Santa Claus will be making personal appearances in several Ottawa neighbourhoods in the coming weeks. Whether you’re attending or not, watch out for road closures and traffic interruptions during the parades.
Grab a thermos of hot chocolate, pack the kids into their snowsuits and watch Santa work his magic to participate in multiple parades across the city all at the same time. And don’t forget to follow social wise public health guidelines to protect yourselves, Santa and other parade goers while you’re enjoying the festivities.
- Osgoode Village Parade of Lights, Friday, December 3, 7 pm
- Richmond Village Santa Parade, drive-through event at the Richmond Fairgrounds, Saturday, December 4, 5 pm
- Help Santa Parade of Lights, downtown Ottawa, Saturday, December 4, 11 am
- 12th Annual Carp Christmas Parade, drive-through event at the Carp Fairgrounds, Saturday, December 11, 5 pm
- Navan Upside Down Parade, drive-through event at the Navan Fairgrounds, Saturday, December 11, 6 pm
- Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade and Food Drive, Sunday, December 12, 2 pm
More Ottawa festive weekend events
If you’re looking for even more holiday cheer, consider including these festive activities in your weekend plans:
Osgoode Township Museum Tree Lighting
Saturday December 4, 6pm
Join the Osgoode Township Museum for a tree lighting event featuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus! “There will be hot chocolate, popcorn and more! Thank you Councillor George Darouze for partnering with the museum for this event. You can also pick up your postcard for Santa at the Museum prior to December 4. Bring it with you to the Tree Lighting so that it gets mailed to the North Pole!
Cumberland Village Museum Vintage Village of Lights
3 to 9:30 pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Sunday, December 19.
Walk through Cumberland Heritage Village Museum’s Vintage Village of Lights and explore the postcard-perfect scenery of the 1920s and 30s village on foot as you take in the 30,000+ lights illuminating heritage and true-to-era buildings. Operating from 3 to 9:30 pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Sunday, December 19. “Enjoy colourful vignettes highlighting traditions of the good ole days, see the portable printing press in action, and travel back in time with a festive soundtrack from the interwar years. Continue the fun at home with a take-away cookie decorating kit, hands-on crafts, and a special telegram from Santa (you might even spot the big man in red yourself during your visit to the museum!).”
Billings Estate’s traditional Christmas Tea is a Takeaway Christmas Tea
Available for pickup between 11 am and 3 pm every Saturday and Sunday until Sunday, December 19.
Indulge in the Billings Estate’s traditional Christmas Tea from the comfort of your own home by ordering Takeaway Christmas Tea. Takeaway Tea boxes return this December with a festive twist including delicious seasonal sandwiches, beverage, scone and mini desserts, all prepared or baked in house with fresh ingredients. Guided tour of the museum is included. Orders are open now so click the link for details.To order, call 613-580-2088 ext. 35258 by noon on the Wednesday prior to our preferred pick-up date. Quantities are limited; they recommend placing your order early.
Holiday Guided Tour of Billing’s Estate
Operating between 4 and 7 pm Friday and Saturday evenings and between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm Saturday and Sunday afternoons from Friday, December 10 to Sunday, December 19.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season and enjoy a Holiday Guided Tour at Billings Estate. They’ve decked the halls at Billings Estate National Historic Site. Enjoy a special Christmas themed guided tour of the museum. Learn more about the Billings family, see life as an early settler family through their eyes, and take in the festive decorations that signal the arrival of the holidays at Ottawa’s oldest wood-framed house. Operating between 4 and 7 pm Friday and Saturday evenings and between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm Saturday and Sunday afternoons from Friday, December 10 to Sunday, December 19.
Cost: Adult $7.25; Students and Seniors $6; Youth (ages 6-17) $4.25; Family (2 adults and accompanying children) $17.50; admission for children 5 and under is free.
Ottawa’s European-style Christmas Market at Lansdowne
Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Sunday, December 19 and Monday, December 20 to Wednesday, December 22. Operating hours vary.
Get into the holiday spirit at Ottawa’s Eurpoean-style Christmas Market at Lansdowne. “Located in the Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza while surrounded by snow-capped heritage buildings and wooden chalets is the Ottawa Christmas Market presented by TD. Thousands of Christmas lights and decorations twinkle and sparkle to create that festive atmosphere that is accompanied by holiday entertainment, local flavours, and, of course, some holiday shopping!”
Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Park, Nepean
Operating between 5 and 10 pm every night until Saturday, January 8, 2022.
Be dazzled by the Magic of Lights drive-through holiday lights experience at Wesley Clover Park. Cick on link for tickets for standard vehicles $25. Click here for more info.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service.
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