Family Christmas Activities in the Ottawa Area

Our 10 Christmas Experiences in and Around Ottawa


The holidays are just around the corner and if you’re looking for some festive family fun, then you’ve come to the right place! The Ottawa area is a great place to celebrate Christmas, with plenty of activities to keep everyone in the family entertained – from sleigh rides and skating to meeting Santa and marvelling at Christmas lights, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Hopefully, you’ve already checked out some of the awesome parades in the area, and to help you have even more family fun this holiday season, we’ve put together a list of our top 10 family Christmas activities in the Ottawa and surrounding towns. So, if you’re looking for some great ways to celebrate this holiday season, be sure to check out some of these great Christmas activities in and around Ottawa!

Saunders Country Christmas, Saunder’s Farm

7893 Bleeks Rd A, Ottawa
November 26th – December 18th, 2022. Saturdays & Sundays 10:00am – 4:00pm

Holiday Light Festival -  December 1st – 23rd, 2022

Saunders Country Christmas is a great event for all ages, with a wide variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. There's a tractor-drawn wagon ride to take you around the farm, a chance to meet Santa and his reindeer, and even a petting zoo. And of course, no visit to a Christmas farm would be complete without a visit to the Christmas shop, where you can find all sorts of unique gifts and decorations.

If you’re looking for a nighttime activity, don’t miss the Holiday Light Festival! 

Magic of Lights, Wesley Clover Park

401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean

November 27th to January 3rd 6:00pm to 10:00pm (Pitstop hours 5:00-9:00)

Want to enjoy a family Christmas activity from the warmth of your own car? Look no further than the Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks! This event features over two kilometres of festive and vibrant lights displays, all set to the soundtrack of your favourite Christmas tunes. You can drive through the display in the comfort of your own car, or enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride (weather permitting). There are also plenty of photo ops, so make sure to bring your camera!

New this year, Mark Motors Group will host the “Holiday Pit Stop” where guests can explore a winter wonderland full of photo stations before driving the Magic of Lights route. 

Ian's Christmas Park

804 Richmond Rd, Beckwith

Thursday & Friday 1:00-9:00, Saturday & Sunday 9:00-9:00

Located in beautiful Beckwith, Ontario, Ian's Christmas Adventure Park is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. With a huge variety of activities, there’s sure to be something to please every member of the family!

Located on a tree farm, Ian’s offers the opportunity to get a real Christmas tree, with options for pre-cut trees or cut-your-own. In addition to picking out the perfect tree, visitors to Ian’s Christmas Adventure Park can enjoy Santa visits, sledding, skating, mazes, candy cane lane, Santa’s Workshop, and more! This awesome family adventure even has nighttime hours and Christmas movie screenings! 

Christmas Down on the Farm

670 Cedarview Road Ottawa, ON

Weekends until December 18th

Step inside a pioneer home to see how pioneers celebrated Christmas! This year, Christmas Down on the Farm is bigger and better than ever, with a whole host of activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy. There will be hayrides, a visit from Santa, a petting zoo, a chance to roast marshmallows over a fire, and much more. 

So bundle up and head on down to the Log Farm for a Christmas adventure the whole family will remember! You can even pick up a fresh Christmas tree to take home. 

Lansdowne Christmas Market

1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON

Fridays to Sundays, Hours vary

Take a stroll through Lansdowne Park and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional European Christmas market. With over 80 chalets selling everything from holiday decorations to handmade gifts, there's something for everyone. 

And be sure to grab a bite to eat from one of the food vendors while you're there, step into the many selfie stations, and take in some live entertainment, visit Santa’s Workshop for free crafts, or go see Santa himself for a photo op! 

Stanley's Christmas Village

2452 York's Corners Rd, Edwards

Monday to Friday: 10am - 4pm, By Appointment Only

The magic of Christmas is alive at Stanley’s from beginning to end! Your adventure begins with greetings from an elf and a sleigh ride to the Christmas Village. There you’ll find games, songs, bonfires, and some of Santa’s toy-making friends. Another sleigh ride will take you to meet the big man himself, finishing off this one-hour outdoor adventure.

Finish off your visit by saying hello to the animals, checking out the Farm Shop, or picking out a fresh cut Christmas Tree.

Light Up the Night Almonte

14 Bridge St., Almonte

 December 7th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Although only a one-day event, it promises to be a festive and musical night in the quaint and Christmassy town of Almonte. Enjoy a festive evening as the streets come alive with holiday lights and live music for one of the largest outdoor Christmas shows in Canada! With 2022 marking the 30th year of Light Up the Night, there will be extra special guests and an extended Christmas market full of exciting vendors.

See The Snow Queen, Twinkle Fairies, and Santa himself, as well as a stunning fireworks display to top off the night. 

Vintage Village of Lights, Cumberland

2940 Old Montreal Road, Cumberland

Friday-Sunday, 3:00-9:00

Step back in time as you enter a 1920s and 30s village on foot and make your way through shining light displays and historic buildings at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Your visit includes live demos, gramophone music, wagon rides, and even visits with Santa.

The festivities can continue at home with take-away cookie and crafting kits and an online playlist interwar-years holiday music!

Advance registration is required for some slots, so be sure to consult the booking link.

Clow's Christmas Trail, Brockville

2224 Hallecks Rd W RR 3, Brockville

Friday-Sunday, 6pm-8:30pm

This family run light display will transport you back to childhood with 1.5km of walking trails through the woods, taking you by a variety of Christmas displays including winter sports lane, the Candy Shop, Elves Lodge, the North Pole post office, and Santa’s toy shop. Keep your eyes peeled, as there are sometimes surprises of special visitors along the trail! 

Make sure to dress for the weather, as this activity takes place entirely outdoors. 

With so many exciting family Christmas activities in the Ottawa area, there's sure to be something to delight every member of the family, so get out and make some awesome holiday memories! 

Do you have a favourite holiday activity in the Ottawa area?
Let us know in the comments!

Ottawa Christmas Parades 2022 - Ottawa Area Santa Claus Parades

Christmas parade season is in full swing,  but if you missed the first few, don’t despair - there is plenty of the jolly season left to go and multiple parades to enjoy for weeks to come! Check out some of the Parade of Lights, Christmas Parade, Santa Claus Parade events throughout Ottawa and the surrounding area!

Aylmer Santa Claus Parade

https://www.facebook.com/paradehohoho/

Saturday, November 26, 6pm
Starts at Rue Principale, near Rue Front

This year marks the return of the traditional Aylmer Santa Claus Parade, pivoting from the previous year’s stationary parade. Running since 1994, especially with the addition of the Christmas Market in 2014 for the 20th anniversary of the parade, which still runs today!

Santa’s Parade of Lights

paradeoflights.org

Saturday, November 26th, 2022 @ 6:00 PM
St-Joseph Blvd. Orleans

Hosted by the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association, you can catch this glowing display along St-Joseph, Blvd. in Orleans. Toys and cash donations will be collected by firefighters along the route. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Santa’s Parade of Lights and there will be on-site entertainment at the judging site (St-Joseph & Orleans Blvd) leading up to parade time.

Arnprior Santa Claus Parade

http://www.arnpriorlegion.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/SANTA-PARADE-FLYER-2019.pdf

Saturday, November 26, 6:00
Starts at No Frills Parking Lot

After two years of a drive-by Santa event, the Arnprior Santa Claus Parade is back in full swing! With an estimated 50 floats taking park and volunteers on foot to hand out treats to spectators, this family event is well worth the drive from Ottawa! Following the parade, Santa will visit the legion to say hello to all of the children and even hand out treat bags!

Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade

https://carletonplace.ca/whatsnewc4.php?t=2022%20Santa%20Claus%20Parade&command=viewArticle&ID=1632&currentFeed=1
Saturday, November 26th at 5 pm
Starts at Carleton Place High School

With this year’s theme of  “Movies of Christmas”, floats are sure to delight children of all ages and fill the streets with nostalgia! Because of construction on Central Bridge, the parade will take a different route than usual, so be sure to check the website for the updated route as well as a list of municipal parking sites for those who are not close enough to walk. 

Russell Santa Parade

https://www.facebook.com/events/1191133161746759

Sunday, November 27, 1:00
Starts at St Thomas Aquinas CHS

The Russell Fire Department and the Russell Lions Club team up for this annual spectacle and will collect food and cash donations for the Russell Township Food Bank. The parade has a new ending location this year, so expect Mr. & Mrs. Clause to enter Russell High School following the parade.

Stittsville Parade of Lights

https://www.stittsvilleva.com/parade/

Saturday, December 3rd at 6 pm to 8 pm
Stittsville Main St. 

A community favourite in Stittsville, this parade attracts thousands of spectators each year, so make sure you arrive early if you have little ones who might need a front row seat! Following the parade and the arrival of the man in red, head on over to the Village Square Park for the annual lighting, hot chocolate, cookies, and even a visit with Santa himself!  

Richmond Village Santa Claus Parade

http://richmondvillage.ca/event/santa-parade/

December 3, 2022, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Richmond Fairgrounds, 6121 Perth St, Richmond

This year, Richmond continues the new tradition of a drive through parade at the Richmond Fair Grounds. Floats will remain stationary as spectators drive through the fairgrounds, so bring your hot cocoa and Christmas music to enjoy as you roll through this alternative parade!

Pakenham Santa Claus Parade

https://lanarkcountytourism.com/events/pakenham-santa-claus-parade-and-celebration/

Saturday December 3, 1:00-2:00
Stewart Community Centre & Grounds
112 McFarlane Street, Pakenham

During this Christmas Movie themed parade, The Pakenham & District Civitan Club will be collecting donations for the Lanark County Food Bank enroute. Floats start their route at the Steweart Community Centre and loop twice through the downtown core. As an added bonus, the Civitan Club will also provide hot chocolate and hot dogs to parade-goers!

Almonte Christmas Night Parade

https://www.facebook.com/events/660563028884728

Sunday, December 4th, 5:30
Beginning at the John Levi Community Centre on Bridge Street

Make your way to Arnprior as they light up the night with glowing Christmas movie floats! The Almonte Scouts will be on hand, collecting donations of cash and non-perishable food for The Hunger Stop. Plan for tasty treats as well, as Almonte Lions Club will provide hotdogs and hot chocolate!

Carp Santa Claus Parade

https://www.facebook.com/groups/HuntleyCommunityAssociation

December 10 6:00pm
Parade route starts at The Diefenbunker, 3911 Carp Road, and follows Carp Road.

Moving to a nighttime parade instead of their traditional afternoon parade, Santa and friends will make their way down Carp Rd from the Diefenbunker, this time with lights! Thanks to the hard work of the Huntley Community Association, dozens of floats will participate and volunteers will be on hand to collect donations for the West Carleton Food Access Centre.

Lanark Village Santa Claus Parade

https://lanarkcountytourism.com/events/lanark-village-santa-claus-parade/

Sunday, December 10 1:00-2:00pm
Lanark & District Civitan Club

Following its traditional route, beginning at the Lanark & District Civitan Club, this year’s Lanark Village Santa Claus Parade will be made up of floats with a ‘The Night Before Christmas’ theme. Following the parade, you can make your way to the Maple Grove Public school gym for a meet and greet with Santa! 

Help Santa Toy Parade

http://toyparade.ca/
One of Ottawa's most popular Christmas parades, this spectacle has firefighters collecting donations of toys and cash along the parade route for families. In need. Although the parade has already passed for this year, you can still make donations via the Toy Parade website or at any Ottawa Fire Station until mid-December.

Niagara Falls: Whirpool Aero Car and enjoying the Falls

This summer we were looking to take a summer vacation that wasn’t too long a drive from Ottawa and that would appeal to three teenagers. We decided Niagara Falls would fit the bill and we weren’t at all disappointed.

The mix of the splendour of the Falls and surrounding attractions along with the fun and hype of Clifton Hill made for a fantastic getaway that the whole family enjoyed (which if you have teens you may know isn’t always that obvious to find!)

Whirlpool Aero Car

The Whirlpool Aero Car was our first stop and I’d never heard of it before we went. Based on how many people told me it must be new when I told them about it, clearly many others haven’t heard about it either but it has been around for 106 years!

I was worried that my fear of heights and bridges would mean that this ride would be scary for me and others in our group, but it felt completely safe and not like something I needed to be brave to be on at all (which was great!)

The ride itself only lasts 10 minutes, but the views are spectacular and it’s quite thrilling to be in the car. It was a great kick off to the day and everyone enjoyed it. There is also free parking at the Aero Car which made it easy and convenient to visit.

Panoramic photo taken from the Aero Car

Power Station and Tunnel

The Niagara Falls Power Station was only de-commissioned in 2006 and they opened it as a museum last year. There are a lot of artifacts from the power station to check out and to learn about.

You can then ride an elevator down 180 feet and see all the levels of the old power station and then walk to the end of a 2200 foot tunnel to come out and view the Falls from a magnificent angle. This is a long walk so anyone with small kids or who has difficulty walking should take note.

All of the bathrooms at the power station were individual and gender-neutral which was great and something I know many families can have difficulty finding so I was thrilled to see that!

Journey Behind the Falls

We weren’t originally sure what the difference was between this attraction and the tunnel attraction.

Journey Behind the Falls is located right at the main Falls building, and is a shorter experience than the tunnel, and you are closer to the Falls when you come out. You also get to see how impressive the waterfall is from the back.

My recommendations

• There are passes that include a bus to get you to all of the different attractions. We were lucky enough to be gifted some tickets to attractions by Niagara Parks but if we had to do it again I would get one of these passes that included the on and off bus.

• If we had to pick between Journey Behind the Falls and the tunnel we would pick Journey, especially if there is anyone in your group who has challenges with long walks.

• Food and parking everywhere is expensive - just prepare yourself for that :)

Disclaimer: we were provided tickets by Niagara Parks to these three attractions. All opinions are our own.

Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries

Smiths Falls is a cute village about half an hour from Ottawa. One of the old train stations is now a theatre called The Station. This is where, until October, the Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries is playing.

This is a must-see show! Ted and his wife/assistant, Marion, are true masters of illusion. They did so many cool things including card tricks, rope tricks, predictions, and what can only be called magic. I watched closely to figure out how the tricks were done but couldn't do it!

This duo has been performing for a long time across Canada and in Europe and work so well together. Ted is the master of illusions while Marion ties the tricks together with movement. She also gets cut in half so props to her.

Ted has an immediate connection with the audience and the house lights came on multiple times so he could pull up the perfect audience member to help with the show. My kids almost died laughing when Ted chose me to draw something on stage (I almost died of embarrassment, but it was all in good fun, plus I got a keepsake from my "trick"). Audience participation really adds to the show and shows how clever the tricks are.

The show was just about an hour and a half long with a ten minute intermission - the perfect length for kids and anyone who needs a health break after sitting for a bit. The theatre is staffed with the sweetest volunteers and the artwork in the lobby is fun to peruse while snacking on concession treats.

Ted and the team were in the lobby after the show, but, like all good magicians, I'm not sure they'd tell you any of their secrets. There are posters for sale and even kits for your budding magician.

I would recommend the Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries to anyone and everyone, though toddlers may have a hard time sitting through the whole show.

Tickets are around $35 ($⁠28.20 plus HST and Eventbrite fees) and the show is running until October 1st 2022 at the Station Theatre in Smiths Falls

A bit about the show from the organizers:

World-class magic show OUTERBRIDGE – Clockwork Mysteries returns to The Station Theatre in Smiths Falls (Fridays @ 7:30pm, Saturdays @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm -- $⁠28.20⁠ plus HST and Eventbrite fees).

Critics across the globe have hailed Ted and Marion Outerbridge as "Champions of magic" (Bergedorfer Zeitung, Germany), described their performance as "A visual feast" (Jinhua Daily, China), “A master of Illusion” (CBC-Radio Canada), and exclaimed “An astonishing performance” (Ottawa Life Magazine).

It is the most successful illusion show in Canada, and it wouldn’t be an over-statement to say that OUTERBRIDGE is Canada’s reply to America’s David Copperfield!

After years of performing around the world including the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood, the Outerbridges have recently relocated to Smiths Falls, and are delighted to be performing minutes from their new home in the Ottawa Valley!

Within seconds of taking the stage, the Outerbridges fuse their revolutionary illusions with split-second artistry to hold viewers spellbound. Keeping their audience enthralled from the first astonishing illusion to the spectacular finale, the Outerbridges create an experience that far exceeds the expectations of every spectator.

A fantastical event that is at once magic, dance, theatre, and a large dash of wonder.

Disclaimer: I was gifted tickets to the show in order to facilitate this review.

Broadway is back in Ottawa

When Hamilton was released on Disney+ early in the pandemic I was surprised by just how into the musical and all its music my kids would get. We listened to the songs in the car for months and all had our favourite songs. That meant that getting to see Hamilton live wasn’t just any old show we got to go to, it was one we really got excited about (even though getting some of my teens out of the house for family activities isn’t as easy as it used to be ;) )

With two of my kids away at sleep away camp, my husband and I got a rare outing with just our oldest son to see Hamilton at the NAC on opening night.

Seeing the show live and in person was just as great as we all hoped it would be, and not only that - my teen said he’d love to attend more shows in the future!

I was under the impression Hamilton was sold out and it would be impossible to get tickets at this late date but there are still some tickets available if you want to check it out before the end of July.

What’s coming next

Because of COVID cancelations there are a lot of shows coming in the next 6 months as they try to catch up - plus there’s an exciting 2022/2023 season.

Dear Evan Hansen opens on August 9th

Anastasia opens on August 30th

Means Girls opens October 18th

I have incredible memories of going to see musicals with my family as a child and I love that we get to do that with our children too (and have been taking them to various shows at the NAC since they were toddlers!)

It was great to be back and seeing a show again and we’re looking forward to many more in the coming year. Comment and let us know if your kids enjoy going to the theatre or musicals.

Disclosure: we were provided tickets to the show free of charge but all opinions are our own.