a well-anticipated market that hosts over 140 vendors. Each vendor sells quality, handmade, and one-of-kind products that will be a perfect addition to your home, or will make perfect holiday gifts! Enjoy some family fun and tell everyone you know. Please note that the vendors change from month to month so the variety is endless!
5. A Country Christmas
December 18th, 2022
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled morning or night! “By day, enjoy pre-cut Christmas trees, hedge mazes, wagon rides, Christmas displays, a Farm Shop with local vendors, and more! By night, drive through the Country Christmas drive-through experience and enjoy the holiday lights and displays from the comfort of your own car!” There’s something for all families, come on out!
6. Rideau Canal Skateway
7.8 km of water has crystallized into ice; creating the world’s largest ice rink! Skate-a-way with your friends and family and enjoy this icy playground full of fun! “There are four heated change rooms along the Skateway, as well as skate and other rental facilities, including food, beverages and washrooms to make skating a fun experience.” Until the canal freezes, you can skate outdoors in two outside rinks: Landsdowne and Rink of Dreams at City Hall. There’s so much to enjoy at the Rideau Canal this time of year. Come out, Come all!
7. Winterlude
February 3rd-20th, 2023
The Ottawa Region is surely the place to be this winter. Grab all your family members for Winterlude, one of Canada’s highly anticipated celebrations. From ice sculpting competitions to skating on the Rideau Canal and so much more. Let Winterlude become a family affair this holiday season!
8. Magic Light of Ottawa
November 18th, 2022 to January 7th, 2023 – 5 pm to 10 pm
Grab the kids, partner, and auntie… grab the whole family and drive through the ever-anticipated and magical ‘Magic Lights of Ottawa.’ “The Wesley Clover Parks Campground will be opening its doors to invite guests to tour along a route stretching more than two kilometers and featuring over a million gleaming lights. The magical route will include fan-favorite displays including the Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, Snowflake Forest and Candy Cane Lane, along with new festive displays!” It’s truly a drive-through experience of a lifetime!
9. Lac-Beauchamp Park
Are you in Ottawa, Gatineau, or in any surrounding areas and want to enjoy the fullness of winter? Gatineau Parks is a family-friendly and fun-filled environment that hosts exciting activities. “For families that have a need for speed, Gatineau Park offers activities such as cross-country skiing, and snow biking as a pilot project this winter. For those who enjoy nature at a slower pace, there are also winter hiking trails available to discover! There are also many amenities for visitors to use while visiting the park to make their visit more comfortable and one to remember!” No matter the pace you’re going for, there is always an activity to enjoy! Head to the Lac-Beauchamp Park for all sorts of fun!
10. Fête Frissons – Shenkman Arts Centre
February 11, 2023
Enjoy Fête Frissons for free with the whole family! This event will be taking place in the Shenkman Arts Centre and everything from outdoor fun, workshops, performances, art-making and so much more! This annual event is underway so get ready and bring the whole family.
We hope you have a wonderful time with your loved ones this winter season. Let us know if you think there’s other Ottawa winter family activities that need to be on this list! #ottawatourism
