Canada’s capital lights up with Christmas spirit every year, and the picturesque city turns into a snow-covered winter wonderland.
With tons of museums, lights displays and skating rinks, Ottawa provides tons to do every winter for visitors and locals alike. Here are the some ideas on Christmas things to do in Ottawa 2020.
Due to the evolving situation, please double check hours and protocols of the various businesses before you go.
Lights at Landsowne
The market may be canceled, but Lansdowne plaza is still full of Christmas cheer with lights, decorations, and the largest Christmas tree in Ottawa.
Stroll through the historic Glebe neighborhood and Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza and enjoy the peaceful cityscape with festive holiday lights!
Date: Nov 27, 2020 – Jan 1, 2021
Admission: Free
Location: Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne, Marché Way, Ottawa
Website
Magic of Lights Ottawa
Magic of Lights, held in Wesley Clover Parks Campground, is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season.
Stay socially-distanced in your car, and marvel at the beautiful light display with the latest LED technology and digital animations.
Date: Nov 13th, 2020 – Jan 9th, 2021
Admission: Tickets starting at $22
Location: 401 Corkstown Rd, Ottawa,
Website
Skating at Rideau Hall
The grounds at Rideau Hall are open to the public this Christmas season, with outdoor skating on a majestic estate.
The rink is historic, originally built in 1872, during the mandate of the Earl of Dufferin, Canada’s third governor general.
The estate is closed to the public, and skating space is limited. So get a ticket in advance, and bring your own hot chocolate to enjoy this incredible outdoor Christmas fun.
Date: Dec 11, 2020 – March 14, 2021
Admission: Free
Location: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Website
Alight At Night
Just outside Ottawa, Eastern Canada’s largest outdoor light festival, Alight at Night, dazzles with over one million lights adorning the heritage buildings, trees, and fences of Upper Canada Village.
Visit Victorian Saint Nick in his winter workshop preparing for Christmas and get a picture with the whole family.
Socially distanced activities include a Sound and Light Show at Crysler Hall, and visual storytelling at the Village Cheese Factory and at Christ Church along with holiday tunes.
Date: Select dates Nov 27, 2020 – Jan 2, 2021
Admission: $14
Location: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg, ON
Website
[CANCELLED] Glow Gardens Ottawa
The largest indoor Christmas festival in Canada comes to Ottawa! Glow Gardens Ottawa has lights, refreshments, interactive exhibits and live music.
Stop and shop at the Christmas Market featuring handmade and locally sourced gifts and take the kids to a visit with Santa before enjoying live indoor music from local artists!
Reserve tickets in advance and check the website for social distancing details.
Admission: General admission starting at $22.99
Location: EY Centre 4899 Uplands Dr, Ottawa
Website
Christmas Brunch, Turkey-to-Go, Dinner in Ottawa 2020
Check out my post on restaurants and businesses in Ottawa that have special Christmas Ottawa 2020 offerings this year including brunch, turkey-to-go, dinner and more.