Holiday Happenings 2026
Get ready to embrace the magic of the holiday season in downtown Ottawa! We’re thrilled to present a comprehensive lineup of festive events and activities for 2026, designed to bring cheer to visitors of all ages. From the Festival of Lights Parade and grand opening of the Chris Kringle Market to the 2nd Annual Santa Shuffle 5k to community Christmas Caroling, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, please plan to join us for a holiday season full of joy, community, and festive fun!
Calendar of Holiday Events
Make it a holiday weekend!
Find Accommodations
From your favorite hotels and motels to charming vacation rentals, Ottawa offers the lodging you need to create a memorable holiday getaway! Please visit each listing to check availability and booking requirements.
Hotels & Motels
Vacation Rentals
For a complete listing of all vacation rentals, including rates and availability, please use your favorite app, such as AirBnB or VRBO. Use zip code 61350 for your search.
Shopping & Dining
Downtown Ottawa has a wealth of charming boutiques, gift shops, and speciality stores, plus dining options to suit every taste! From fine dining to quick bites and gourmet coffee, you’re sure to find something you’ll love!
Suggested Itineraries
Downtown Ottawa has a wealth of charming boutiques, gift shops, and speciality stores, plus dining options to suit every taste! From fine dining to quick bites and gourmet coffee, you’re sure to find something you’ll love!
Bring the family out for a weekend they’ll remember forever.
Friday
- Check into your downtown accommodations
- Head to the Chris Kringle Market as the sun goes down
- Explore the wooden huts and find a few early Christmas gifts
- Hot cocoa + a sweet treat
- Look for the festive downtown window displays (make sure to vote for your favorite!)
- Dinner downtown
- Back to the hotel for a Christmas movie and pajamas
Saturday
- Breakfast/brunch at The French Press
- Explore the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum — a good indoor stop if the weather is chilly
- Downtown holiday shopping
- Lunch
- Back to the Chris Kringle Market for more shopping and family activities
- Horse-drawn carriage ride
- Photos around Washington Square
- Dinner downtown
Sunday
- Slow breakfast
- Easy family hike at Starved Rock State Park
- Warm up with lunch afterward
- One last downtown shopping stop
- Head home with the feeling that you actually had a Christmas weekend, rather than just going Christmas shopping
Romantic getaways start in downtown Ottawa.
Friday
- Check into a downtown loft, boutique accommodation, or cozy rental
- Walk downtown as the lights come on
- Browse the Chris Kringle Market
- Grab a warm drink and wander Washington Square
- Dinner for two
- Evening stroll through downtown
Saturday
- Sleep in
- Brunch
- Browse downtown boutiques and specialty shops
- Pick out something for each other, or for the house
- Tour of Reddick Mansion decked out for the holidays
- Head back to the hotel to relax
- Dinner and drinks downtown
Sunday
- Coffee and a leisurely breakfast
- Take a scenic walk or winter hike at Starved Rock State Park
- Lunch at or near the park
- One last stop downtown before heading home
Shop, Sip & Stay Awhile
Friday
- Check into your downtown accommodations
- Start with cocktails or drinks
- Head to the Chris Kringle Market
- Shop the huts for unique gifts (including a few things you absolutely did not intend to buy!)
- Take a group photo under the lights
- Dinner downtown
- Back to the accommodations for wine, pajamas, and a late-night catch-up
Saturday
- Brunch
- Shopping spree through downtown
- Clothing
- Jewelry
- Home décor
- Vintage finds
- Christmas gifts
- Browse Luxx Boutique for clothing and accessories
- Explore A Mess Of Things. for vintage, handmade and one-of-a-kind finds
- Stop at Deja Vu for holiday gifts and décor
- Lunch
- Afternoon at the Chris Kringle Market
- Horse-drawn carriage ride
- Dinner
- Find a cozy spot for drinks/dessert
Sunday
- Coffee and a slow morning
- Optional hike at Matthiessen or a scenic walk
- Lunch
- One last round of downtown shopping
- Head home with the bags considerably heavier than when you arrived.
A Christmas Weekend at a Slower Pace
Friday
- Arrive and check into accommodations
- Early dinner downtown
- Chris Kringle Market
- Enjoy the lights, music, and holiday atmosphere at an easy pace
- Warm drink and dessert
- Back to the hotel
Saturday
- Breakfast
- Reddick Mansion tour
- Walk around Washington Square and Ottawa’s historic downtown
- Lunch
- Visit the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum
- Afternoon shopping downtown
- Chris Kringle Market
- Dinner
Sunday
- Brunch
- Scenic drive through the area or an easy nature walk
- Optional stop at Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
- Last-minute Christmas shopping downtown
- Head home
2026 Downtown Window Decorating Contest
Step into the magic of the holiday season with Ottawa Downtown Association’s “Candy Cane Lane” Window Decorating Contest! Starting November 27 and running through December 24, participating downtown businesses will transform their storefronts into festive gingerbread-themed displays. But the best part? You get to decide the winner! Shoppers can vote for the most creative window by scanning a QR code displayed on each participating storefront. With every stroll through downtown Ottawa, you’ll enjoy the holiday spirit while helping choose the top display. Don’t miss this delightful competition!
Get the Perfect Gift for Everyone On Your List!
Discover Ottawa Gift card now offers a diverse range of restaurants, retailers, and services at over 30 different merchants in the community, all accessible from one digital gift card. This makes supporting local businesses as quick and easy as shopping online.
Discover Ottawa is a favorite gift because recipients get to choose where to use it. They can spend it all in one spot or multiple times in many different places. For example, you could give the gift of a “Morning on LaSalle Street” where your loved one starts with a coffee from her favorite barista, pops into a boutique, and then meets a friend for lunch – all using the same Community eGift Card.
Holiday Happenings 2026 is made possible in part by a grant from
