Ottawa knows how to do the holidays right, and this winter is no exception, the capital region is bursting with over 20 fun things to do from December 22 all the way through to January 4.
Whether you're a longtime Ottawan looking to make the most of the break, a visitor in town for the season, or just someone trying to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays, there's genuinely something for every age and budget in and around the city.
Get Outside and Embrace the Season
Winter in Ottawa can be brutal, but it can also be spectacular, and the best way to enjoy it is to lean in. The Rideau Canal Skateway, one of the world's largest naturally frozen skating rinks, typically opens in early January depending on ice conditions, making it the perfect reason to dust off your skates. Check the NCC's ice report before heading out.
Beyond the canal, Ottawa's green spaces and surrounding areas offer cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking trails that look absolutely magical with a fresh coat of snow. Gatineau Park, just across the river in Quebec, is a perennial favourite for outdoor enthusiasts.
Family-Friendly Holiday Fun
The holiday stretch between Christmas and New Year's is prime time for family activities. Museums like the Canadian Museum of History, the Canada Science and Technology Museum, and the Canadian War Museum often have special holiday programming and reduced-wait entry during this period.
For something a little more magical, look out for light displays and winter festivals popping up across the region. Communities like Almonte, Carleton Place, and Merrickville, all within an easy drive from Ottawa, tend to host their own charming small-town winter events that make for a great day trip.
Day Trips Around the Region
One of Ottawa's best-kept secrets is how much there is to explore just beyond the city limits. The Ottawa Valley and surrounding areas offer maple sugar bush tours (some run year-round), cozy country inns, antique shops, and scenic winter drives that feel a world away from the city hustle.
Ottawa Road Trips, the source behind this roundup, specializes in exactly this kind of regional discovery, their picks consistently highlight gems that don't always make the mainstream lists.
Stay In and Support Local
Not every holiday activity has to involve bundling up. Ottawa's restaurant scene, local breweries, and independent shops are a great way to spend a few hours, and supporting local during the holiday season makes a real difference for small businesses navigating the post-holiday slowdown.
Whether it's a warm bowl of pho in Chinatown, a craft beer flight in Hintonburg, or browsing the boutiques on Bank Street, there's plenty to keep you busy without stepping foot outside the Greenbelt.
Plan Ahead
Hours and availability shift during the holidays, so it's worth checking ahead before you head out. Many attractions close on December 25 and January 1, and some venues require advance booking during peak periods.
With over 20 options on the table this season, there's no excuse to spend the whole break on the couch. Ottawa has you covered.
Source: Ottawa Road Trips. For the full list of recommended activities, visit their website.
