What’s happening in Ottawa this weekend: Jan. 2-4

Skaters make their way along the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa during the first weekend of 2026.

Rideau Canal Skateway

The green flag is flying on the Rideau Canal Skateway.

The National Capital Commission says a 4.2-kilometre section of the skateway is open from Rideau Street (National Arts Centre) and the Bank Street Bridge.

For information on conditions, click here.

Canada Strong Pass

The Canada Strong Pass provides free or discounted admission to national museums across Ottawa and Gatineau over the holidays.

Until Jan. 15, 2026, the Canada Strong Pass offers free admission for children aged 17 and under and 50 per cent off admission for youth aged 18 to 24 at the following museums:

• 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 Senators

The Ottawa Senators will play two games at the Canadian Tire Centre.

• Saturday, Jan. 3: Winnipeg Jets visit for a 7 p.m. game.
• Monday, Jan. 5: Detroit Red Wings visit for a 7:30 p.m. game.

For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.ca.

Ottawa Charge

The Ottawa Charge hosts the Minnesota Frost on Saturday at the Arena at TD Place.

Game time is 1 p.m.

For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.ca.

Great Canadian Theatre Company

Ottawa Musicals presents Hansel and Gretel Go West at the Great Canadian Theatre Company.

There are shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

For tickets, visit https://www.gctc.ca/events/hansel-gretel-panto.

Luminaire in the ByWard Market

Celebrate the holiday season in the ByWard Market with a flurry of light, wonder and magic.

Luminaire includes a daily light show and the Aurora Light Show on York Street.

You can also see Ottawa’s tallest Christmas tree.

For a list of events, visit https://www.byward-market.com/luminaire.

Winter Lights Across Canada

Thoughts of lights brighten the national capital region this holiday season.

See the Winter Lights Across Canada nightly until Jan. 9.

Follow the route through Ottawa and Gatineau and admire the illuminated sites, including Confederation Park, the National War Memorial, the Mackenzie Triangle, the Peacekeeping Monument and the Garden of Provinces and Territories, Jacques-Cartier Park and the Supreme Court of Canada.

For more information, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winter-lights.html.

Magic of Lights

Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa’s west end is illuminated for the 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 Farm

Enjoy a winter wonderland at Stanley’s Farm during the first weekend of 2026.

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

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.

Skating/sledding

Ottawa’s four refrigerated rinks will be open, weather permitting. The four rinks are:

• Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall
• Lansdowne Park skating court
• Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink at Canterbury
• Ben Franklin Place skating rink.

The community outdoor rinks will open if the weather is favourable.

The City of Ottawa says sledding hills will be open, weather permitting. Visit www.ottawa.ca for information on sledding hills.

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Celebrate the season under the northern sky with Winter Wonders at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

Events include the Kuujjuaq Christmas Candy Drop, the Planetarium and create your own dazzling northern lights artwork.

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Visit the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum for festive farm fun over the holidays.

Check out the holiday trees on display, decorate a felt tree ornament to take home, enjoy a fun family movie and visit the games room.

There will also be daily demonstrations, including meet the donkeys and groom a calf.

Canada Science and Technology Museum

Enjoy winter wonders at the Canada Science and Technology Museum over the holidays.

Events include the Luminorama experience, where light, colour, and texture intermingle through playful stations. Create your own tunes using the Tubulum and check out the miniature railroad.

Canadian Museum of Nature

Enter a world of brilliant, live butterflies over the holidays at the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Butterflies in Flight is on until Jan. 18.