Christmas in Ottawa

There isn't anywhere else we would rather be for Christmas.

If you are spending Christmas in Ottawa then we are pleased to tell you that there is so much for you to do. There are activities and festivities for all age groups. Once Christmas is all over, don't forget that there are still Ottawa New Year's Eve celebrations to partake in!!

We know that Christmas is a busy time of year and your time is precious so we want to make sure that you make the most of it. We have provided you with information on where to get a Christmas tree in Ottawa, what activities you can participate in and much more.

Parades

Barrhaven Lions Light Up the Night
Date for 2010 to be confirmed
5:30pm

Help Santa Toy Parade - celebrating its 40th anniversary this year!!
Date for 2010 to be confirmed
The parade will start at the Canadian War Museum, head East on Wellington, turn South on Elgin, turn East on Laurier Ave and finish at City Hall.
613-526-2706
*** Don't forget that they will be collecting new toys and donations for the less fortunate children in Ottawa

Hazeldean Mall Kanata Santa Claus Parade
Date for 2010 to be confirmed
10:00am

Richmond Santa Claus Parade
Date for 2010 to be confirmed
11:00am

Santa's Parade of Lights (Orleans)
Date for 2010 to be confirmed
6pm (on St-Joseph Blvd)
613-526-2625

Stittsville Parade of Lights
Date for 2010 to be confirmed
7:30pm

Christmas Activities in Ottawa

Christmas Lights Across Canada
Dates for 2010 to be confirmed
The official Illumination Ceremony will take place on December 12, 2009 on Parliament Hill at 6pm
Thousands of lights will light up downtown Ottawa & Gatineau

Write a Letter to Santa
Santa Claus
North Pole
HOH OHO
Canada
Don't forget to put your return address on your letter so he can write you back

The Mayor's Annual Christmas Party
Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park
Date for 2010 to be confirmed
Including a visit with Santa, crafts in Santa's workshop, story telling with Mrs. Claus, live music and entertainment and much more!
You can also skate on the Urbandale Centre ice (formerly the Ottawa Civic Centre) from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Admission is free but they are requesting a non-perishable food donation to the Ottawa Food Bank.

Alight at Night
Upper Canada Village
Dates for 2010 to be confirmed
Open 4:30-9:00pm nightly (except Monday to Thursday, Nov. 28 to Dec. 17 4:30-8:00 pm)
The heritage buildings are all lit up (over a quarter of a million lights), there are horse drawn wagon rides, you can skate on the EZ Glide rink and a lot more.
We can't wait to go as it sounds like it would be an amazing time.

Personalized Video Message from Santa
This is not just for Ottawa residents but we wanted to share it with all of you because it is a really neat idea and our children LOVED it. You can even send it to an adult if you think they have been "naughty"
We will provide a new link to their website in 2010. The 2009 link no longer works

Canada Post Website - Santa's Corner
We don't often advertise activities to do online but we noticed the other day that the Canada Post Website (www.canadapost.ca) has a section called "Santa's Corner" for kids. It has activities, recipes, crafts and lots of other fun festive stuff to do online. Check it out with your kiddies - it may prove to be a good way to spend some time on a cold or rainy afternoon.

Christmas concerts and performances in Ottawa - check out our concerts page for upcoming concerts for Christmastime

Christmas Light Viewing
You may want to reserve an evening or two to pack the family up and drive around some of the subdivisions in your area to see all the Christmas lights on the houses & trees. It is truly amazing how much time and effort some people put into decorating the exterior of their homes!

Christmas Arts & Craft Shows

Originals Ottawa Christmas Craft Sale
Dates for 2010 to be confirmed
Weekdays 11:00am - 9:00pm & Weekends 10:00am - 6:00pm
Lansdowne Park

Christmas Trees

There are plenty of places to get your Christmas Trees in Ottawa. Here are a few:

Cedar Hill Berry Farm
RR # 1 Pakenham
613-256-3029

Fallowfield Tree Farm
6130 Fallowfield Road
613-831-0968

Geropa Tree Farm
Alexandria
613-525-3828

Hillcrest Tree Farm
7357 Fourth Line Road (North Gower)
613-489-2994

Ian's Evergreen Plantation
804 Richmond Road (Lanark County)
613-253-0086

J.C.'s Orchard & Nursery
2732 Moodie Drive
613-838-4043

Laird's Tree Farm
Manotick Station Road
613-821-2195

Thomas Tree Farm
North Gower
613-489-2314

Don't forget that you can also get trees at a lot of the grocery stores around Ottawa. There will be plenty of places for you to choose from when you go to get your Christmas tree in Ottawa this year. The prices will vary quite a bit so you may want to call around first to find out prices.

Work Christmas Parties in Ottawa

Have you been volunteered to organize your work Christmas party this year? I know from first hand experience that it can be difficult keeping everyone happy. Not everyone wants to participate and everyone's likes and dislikes and budget are all different.

Here are some ideas for your work Christmas party this year:

• local restaurants for lunch or dinner - some have private rooms for your group, make sure to double check if it is a group menu or if you can order off the menu;
• catered lunch in a meeting room at your office;
• comedy clubs;
• Murder Mystery Dinners;
• bowling; and
• indoor sports (i.e. glow in the dark mini golf or bowling)

We will be updating our Christmas in Ottawa page regularly so check back often. Happy Holidays to those of you celebrating Christmas. HoHoHo!

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