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!

Christmas at Saunders Farm - Light & Sound Show (Nightly Drive-Through)

KITC would like to welcome back, guest blogger, Stephen Johnson. Stephen Johnson is an Ottawa writer who loves to write about family travel. During the summer, when there isn’t a pandemic, you will most likely find him and his family at a local fair or festival. During the winter (when it’s not a pandemic), a beach in Mexico is a likely bet.

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Everyone will be celebrating Christmas in a different manner this year.  Different doesn’t mean a person cannot have fun and create new traditions.   In keeping with this idea,  our family decided to check out the Holiday Light and Sound Drive-Through show at Saunders Farm.  

Like many families,  we have been to Saunders Farm too many times to count.  I was curious to see how they would change the farm into a winter wonderland.   Upon arrival,  I could see they had delivered on all fronts.  The road leading into the farm looked like the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie.   There was a firepit where families could warm up along with a food stand where it was possible to purchase seasonal treats.  

We were there to experience the drive-through show.   That area was also festively decorated.   Perhaps more than the decorations,  I appreciated the short wait time to enter the attraction.  The ticket was a timed entry ensuring that there were not any hour long waits or a snake line of vehicles idling away.   

The drive-through route follows the same route as the Halloween haunted wagon ride.   I will not give anything away but it was fun to see how some of the Halloween scares had been transformed for Christmas. We set our car radio to an FM station that had an endless loop of holiday songs.   Of course,  Mariah Carey was one of the featured artists.    Holiday Light and Sound Drive-Through

We were blown away by all the lights and Christmas set pieces.   The lighting effects were far beyond anything I expected.   There were plenty of lit up reindeer and trees.   My favourite were the snow globes at the end.   

We drove through at ten kilometres an hour and the entire experience lasted about twenty to twenty five minutes.    It was so good I would have been willing to pay again to do the drive a second time.   

As mentioned,  it was an option to stop after and enjoy a treat while warming up by the firepit.   The farm shop also is open selling items like pre-cut Christmas trees and wreaths.  

We did not stay as it had already been a full day but would do so next time.  

While the light show was outstanding perhaps the thing I was most grateful for was just the sense of normalcy even for a short period of time.  We were a family enjoying a family activity and not worrying about the current situation.  

That is not to say there were any shortcuts for health protocols.  All staff were wearing masks and everyone was socially distanced. We felt very safe from the moment we arrived to departure.

Post-COVID,  I hope Saunders Farm will continue the Country Christmas Nighttime Experience. I could see this becoming a  yearly tradition for many families, including ourselves.

Saunders Farm  also offers a daytime experience where you can visit a Christmas market,  enjoy many outdoor attractions like the hedge mazes and buy a pre-cut Christmas tree.  Of course, it is important to follow all COVID-19 protocols and check the Saunders Farm website for any changes.   

For more information, visit www.saundersfarm.com.

Disclaimer: Stephen and his family were provided free entry but all opinions are my own.

2020 Holiday Activities in Ottawa

It may come as no surprise that the Christmas and holiday season will look a little different this year. There are no traditional Santa Claus parades or as many in-person holiday events, but there are still many ways to celebrate the holidays in Ottawa this year. From writing a letter to Santa to enjoying the magic of twinkling holiday lights, we hope this holiday activities list sparks a little joy this holiday season!

Drive-through Holiday Activities

Christmas Lights Across Canada (CLAC)

Downtown Ottawa
CLAC runs from November 30, 2020, to January 7, 2021.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/christmas-lights

Thousands of dazzling holiday lights showcase Parliament Hill, national museums, embassies and other significant sites across Ottawa. More details available soon.

The Enchanted Holiday Drive

Karter’s Korners
6336 Fallowfield Rd.
Admission per car: $40
https://www.enchantedottawa.ca/

Enchanted, presented by Richcraft, is a holiday drive-through experience like no other. While making their way through the nostalgic Karters’ Korner’s track, attendees will experience eight holly, jolly, festive scenes for the whole family to enjoy. Enchanted will have no shortage of spectacular special effects, innovative lighting, and fantastical production, but, unlike most other experiences, it will also largely focus on scenery and interaction. With live actors (including Santa), fully built scenes, a mailbox for letters to Santa, and a sense of wonder like no other, Enchanted is set to bring a new level of magic to Ottawa this holiday season.

Magic of Lights Ottawa

Wesley Clover Parks (West Ottawa)
November 13, 2020, to January 9, 2021
https://wesleycloverparks.com/events/magic-of-lights-ottawa

Now in its fifth year, this event has quickly become a holiday tradition for many Ottawa residents and visitors, is comprised of LED displays celebrating the joy of the holidays. A “drive-through” experience from the comfort of your own car, at every turn and in every direction the route is overflowing with spectacular light displays and animations. Online (contactless!): $22 +HST & fees. At the gate: Monday - Thursday: $30; Friday - Sunday: $35.

Saunders Farm Holiday Light and Sound Drive-through show

Munster, ON
https://saundersfarm.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/31306?catID=30787&

November 28th to January 1st
Sunday-Thursday 5 pm-9 pm
Fridays-Saturdays 5 pm-10 pm
Admission per car is $22.15 plus HST

All tickets must be booked in advance. Arrival times are booked every 20 minutes from 6:00pm-10:00pm. A limited number of tickets available per time slot.

Vintage Village of Lights... drive-through

The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
2940 Old Montreal Road

Relax and enjoy the festive scenery from your vehicle as you pass through a 1920s and 30s village illuminated by over 30,000 lights. Colourful vignettes will highlight Christmas traditions from the interwar years while an old-fashioned radio program will bring the sounds of the season to you. You may even spot Santa hard at work preparing for the big night along the way! As an added festive treat, each household will receive a goody bag to continue the celebration at home.

Wednesday – Sunday between 5 pm and 9 pm
November 25 to December 23
Cost: $25 per vehicle. Registration is required.

Tickets will not be available for purchase at the entrance. Registration is completed using Service Ottawa’s online system : https://apps102.ottawa.ca

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/374992923845131

11th Annual Carp Santa Claus Parade - Drive Thru Style

Carp Fairgrounds, Carp
December 12th at 7 pm
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1303378300003469

Entry is Food Donations to the West Carleton Food Access Centre.
Cash, Gift Cards, Food Donations collected along route.

Taffy Lane, Orleans

Orleans
There's no website for the holiday lights on Taffy Lane in Orleans, but you can find out where Taffy Lane is on Google Maps. This is a street in Orleans that goes light-crazy every year, and people drive from all over to catch a glimpse. It's bright and fun, and the kids love it! Cost: FREE!

In-person holiday events

Alight at Night

Upper Canada Village
Friday, November 27th until January 2, 2021
http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/events/alight-at-night

Bundle up for a magical family tradition with over one million lights! The historic Upper Canada Village is transformed into a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland! Date and time-specific ticketing in place, so that guests can enjoy what feels like a more private experience while maintaining physical distancing protocols. A limited number of tickets will be available each night!

Ian’s Christmas Adventure Park

Carleton Place, ON
https://www.ianschristmaspark.ca
Enjoy a movie night on the big scree, a hay ride to the fields to cut your own Christma tree (or choose from their large selection of precut Christmas trees), visit Santa in his workshop, tour their mazes, warm up around a firepit, or visit their petting farm! Ian’s Christmas Park has many holiday-themed activities for the entire family, is following COVID-19 safety protocols and is open every weekend from 9 am to 5 pm. For the lates updates, including pricing and more information, visit their website.

Saunders Farm - Christmas Market

Munster, ON
https://saundersfarm.com
November 28th to December 19th
Open Weekends 10 am-4 pm

Featuring 20 local vendors. Christmas trees are available for purchase, as well as holiday decor and seasonal foods.Enjoy the outdoors by exploring their snow-covered Mazes, bundling up for a hayride, and enjoying the Christmas displays set up throughout the farm. Admission is $15 plus HST. COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Stanley’s Farm Christmas Village

Edwards, ON
Starts mid-November
https://stanleysfarm.com/family-fun/christmas-village

Explore the village, sing songs, play games with your own Christmas Elf and warm up by the bonfire. This fully outdoors experience is one hour long (tractor draw sleigh ride). Buy tickets in advance. Tickets are valid only for the date & time purchased. Group/Family pricing of $120.00+HST for groups of max of six. Babies (Under 18 months) are not included in your group of 6  – Babies must sit on parent/guardian lap for the Tractor Drawn ride. COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Mall Santa re-imagined

Santa’s in Town - Bayshore Shopping Centre

November 26th to December 20, 2020
Bayshore Shopping Centre - P1 of North Deck along Woodridge Crescent (Section K to H)
https://www.icbookingtool.com/en/BAY/794

A magical outdoor, socially distanced, holiday encounter with Santa Claus. Book your experience with a $10 donation to Ottawa Food Bank and receive a high-resolution photo as well as a 360° digital photo with Santa Claus posing alongside his charming Christmas cabin.

Virtual Santa Pierre - Orleans Mall

Virtual Message from Santa Pierre
Santa Pierre has seen your loved ones grow up at the Orleans Mall for the past 20+ years, and the thought of not seeing them and putting smiles on their faces saddens him. That is why he has gone virtual!  

Custom message for your loved one(s) from Santa Pierre!
https://santapierre.com/products/virtual-santa-message
Cost: $25

Virtual Picture with Santa Pierre
Email a digital photo you would like to see with Santa Pierre!
https://santapierre.com/products/virtual-picture-with-santa-pierre
Cost: $15

COVID Santa and Spooky Santa-friendly Experience - Carlingwood Mall

Starts November 21st to December 24th
Meet with Santa or Spooky Santa by appointment only
https://carlingwood.com/events/carlingwood-santa-s-arrival-saturday-november-21st-11am

Santa will be on his Green Chair and families will be able to get a socially-distant photo with Santa while sitting on a bench in front of Santa or Spooky Santa.  Guests will also be directed to wear a mask through the entire experience, except for the photo. Carlingwood has also enhanced sanitization protocols between each visit. 

COVID-19 Safe Visit with Santa - Hazeldean Mall

Kanata, ON
November 12th to December 20th
https://www.hazeldeanmall.com/events/hazeldean-yes-there-will-be-a-santa-claus

Enjoy a 6-minute visit with Santa (studio area will be sanitized prior to your visit) and portraits made by a photographer. First 4 minutes: Visit Santa, he will be seated beside the Santa Sofa with a plexiglass sneeze guard between you and Santa. Santa will be wearing a mask during the visit. The final 2 minutes are the time for photographs: you will turn to face the photographer and can (if permitted) remove your mask(s) for photographs - Santa can be behind or beside visitors at this point and, if permitted, take his mask off as well. Visit their website for more information.

Billings Bridge Mall

For more information and to book a time, please visit: https://www.idea3.xyz/billings-santa

Visit Santa Claus: Up to four appointments per hour for enhanced and safe visits with Santa Claus - located beside the bottom of the escalators that lead to the food court.

Visit Mean Green: Up to four appointments per hour for enhanced and safe visits with Mean Green Santa - located beside the bottom of the escalators that lead to the food court

Virtual Santa Visits - Rideau Centre

Virtual visits with Santa will be available. Families can have a video chat with Santa and parents can arrange to receive a special video call with Santa while he's busy at the North Pole preparing for the holiday season. For more information and to make reservations visit https://www.cfshops.com/rideau-centre.html

Virtual Santa with PhotoBooth

Santa and his elves have gone virtual! No more waiting in line in a crowded mall waiting to meet the big guy. Book your own personal zoom meeting with Santa from the comfort of your home. Visit the website to book: https://www.mdrnphotoboothcompany.com/virtual-santa-visit

Other Holiday Activities

Write a letter to Santa

Santa and the postal elves are ready and waiting for letters. Click here to learn how to send your mail to the North Pole in time to hear back from Santa.

2019 Santa Claus Parades and Holiday Activities

Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit? Many Ottawa communities have already set a date for their Santa Claus parades and we want to make sure you don't miss out on this popular festive event! Please note: We will be updating this post as more information and details become available. If you have a holiday event you would like to add - leave a comment and let us know!

2019 Ottawa Santa Claus Parades

Help Santa Toy Parade
http://toyparade.ca/
Saturday, November 16th at 11 am

This is popular Ottawa Santa Claus parade takes place downtown and is favoured by many in the National Capital Region. Firefighters collect new toys and cash donations along the route. Can’t bring your toy donation? They will also accept new toys at any Ottawa Fire Station until mid-December. Depending on your spot along the route it can get busy, so keep this in mind if your family doesn’t like crowds.

Santa’s Parade of Lights
paradeoflights.org
Saturday, November 30th at 6 pm

Hosted by the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association, this parade takes place on St-Joseph, Blvd. in Orleans. Toys and cash donations will be collected by firefighters along the route.

Stittsville Parade of Lights
stittsvilleva.com
Saturday, November 30th at 6 pm to 8 pm

This parade is a favourite community event. The Lions Club will be collecting non perishable food and cash for the Stittsville Food Bank, and The Stocking Project will be collecting new stocking stuffers and gifts for local families who may be struggling.

Kanata Santa Claus Parade
http://khlions.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Parade-Flier-2019-v3.pdf
Saturday, November 16th at 11 am

The parade begins at Terry Fox and Castlefrank and proceeds down Castlefrank to Abbeyhill to Hazeldean Mall. Food and money will be collected by Volunteer FireFighters along the route for the Kanata Food Cupboard.

Barrhaven Lions Santa Parade
santaclausbarrhaven.com
Sunday, November 17th at 5:30 p.m.

The annual Barrhaven Lions Club Santa Claus Parade runs down Strandherd Drive, west. Tim Hortons will be providing hot chocolate at various spots along the parade route.

Arnprior Santa Claus Parade
http://www.arnpriorlegion.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/SANTA-PARADE-FLYER-2019.pdf
November 30th at 6 pm

The Arnprior Legion Members and volunteers will be collecting change and non-perishable food items along the parade route. All proceeds to the Arnprior Food Bank.

Richmond Village Santa Claus Parade
http://richmondvillage.ca/event/santa-parade/
Saturday, December 7th starting at 5:30 pm

Lighting of the park starts at 4:30 – new banners unveiled and lights turned on. The Parade at 5:30 – starts at South Carleton and finishes at the arena.

Carp Santa Claus Parade
Date TBD
Parade route starts at The Diefenbunker, 3911 Carp Road, and follows Carp Road.

Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade
https://downtowncarletonplace.com/santa-claus-parade-2019-an-old-fashion-christmas/
Saturday, November 23rd at 5 pm

Pakenham Santa Claus Parade
https://lanarkcountytourism.com/events/pakenham-santa-claus-parade-and-celebration/
December 7, 2019 at 1 pm

Aylmer Santa Claus Parade
https://www.facebook.com/paradehohoho/
Saturday, November 30th at 6 pm

The 25th edition of the Gatineau Santa Claus parade is in Old Aylmer on Saturday, November 30th at 6 PM from the marina to the mall.

Other Holiday Activities in Ottawa

Besides parades, there are many Christmas and holiday activities in Ottawa, including:

Magic of Lights Ottawa
https://wesleycloverparks.com/events/magic-of-lights-ottawa/
November 21st, 2019 - January 4th, 2020
5:00PM - 10:00PM

Now in its forth year, this event has quickly become a holiday tradition for many Ottawa residents and visitors, is comprised of LED displays celebrating the joy of the holidays. A “drive through” experience from the comfort of your own car, at every turn and in every direction the route is overflowing with spectacular light displays and animations. Online: $20 +HST & fees; Gate Monday - Thursday: $25; Gate Friday - Sunday: $30

Alight the Night
http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/events/alight-at-night/
November 29th, 2019 to January 4th, 2020
Upper Canada Village

Step back in time while walking around the beautifully lit heritage buildings, trees and fences of Upper Canada Village. There are festive activities and a chance to meet Santa Claus all throughout the month of December leading up to Christmas.

Almonte’s Light Up the Night!
lightupthenightalmonte.com
Friday, December 6th at 7 p.m.

Bundle up, this is an open-air concert and fireworks display on Main Street in Almonte. Now in its 29th year this night is full of music and memorable outdoor festivities.

Glow Ottawa - Christmas
https://www.glowgardens.com/ottawa-christmas/
December 5th, 2019 to January 4th, 2020

Glow Around the World" as you follow Santa on his journey to deliver presents in 6 different countries! Explore lighted trails, stroll through festive city streets and marvel at illuminated historical landmarks as you discover themed rooms in China, India, Holland, Mexico, France, and England. Reserve your spot online. Price starts at $14.99 for children and seniors during the week, $19.99 for adults during the week; children 3 and under are always free.

Manotick - Olde Fashioned Christmas
http://manotickvillage.com/event/olde-fashioned-christmas/
Saturday, November 30th

Horse drawn wagon rides with Father and Mary Christmas to sunset carolling, this wonderful weekend is full of traditional events not to be missed. 

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum Vintage Village of Lights
ottawa.ca/en/liveculture/museums/cumberlandmuseum

30,000 Christmas lights, decorations everywhere, a gigantic reindeer and sleigh and – of course – a visit with Santa Claus in his workshop! Kids will have fun sledding, playing broomball or street hockey, making a snow globe, decorating gingerbread, and sending your Christmas wish list to Santa via telegram. Regular admission applies. 

Goulbourn Museum Olde Fashioned Christmas
Sunday, November 17th from 10 am to 3 pm
https://goulbournmuseum.ca/event/old-fashioned-christmas-outdoor-artisan-market-5/

Get a head start on your shopping at this holiday celebration and Christmas market that features activities for the whole family. Write letters to Santa and pose for a photo with the jolly old soul, enjoy free hot chocolate and apple cider and buy one-of-a-kind handmade gifts from local artisans. Free admission.

The CP Holiday Train
November 25 to December 18, 2019
http://www.cpr.ca/holiday-train/schedule-canada

You may not see Santa here, but this is a great holiday event all the same. The CP Holiday Train started in 1999 and raises money and food for the Food Bank. Over the three weeks of the program, musicians will play more than 150 concerts from a boxcar that’s been turned into a travelling stage.

2018 Santa Claus Parades & Holiday Activities in Ottawa

CLICK HERE TO READ OUR 2019 SANTA CLAUS PARADE POST!

It may seem early, but it's time to start getting into the holiday spirit! Many Ottawa communities have already set a date for their Santa Claus parades and we want to make sure you don't miss out on this popular festive event! Please note: We are updating this post as more information and details become available. If you have a holiday event you would like to add - leave a comment and let us know!

2018 Ottawa Santa Claus Parades

Help Santa Toy Parade
http://toyparade.ca/
Saturday, November 17th at 11 a.m.

This is popular Ottawa Santa Claus parade takes place downtown and is favoured by many in the National Capital Region. Firefighters collect new toys and cash donations along the route. Can’t bring your toy donation? They will also accept new toys at any Ottawa Fire Station until mid-December. Depending on your spot along the route it can get busy, so keep this in mind if your family doesn’t like crowds.

Santa’s Parade of Lights
paradeoflights.org
Saturday, November 24th

Also hosted by the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association, this parade takes place on St-Joseph, Blvd. in Orleans. Toys and cash donations will be collected by firefighters along the route.

Stittsville Parade of Lights
stittsvilleva.com
Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 6 pm

This parade is a favourite community event. The Lions Club will be collecting non perishable food and cash for the Stittsville Food Bank, and The Stocking Project will be collecting new stocking stuffers and gifts for local families who may be struggling.

Kanata Santa Claus Parade
https://www.facebook.com/events/683364755381229/
November 17, 2018 at 10 am

The Kanata parade (a.k.a the Hazeldean Mall Santa Claus Parade) is presented by the Kanata-Hazeldean Lions Club in cooperation with the Kanata Sports Club. The parade starts at Terry Fox and Castlefrank, moves along Castlefrank to Abbeyhill and then on to the Hazeldean Mall. Nonperishable food donations to the Kanata Food Cupboard are appreciated.

Barrhaven Lions Santa Parade
santaclausbarrhaven.com
Sunday, November 18th at 5:30 p.m.

The annual Barrhaven Lions Club Santa Claus Parade runs down Strandherd Drive, west. Tim Hortons will be providing hot chocolate at various spots along the parade route.

Arnprior Santa Claus Parade
https://www.facebook.com/events/917184025147270/
November 24, 2018 at 6 pm

Richmond Village Santa Claus Parade
http://richmondvillage.ca/event/santa-parade/
Saturday, December 8th starting at 5:30 pm

The Richmond Santa Claus Parade is a much anticipated event and we hope to see you there!  Start thinking about how you will use this great opportunity to showcase your business or organization. 

Carp Santa Claus Parade
December 8, 2018 12 pm to 2 pm
Parade route starts at The Diefenbunker, 3911 Carp Road, and follows Carp Road.

Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade
http://downtowncarletonplace.com/christmas-parade/
Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 5 p.m.

Other Holiday Activities in Ottawa

Besides parades, there are many Christmas and holiday activities in Ottawa, including:

Holidays at The Parks 2018
http://wesleycloverparks.com/events/holidays-at-the-parks-2018/
Sunday, December 9, 2018 from 12:00PM – 4:00PM

A great family friendly event, Holidays at The Parks will feature activities for everyone including a vendor’s row, kids craft station, horse-drawn wagon rides, opportunity to meet Zack the donkey, and more! All activities will take place in the Wesley Clover Parks’ heated indoor arena. Meet and take a picture with Santa! Admission by donation.

Alight the Night
http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/events/alight-at-night/
November 30th to January 5th
Upper Canada Village

Step back in time while walking around the beautifully lit heritage buildings, trees and fences of Upper Canada Village. There are festive activities and a chance to meet Santa Claus all throughout the month of December leading up to Christmas.

Almonte’s Light Up the Night!
lightupthenightalmonte.com or
http://lanarkcountytourism.com/events/light-up-the-night-almonte/
Friday, December 7th at 7 p.m.

Bundle up, this is an open-air concert and fireworks display on Main Street in Almonte. Now in its 28th year this night is full of music and memorable outdoor festivities.

Manotick - Olde Fashioned Christmas
http://manotickvillage.com/event/olde-fashioned-christmas/
Saturday, December 1st and Sunday, December 2nd

Horse drawn wagon rides with Father and Mary Christmas to sunset carolling, this wonderful weekend is full of traditional events not to be missed. 

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum Vintage Village of Lights
ottawa.ca/en/liveculture/museums/cumberlandmuseum

30,000 Christmas lights, decorations everywhere, a gigantic reindeer and sleigh and – of course – a visit with Santa Claus in his workshop! Kids will have fun sledding, playing broomball or street hockey, making a snow globe, decorating gingerbread, and sending your Christmas wish list to Santa via telegram. Regular admission applies. 

A Nepean Christmas
https://ottawa.ca/en/residents/arts-heritage-and-culture/museums-and-historic-sites/nepean-museum#upcoming-events-and-programs

Bring the whole family and get into the Christmas spirit by coming to the museum for a Nepean Christmas Celebration!  There will be Christmas crafts, treats, and of course Santa! There is a fee.

Barrhaven: Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 8th from 10 am to 12 pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/1219112084895128

Presented by the Minto Recreation Complex, this festive event will include pictures with Santa, crafts, games and cookie decorating. Admission is free!

Goulbourn Museum Olde Fashioned Christmas
Sunday, November 18th from 10 am to 3 pm
http://goulbournmuseum.ca/event/old-fashioned-christmas-outdoor-artisan-market-4/

Get a head start on your shopping at this holiday celebration and Christmas market that features activities for the whole family. Write letters to Santa and pose for a photo with the jolly old soul, enjoy free hot chocolate and apple cider and buy one-of-a-kind handmade gifts from local artisans. Free admission.

The CP Holiday Train
http://www.cpr.ca/holiday-train/schedule-canada

You may not see Santa here, but this is a great holiday event all the same. The CP Holiday Train started in 1999 and raises money and food for the Food Bank. Over the three weeks of the program, musicians will play more than 150 concerts from a boxcar that’s been turned into a travelling stage.