Holiday Events and Things to Do
Friday, December 2, 2011 at 9:40AM PARADES
Help Santa Toy Parade
November 23rd, 2013
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Parade Route Below
Help Ottawa firefighters collect toys for those in need. The Help Santa Toy Parade of lights is a tradition in Ottawa. Local firefighters walk the route collecting toys from spectators.
Starts at National Archives on Wellington Street, heading east on Wellington until Bank. The parade turns right, continuing south on Bank Street then turns left on Laurier Avenue. It heads east on Laurier until Elgin Street, where it ends near City Hall.
Here are some great tips for enjoying the parade
- Don't underestimate the crowds.
- Arrive early if you want a good spot.
- Be prepared for long waits.
- Check the weather forecast before you head out.
- Have a plan with your kids in case you get split up.
Here is a link to a list of other Santa Claus Parades in Eastern Ontario
TREES AND LIGHTS
Christmas Lights Across Canada
December 5, 2013 to January 7, 2014.
Downtown Ottawa
Each year, Canada’s Capital Region glows with thousands of holiday lights during Christmas Lights Across Canada. The magic begins with an illumination ceremony on Parliament Hill. Join us on December 5 for an evening that is sure to enchant the entire family.
Alight at Night Festival
Thursdays to December 6 to 18
Nightly December 19 - January 4
Check website for hours
Upper Canada Village
Over a HALF-A-MILLION lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees and fences of Upper Canada Village creating a one-of-a-kind magical backdrop for its annual Alight at Night Festival…a true winter wonderland!
THEATRE AND MUSICALS
Handel’s Messiah
December 17 - 18
NAC Southam Hall
A sensational blockbuster since its premiere in 1742, Handel’s most beloved composition remains just as popular to this very day. The timeless classic has become a holiday tradition full of memorable choruses, including the awesome “Hallelujah” chorus. Combining thunderous power with gentle tenderness, this deeply moving work will inspire and uplift as a brilliant cast of vocalists, a magnificent choir, and the NAC Orchestra combine for majestic performances of Handel’s most adored oratorio.
The Nutcracker
December 14 & 15
Centrepointe Theatre
Re-discover the classic that warms the hearts of young and old alike: a holiday tradition that has showcased the magic of the season for years. The joy of dance comes alive with the show that audiences flock back to again and again: The Nutcracker, A Canadian Tradition, and its holiday magic.
VISIT SANTA
Rideau Center
Carlingwood
Bayshore
St. Laurent
Place D’Orelans
OTHER FUN STUFF
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"
http://magicsanta.ca/homepage.html
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
Mayor’s 12th Annual Christmas Celebration
Saturday, December 7, from 3:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m.
Ottawa City Hall - 110 Laurier Avenue West
This fun-filled celebration will include ice skating on the Rink of Dreams, hot chocolate, roasting marshmallows and horse-drawn wagon rides on Marion Dewar Plaza. Inside City Hall meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, decorate a gingerbread cookie in Santa’s bakery, have your face painted, and enjoy live performances. Enjoy special treats from BeaverTails and Lindt!
Santa Paws
Bring your favourite furry friend to pose with Santa in the annual Santa Pet Pics fundraiser. All proceeds go to help the animals at the Ottawa Humane Society!
More information dates and times
Trees of Hope Event
Chateau Laurier
Tis the season when Fairmont Château Laurier decks the hall with over 25 Christmas Trees during the hotel's annual Trees of Hope Event, designed to raise money for the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Corporations participate by decorating trees and in turn these beautiful creations are place throughout the public spaces of the hotel for the entire festive season. This is an event that captures the true spirit of Christmas, by combining the beauty and imagination of the teams, paired with the gift of giving for a wonderful cause. From November 267th until January 4th, guests and visitors can view the trees and vote for their favourite Corporate Tree as part of the People's Choice Awards
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