Welcome to Christmas in Ottawa! We love Ottawa at Christmastime. It is such a magical time of year! The Christmas trees are all lit with beautiful, twinkling lights, there are decorations on houses and street corners and there are entire families outside playing in the snow.
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 Christmas activities 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.
Our Ottawa Christmas section is here to provide you with information on:
- where to get a Christmas tree in Ottawa;
- where to find Santa Claus in Ottawa – you can visit him in person at a local mall or contact him by regular mail or even find him on the computer
- where to go to do your Christmas shopping in Ottawa;
- dates of the Christmas parades in Ottawa and the surrounding areas (see the list further down the page);
- what Ottawa Christmas events and activities you can participate in and/or bring your family to (including a party with the Mayor, carriage rides, millions of Christmas lights and so much more);
- where you can go on a sleigh ride in Ottawa with your family and friends;
- how to plan your work/office Christmas party in Ottawa;
- and much more.
Christmas Parades in Ottawa & Surrounding Area
Ottawa – Help Santa Toy Parade
November 18, 2017
11:00am start
Starting at city hall, the route goes west down Laurier, south on Bank to end at TD Place.
613-526-2706
*** Don’t forget that they will be collecting new toys and donations for the less fortunate children in Ottawa
Visit their website to donate
Almonte Holiday Night Parade
First Sunday of December at 5pm, so the 3rd this year
Barrhaven Lions Light Up the Night
November 18, 2017 at 5:30pm
Along Strandherd Drive
Carleton Place
BIA Santa Claus Parade
November 25, 2017
Beginning at 5pm
Carp – Santa Claus Parade
December 9, 2017 at noon
Clarence-Rockland Parade of Lights
November 26, 2017 – 4:30 to 7pm
Along Laurier Street, starting at L’Heritage. Finish with a visit with Santa and a spaghetti supper at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
Constance & Buckham’s Bay Santa Claus Parade
December 2, 2017
1 – 2pm
Floats gather on Baillie Ave for a 1:00pm start. Parade runs along Bayview to Len Purcell and winds up at the community centre for hots dogs, Santa, and hot chocolate. Be sure to check out the Christmas Craft Fair.
Please bring your non-perishable food item for the West Carleton Food Bank.
Gananoque Santa Claus Parade
November 19, 2017
2 – 4pm
Gather at Lansdowne community hall to enjoy the parade and some fun family activities!
Kanata – Hazeldean Mall/Lions Club Santa Claus Parade
November 19, 2017
1:30pm
Merrickville Santa Claus Parade
December 2, 2017
If history repeats the parade will start at 11, but the day will be packed with lots of great activities. Keep an eye on their website and hopefully they’ll have the full 2017 time table up soon.
Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade and Food Drive
Date and time for 2017 to be announced, but last year was the 2nd weekend in December
Orleans – Santa’s Parade of Lights
December 2, 2017
6pm
Route along St. Joseph Blvd.
613-526-2625 – website
Pakenham Santa Claus Parade and Celebration
December 2, 2017
Leaving Stewart Community Centre at 1:00pm
Perth Santa Claus Parade
December 2, 2017
Leaving Sunset Blvd at 5pm
Richmond – Santa Claus Parade
December 2, 2017
10am – Rain or Shine
Russell Santa Claus Parade
November 26, 2017
Beginning at the St. Thomas Aquinas at 1pm and ending at the Russell Fairgrounds
613-445-4537
Stittsville – Parade of Lights
December 2, 2017
6-8:30pm
The parade will proceed south on Stittsville Main Street, from just south of Hazeldean Road to Carleton Cathcart Street. The big finale is the lighting of Village Square – don’t miss it!
Besides parades, there are so many other Christmas activities around the Ottawa area such as having breakfast with Santa, taking a sleigh ride along beautifully lit streets, enjoying thousands of Christmas lights on various buildings throughout the city, finding hidden crafted treasures at numerous craft shows and so much more. Check out our complete list of Christmas activities and events in Ottawa.
We will be updating our Christmas in Ottawa section regularly so check back often.
Happy Holidays to those of you celebrating Christmas. HoHoHo!
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