Get into the holiday spirit in Ottawa – Canada’s Capital

Whether you celebrate Christmas or simply enjoy the cheerful holiday season, Ottawa has so many festive places that will lift your spirits. The city’s urban core is full of decorated neighbourhoods and cool local shops that can turn any scrooge into an elf. Go on a Christmassy crawl and visit these places in Canada’s capital to get into the holiday spirit!

ByWard Market: Ottawa’s oldest shopping district, the ByWard Market, has a timeless Christmas vibe. Meander along Sussex Drive, where the huge windows in elegant boutiques and cafés cast a Dickens-style glow. Then find the hidden cobblestone courtyards, with their lit-up arches and public art. Pick up one-of-a-kind items in the gift shops at the National Gallery of Canada and the Ottawa School of Art. Inhale the scent of fresh-cut pine and spruce as you visit vendors selling Christmas trees and wreaths outside the central market building. Then warm up with a BeaverTail, Ottawa’s famous confection of deep-fried dough.

Glebe: The sidewalks of the charming Glebe neighbourhood, just south of downtown, are often filled with pedestrians browsing the many independent shops like J.D. Adam Kitchen Co., Octopus Books and The Papery. Depending on the weather, paths along Patterson Creek and the Rideau Canal are picturesque places for a walk, as are streets lined with elegant brick homes. On weekends, check out local products at the December edition of the Ottawa Farmers’ Market inside the historic Aberdeen Pavilion and admire the surrounding festive decorations during the Ottawa Christmas Market.

Ottawa Christmas Market (November 22 – January 5): Get into the holiday spirit at Ottawa’s European-style Christmas market—the perfect place for great food, warm drinks, traditional kiosks and a festive atmosphere! Each year on weekends and select additional days leading up to Christmas, the Ottawa Christmas Market takes over the outdoor plaza at Lansdowne in the vibrant Glebe neighbourhood. The family-friendly and free event features seasonal food and drink (including alcoholic options), local goods at vendor cabins, glittering displays, and live performances.

Old Ottawa South: Immediately south of the Glebe, Old Ottawa South is another lively ‘hood filled with heritage homes. For gifts, try Garden of Light (yoga and meditation supplies), Chef’s Paradise/C.A. Paradis (kitchen accessories) or the enormous Ottawa Antique Market. Consider creating a pottery gift for someone at The Mud Oven; browse a wide selection of used books and pick up takeout coffees and treats at Black Squirrel Books; warm up with rich gelato and hot chocolate (or something stronger) at Stella Luna; or check out what is probably Canada’s only oatmeal cafe/whisky bar (Oat Couture by day, Montgomery Scotch Lounge by night)

Winter Lights Across Canada: Every year, the federal government strings trees and buildings throughout downtown Ottawa and Gatineau with thousands of colourful Christmas lights. To enjoy them, explore the ceremonial route called Confederation Boulevard, which includes Parliament Hill/Wellington Street, Confederation Square, Confederation Park and Sussex Drive in Ottawa; Laurier Street and Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau; and some of the bridges which connect the two cities across the Ottawa River.

For more information visit: https://ottawatourism.ca/en