Christmas lights
Magic of Lights (drive-through)
A 2 km drive-through route with more than two million lights at Wesley Clover Parks in the west end, supporting CHEO. Listed for November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027. Book a timed entry per vehicle.
Winter Lights Across Canada (free)
Parliament Hill and Confederation Boulevard lit with hundreds of thousands of lights and a sound-and-light show, usually from early December into January.
Alight at Night, Upper Canada Village
More than a million lights on a heritage village, November 27, 2026 to January 2, 2027. See our visiting tips.
Saunders Farm (Munster)
A walk-through holiday light stroll and country Christmas activities on select dates.
Holiday markets
The Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne runs on weekends from late November, and the Canadian Museum of History and local craft fairs hold markets too.
Christmas events for kids
- Santa Claus parades in Orléans and communities across the region in late November and December
- Visits with Santa at the Lansdowne market
- The Nutcracker and family holiday concerts at the National Arts Centre
- Christmas in the Village in Manotick in late November
New Year's Eve in Ottawa
The Lansdowne market runs a late New Year's Eve edition, and hotels, restaurants and the casino in Gatineau host parties. Book dinner reservations and hotels early, since rooms go fast.
Dates are as listed by organizers in fall 2026 and can change. Confirm with each event before you go.
FAQ
Where is the drive-through Christmas light show in Ottawa?
Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa's west end, a 2 km route with more than two million lights. It's listed for November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027.
Are there free Christmas lights in Ottawa?
Yes. Winter Lights Across Canada on Parliament Hill and Confederation Boulevard is free, as is the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne.
What is there to do on New Year's Eve in Ottawa?
The Lansdowne Christmas Market has a late New Year's Eve edition, and hotels, restaurants and the Casino du Lac-Leamy host parties. Book early.
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