What’s happening in Ottawa this weekend: Dec. 5-7

Santa Claus waves to the crowd at Santa's Parade of Lights in Orléans. Nov. 29, 2025. (Camille Wilson/CTV News Ottawa)

Santa Claus parades, Christmas markets and events, and the Ottawa Senators and 67’s play at home.

CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa and eastern Ontario this weekend.

Santa Claus parades in Ottawa

It will be a busy weekend for Santa Claus in Ottawa, with several parades.

On Friday night, the Osgoode Village Parade of Lights is at 7 p.m. The parade will travel along Osgoode Main Street, followed by a tree-lighting ceremony at the plaza.

On Saturday, the Richmond Christmas Parade is at 5:30 p.m. The parade will travel down McBean Street.

Also on Saturday, the Stittsville Parade of Lights is at 6 p.m. The parade will travel along Stittsville Main Street from Brown’s YIG to Carleton Cathcart.

Mayor’s Christmas Celebration

Celebrate the holiday season at the Mayor’s 23^rd annual Christmas Celebration at Ottawa City Hall Saturday night.

Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, skate on the Rink of Dreams, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides and watch the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at 4:45 p.m.

The Mayor’s Christmas Celebration runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators host the St. Louis Blues Saturday night at Canadian Tire Centre.

Game time is 7 p.m.

For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.ca.

Ottawa 67’s

The Ottawa 67’s are home twice this weekend at the Arena at TD Place.

On Friday night, the 67’s host the Barrie Colts for a 7 p.m. game.

On Sunday, the Flint Firebirds visit Ottawa for a 3 p.m. game.

Sunday is the annual Teddy Bear Toss game, with fans asked to bring a new teddy bear to the game.

For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.ca.

The Tea Party, Headstones and Finger Eleven

Three of Canada’s most iconic rock banks visit the Arena at TD Place Saturday night.

For the first time, see The Tea Party, Headstones and Finger Eleven on the same night and at the same venue.

For tickets, visit tdplace.ca.

The Nutcracker

See the Christmas classic, the Nutcracker, at the National Arts Centre until Sunday.

Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents the Nutcracker, with two shows on Saturday and Sunday.

Also, on Saturday and Sunday, there will be 15-minute ballet workshops for kids.

For tickets, https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/38367.

National Arts Centre

Here’s a look at what’s happening at the National Arts Centre this weekend:

• On until Dec. 13: Kid Koala’s The Storyville Mosquito at Babs Asper Theatre
• Friday: Billiane with Dominique Way at the Azrieli Studio
• Friday: Inn Echo on the Fourth Stage
• Saturday: Ottawa Jazz Orchestra presents Big Bang Christmas on the Fourth Stage
• Saturday: Third annual Paul Wells Holiday Show

Other events happening in Ottawa this weekend

• Friday: Tommy Youngsteen performs Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours at the Shenkman Arts Centre
• Friday-Saturday: The Nutcracker by Les Petits Ballets at the Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe
• Friday: Beverly Glenn-Copeland and Elizabeth Copeland at the Bronson Centre
• Saturday-Sunday: A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas at the Shenkman Arts Centre
• Saturday-Sunday: Pup at the Bronson Centre 
• Sunday: Christmas in the Valley with Wayne Rostad and Friends at the Shenkman Arts Centre.

A Sherlock Carol

See a Christmas mystery at the Ottawa Little Theatre until Dec. 20.

A Sherlock Carol by Mark Shanahan brings together your favourite characters from Dickens and Conan Doyle.

For tickets, visit https://www.ottawalittletheatre.com/a-sherlock-carol/.

Big Stuff

It’s the final weekend to see The Big Stuff at the Great Canadian Theatre Company.

Married couple Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus invite you to join them as they explore some “Big Stuff.”

For tickets, visit https://www.gctc.ca/shows/big-stuff.

Ottawa Christmas Market

It’s the third weekend for the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne.

The market is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, then 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Events include Santa’s workshop, food and beverages, shopping from local vendors and music.

For more information, visit https://www.ottawachristmasmarket.com/.

Luminaire

Enjoy a flurry of lights, wonder and magic this holiday season in the ByWard Market.

Luminaire features a daily light show and a daily aurora light show. There will also be a Christmas market every Saturday and a tree and wreath market.

For more information, visit https://www.byward-market.com/luminaire.

613Holiday Night Market

Visit the 613Holiday Night Market during the Ottawa Christmas Market.

One-hundred-and-fifty vendors will be on display Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Lansdowne.

Watson’s Mill Christmas Market

It’s the final weekend for the Watson’s Mill Christmas Market in Manotick.

Thirty-five vendors will be on display in three historic buildings Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Watson’s Mill is located on Dickinson Street in Manotick.

Lansdowne Farmers Market

The Lansdowne Farmers Market hosts its Christmas Market at Lansdowne.

The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cumberland Christmas Market

The Cumberland Christmas Market is Saturday in Cumberland Village.

Over 120 vendors will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at four locations in Cumberland.

Orléans Holiday Arts Market

Shop at the Orléans Holiday Arts Market on Saturday at the Shenkman Arts Centre.

Celebrate the festive season with unique gift ideas from local vendors, musical performances, children’s activities and more.

Vintage Village of Lights

The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum hosts the Vintage Village of Lights Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The 1920s and 30s heritage village will be decorated for the holidays.

For more information and tickets, visit https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/facilities/place-listing/cumberland-heritage-village-museum#section-ffe51509-bc9e-4b78-8af0-792322f334c6.

Nepean Museum

The Nepean Museum hosts its Retro Christmas – children’s holiday party this weekend.

Enjoy crafts, toys, a scavenger hunt and more.

For more information, visit the City of Ottawa’s website.

Magic of Lights

Wesley Clover Parks will be illuminated for the Christmas and holiday season with the Magic of Lights.

The dazzling drive-through experience features two million twinkling lights along a two-kilometre route.

The Magic of Lights runs until Jan. 3, all in support of children, youth and families at CHEO.

For tickets and information, visit https://magicoflights.com/locations/ottawa-on/,

Stanley’s Holiday Stroll

Enjoy a winter wonderland at Stanley’s Farm this holiday season.

The Holiday Stroll is a two kilometre walk lit by dazzling lights, festive scenes and plenty of holiday photo ops.

The Christmas Village is also open Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas.

For tickets, visit https://stanleysfarm.com/holiday-stroll-2-2/.

Alight at Night Festival

Over one million lights illuminate Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg this holiday season.

Check out Alight at Night on select nights until Jan. 15.

For tickets and information, visit www.uppercanadavillage.com.

River of Lights

The River of Lights lights up Blockhouse Island in Brockville this Christmas.

The show features thousands of twinkle lights and flood lights set to music.

The lights and music show run nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Museums

Click on the links for the schedule at museums in Ottawa and eastern Ontario:

• Canadian Museum of Nature
• Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
• Canada Science and Technology Museum
• Canada Aviation and Space Museum
• Canadian War Museum
• Canadian Museum of History
• National Gallery of Canada
• Ottawa Art Gallery
• The Bytown Museum
• The Diefenbunker

Parliament of Canada Tours

Enjoy a free, guided tour of the Senate at the Senate of Canada Building, the House of Commons in the West Block and the East Block.

For tickets and tour times, visit https://rts.parl.ca/.

Parliament: The Immersive Experience

Explore the main Parliament Building, also called Centre Block, in this innovative experience.

Parliament: The Immersive Experience at 211 Sparks Street includes an exhibition and a 360-degree multimedia show that takes you on a tour through Centre Block, which has been closed since 2019.

The self-guided tour is 45 minutes.

Tickets are available at no cost at visit parl.ca.

Kingston Frontenacs

The Kingston Frontenacs play twice this weekend at Slush Puppie Place.

On Friday, the Frontenacs hosts the Flint Firebirds at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, Barrie visits Kingston for a 4 p.m. game.

Events in Kingston this weekend

• On until Dec. 13: Miss Bennet – Christmas at Pemberley at the Domino Theatre
• Friday: Jay Davis – Buble Christmas at the Kingston Grand Theatre
• Saturday: Danu – An Emerald Isle Christmas at the Kingston Grant Theatre
• Saturday: Little Treasurers Holiday Market at the Invista Centre
• Sunday: MW3 – Handel’s Messiah at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts

Events in Cornwall

• On until Dec. 21: A Christmas Carol at the Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg
• Friday-Saturday: Merry Mini Collections at the Cline House
• Friday: Tribute to Eric Clapton, Slowhand at the Port Theatre
• Saturday: The Essence of Cohen, Live at the Port Theatre
• Saturday-Sunday: Willy Wonka Junior at the Aultsville Theatre

Brockville Santa Claus Parade

Santa Claus visits Brockville Saturday night for the Brockville Santa Claus parade.

This year’s theme is Hometown Holiday.

The parade will begin at 5 p.m. and travel along King Street East from North Augusta Road.