Family-Friendly Holiday Activities in Ottawa
The holiday season is upon us! And if you have little ones at home or family visiting, you’re probably on the hunt for some great family-friendly holiday activities. Of course, you can visit Santa at the mall or check out all the beautiful lights around town, but maybe you’re looking for something a little different this year. Here are six great family-friendly holiday activities in Ottawa to keep you and the whole family entertained this holiday season.
Visit the Ottawa Christmas Market
The Ottawa Christmas Market runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23 in the Aberdeen Square at Lansdowne. This annual seasonal market is brimming with holiday spirit and is fast becoming one of Ottawa’s top holiday outings! Bring the kids to try free crafts at Santa’s Workshop, check out the stunning lights and decorations, and take in one of the many shows. There’s a full schedule of local programming for all ages to enjoy while shopping for handcrafted gifts and delicacies from local artisans. Don’t miss Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 17!
Check Out A Holiday Show
A night out at the theatre can be a special treat for the whole family. The National Arts Centre offers holiday programming for the entire month of December. Try the Nutcracker ballet for a holiday classic or join Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy and their kids for A Celtic Family Christmas. There are also free activities you can enjoy such as a house dance workshop, the NAC Orchestra Fanfair concert, and activities just for little ones on Toddler Tuesdays.
You can also find wonderful holiday programming at many of Ottawa’s other local theaters. Catch Miracle on 34th Street at the Ottawa Little Theatre, or the Barra MacNeil’s hosting an East Coast Christmas at Centerpointe Theatre.
Board the North Pole Express
On Saturday’s in December, the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario transforms their 1912 station museum into a holiday wonderland. The event features train rides on the North Pole Express, professional photos with Santa in a vintage train car, hay-wagon rides, Santa-grams in the Telegraph Office, stories with Mrs. Claus, carolers, gourmet hot cocoa and more! It’s also a great place to snap some beautiful holiday family photos.
Explore a Holiday Village
For the month of December, Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm in Russel, ON transforms into Stanley’s Christmas Village! Take a sleigh ride through the woods and explore a magical holiday village where you can play games, sing songs, and warm up by the bonfire with Santa’s elves. At the end of the tour, you can visit with Santa and take pictures.
If you’re in search of a more tranquil outing, enjoy the beauty of the season while strolling through forest trails decorated with colourful lights and holiday displays. Along the way you’ll find spots to warm up by a fire before you continue along the over 2kms of trails.
Christmas at the Farm
There’s no shortage of things to see and do at Saunders Farm during the holiday season. Spend the day exploring snow-covered mazes, visiting with Santa, and enjoying the Christmas displays set up throughout the farm. In the evening you can enjoy a stunning walking trail adorned with thousands of colourful lights on the beautiful historic farm. After the walk-through, visit the Town Square and warm up around a bonfire, while indulging in seasonal treats and beverages.
Have a Holiday Adventure
If you’re looking for something a little different this holiday season, visit Ian’s Christmas Adventure Park and Tree Farm. There are so many fun activities for the family you could probably visit more than once! Enjoy a hayride to the fields where you can cut your own Christmas tree or choose a freshly cut tree. Meet Santa and visit his workshop and homestead then take a stroll down candy cane lane lit with thousands of colourful holiday lights.
Bring your sleds and race down sliding hills or enjoy the large outdoor skating rink. Both of which are lit for nighttime enjoyment. Or start a new tradition with outdoor holiday movie nights on the big screen! Dress warm, bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and curl up by the fire for Christmas movies under the stars.
Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with these family-friendly holiday activities in Ottawa.