Feature story
It’s the time of year when Santa is making his annual visit to Ottawa. He is scheduled to appear at all of Ottawa’s local parades. So, if you want to see Santa and his reindeer this year, bundle up and stake out a good spot where you’re sure to get a good look at him. Be sure to watch out for road closures and traffic interruptions along the parade routes:
- Help Santa Toy Parade, Saturday, November 16, 11 am
- Barrhaven Santa Claus Parade, Sunday, November 17, 5:30 pm
- Kanata Santa Claus Parade, Saturday, November 23, 10 am
- Riverside South Community Association Toy Mountain Parade, Saturday, November 30, 11 am
- Orléans Santa’s Parade of Lights, Saturday, November 30, 6 pm
- Osgoode Village Parade of Lights, Friday, December 6, 7 pm
- Manotick Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade, Friday, November 29, 7 pm
- Constance and Buckham’s Bay Santa Parade, Saturday, December 7, 5 pm
- Richmond Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 7, 5:30 pm
- Stittsville Parade of Lights, Saturday, December 7, 6 pm
- Huntley Community Association Santa Claus Parade, Saturday, December 7, 6 pm
- Fitzroy Harbour Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 7, 6:30 pm
- Metcalfe Santa Parade Food and Toy Drive, Sunday, December 8, 2 pm
Please note: this list is updated on an ongoing basis. Be sure to check back regularly to see where Santa will be stopping next!
We also have a list of other holiday activities that are sure to put you in the festive spirit, even if you might not see Santa:
- Ottawa Christmas Market, Aberdeen Plaza at Lansdowne, November 22 to January 5
- Parkdale Holiday Market, November 23, noon to 6 pm
- Cumberland Farmers' Market Christmas Market, December 7, 9 am to 3 pm
- ByWard Public Market winter market, November 22, 4 pm and annual tree lighting, November 22, 5:30 pm
- Magic of Lights, Wesley Clover Park Campground, 411 Corkstown Road, November 22 to January 4
- Winter Lights across Canada, Parliament Hill, December 5 to January 7
- Santa Shuffle Fun Run and Elf Walk, Lansdowne Park, December 7, 10 am
- Fitzroy Harbour Children’s Christmas Party, Fitzroy Harbour Community Centre, Saturday, December 7, 10 am
- Billings Estate National Historic Site, November 27 to December 22, Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
- Christmas Tea – The museum will be closed to general admission visitors on December 7, 8, 14 and 15 for Christmas Tea. Reservations required.
- Cumberland Heritage Village Museum – Vintage Village of Lights, November 29 through December 22 - Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 4 to 9 pm. Advance registration is required.
- Nepean Museum – A Very Retro Christmas, Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14 from 10 am to 4 pm. Best suited for families with children ages 6 to 12. Drop-in program. Admission is paid at the door.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.