Shoppers head to Lansdowne’s Christmas markets for last minute gifts

CTV’s Camille Wilson catches up with some last-minute Christmas shoppers at holiday markets in Ottawa.

It’s the final shopping weekend before Christmas and people in Ottawa are taking full advantage.

On Saturday, many shoppers in the capital took to the Ottawa Christmas market at Lansdowne to grab last minute gifts.

“We’re on week five now of the Ottawa Christmas market. This is going to be your last weekend before Christmas to kind of shop local,” says Adrian Carrier, Senior Manager of events at OSEG.

Carrier says there are over 50 local vendors at the market, and shoppers can get their hands on items like homemade fudge, custom made pottery, self-care goods, candles, socks, clothes and more.

Shoppers say they love to use the market to finish up their shopping list.

“We’re going to do the rounds of visiting family, so we’re just finalizing our gifts for everyone who’s going to be hosting us,” says market shopper Camille Belanger.

Belanger says she comes to the Lansdowne Christmas market every year, and appreciates the chance to shop locally.

“I think this year in particular, we’re trying to buy local and people always appreciate it. It feels more familiar when we do that. Most of our family is also outside of Ottawa, so we like to bring things from Ottawa or Ontario when we go,” says Belanger.

Other shoppers also say they prefer to shop locally for loved ones to gives their gifts a little extra meaning.

“We are doing last minute Christmas shopping. We love the market. We love to shop local,” says market shopper Kyra McCarthy. “At this time of year with the economy, to shop local is the best thing that you could possibly do.”

The market also featured a warm chalet with fun programing fit for the whole family, and many could be spotted with hot chocolate, food and other beverages in-hand.

“It’s been absolutely amazing. We’ve had record numbers again this year. Every year this seems to grow. It’s been amazing just seeing everyone from in town, out of town, everywhere, coming out and just checking out the market,” says Carrier.

The Ottawa Christmas market at Lansdowne Park’s final day before Christmas is Dec. 21/ This is also the last weekend to see Santa Claus at Santa’s Village. He can be seen Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The market will continue to run after Christmas and is open Dec. 19 to 21, Dec. 26 to 28 and Dec. 30-31.

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