Best Christmas Markets in Ottawa
Beat the harsh Ottawa winter by warming up under the twinkling lights of an authentic, magical Christmas market. You won’t need to travel far to experience the warmth and Yuletide these Holiday destinations have to offer this season. Whether it’s the magic of a family-friendly indoor wonderland or the charm of the city’s first European-style Holiday festival, we’re highlighting the best Christmas markets Ottawa has to offer in 2019 – and there’s no shortage of festivity for the family.
CHRISTMAS GLOW OTTAWA
First launched in 2017 near Vancouver, Canada, this holiday jubilee has grown to become one of the world’s largest indoor Christmas festivals, featured in 11 cities in 3 countries. Shop for that special gift at Christmas Glow’s vendor market, featuring over 30 local artisans and businesses or explore lighted trails and themed rooms from different countries, including China, India, Holland, Mexico, and more. Grab your passport as you collect stamps from each country and earn a prize! With LED swings and hopscotch, the whole family can swoop, jump, and relive the spirit of childhood.
If a leisurely ride throughout the market is more your style, hop on with Glen the Glow-comotive for a trackless train ride through this indoor wonderland while your little princes and princesses climb the castle walls of a Magic Castle Playground. For those Instagram curators in the crowd, Christmas Glow’s beautifully unique hanging picture frames are the perfect way to capture that exclusive moment with a special someone. This quickly growing, the world-famous market is the place to be this Christmas and it all happens from December 5th to January 4th at the EY Centre.
Ottawa Christmas Market
Presented by TD, Ottawa’s first European-style Christmas market promises a unique and magical experience that is already creating a buzz in the city. Beginning November 29th, you’ll see the magic of the holidays come to life with the ceremonial lighting of the Lansdowne Christmas tree, kicking off a month of festive celebration under the beautiful canopy of thousands of twinkling lights.
Promising attractions that will appeal to adults, kids, and kids-at-heart, dozens of activities are planned to take place throughout the day and well into the evening, each week of the market. Explore traditional vendors with hundreds of unique gift ideas or feast on delightful treats and season drinks at an array of European market cabins. With live entertainment scheduled throughout the entire month, fire pits, and what promises to be an astonishing lighting installation, the Ottawa Christmas Market is destined to be a go-to spot for any lover of the season. Explore this romantic and magical home-away-from-home from November 29th to December 22 at the Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne.
Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village
While not directly related to Christmas per se, the authentic surroundings of a Victorian-era village, clad in snow and adorned with seasonal lights provide the perfect backdrop for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Situated just outside of Ottawa, Upper Canada Village provides a year-round escape to another time. As the winter season comes around, they take on a whole new, cozy look. With many Christmas traditions rooted in the Victorian-era, the Village is a natural spot to feel the spirit of the season. Bundle up in a horse-drawn carriage ride through the hills and valleys of one of Canada’s most well-known heritage villages. Be sure to book a romantic carriage ride for two while the kids ride on a life-sized toy train and vintage merry-go-round.
The Village Store offers authentic Christmas ornaments and decorations and if you find yourself hampering for authentic food from the period, fresh-baked stone-oven bread and cinnamon buns from the Village Bakery have you covered. Upper Canada Village gets extra points for offering a special accessibility night on December 3rd, providing the opportunity for people with physical disabilities to ride in the comfort of their own vehicle to view the Village’s impressive light display. Alight at Night takes over the Village from November 29th to January 4th.
The Canadian Museum of History Christmas Market
The Canadian Museum of History is a must-see tourist destination, to begin with—but for a short period of time each year, the Museum’s impressive Grand Hall gets transformed into an incredible showcase for vendors, artisans, and exhibitors. Open for a limited time between November 28th and December 1st, this free-of-charge market has quickly become “one of the region’s must-see events” with more than 80 local food vendors and artists waiting for you.
An absolute treat to the senses, you’ll be floored by the sheer scope of this indoor market as you cozy up from the harsh winter winds. Boasting fun and relaxed atmosphere, you’ll find an array of Christmas decorations, glass art pieces, gourmet foods, wood-crafting, drinks and treats, handcrafted jewelry and so much more. The perfect gift for that special someone is sure to be found here.