We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Ottawa for 2026. The season starts on November 16 with Trees of Hope for CHEO and runs until January 7 (Winter Lights Across Canada). 4 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Canada.
The short version
- 12 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Ottawa, Gatineau, Orléans, Edwards and Stittsville
- First: Trees of Hope for CHEO, Ottawa, November 16
- Free events: Ottawa Christmas Market, Help Santa Toy Parade, Santa's Parade of Lights and Stittsville Parade of Lights
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included).
Ottawa Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 12 confirmed for 2026
- Cities and towns
- Ottawa, Gatineau, Orléans, Edwards and Stittsville
- Season
- November 16 to January 7
- Free events
- 4
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Ottawa
6 confirmed events in Ottawa, soonest first.
Trees of Hope for CHEO
Christmas lightsFairmont Château Laurier · Ottawa
- Host
- Fairmont Château Laurier (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa K1N 8S7
- When
- Nov 16 to Jan 6
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Trees of Hope transforms the halls of the Fairmont Château Laurier into a wonderland of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, each designed by local businesses, organizations and community builders. The 2026 edition is the 29th, with the theme The Gifts We Treasure: A Gilded Christmas of Hope, inspired by O. Henry's story The Gift of the Magi.
Visitors can stroll the halls to see the trees in person, or take a virtual tour, and vote for a People's Choice favourite. Funds raised support the CHEO Foundation and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. It pairs well with a walk past the downtown holiday lights nearby.
Parent tip: Let kids pick their favourite tree and cast a People's Choice vote. The hotel is steps from Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal.
See dates and details from Fairmont Château Laurier (opens in a new tab)Magic of Lights
Christmas lightsMagic of Lights · Ottawa
- Host
- Magic of Lights (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road, Ottawa
- When
- Nightly, Nov 20 to Jan 2
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- The whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday display at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa's west end. The route is lined with two kilometres of sparkling LED light displays, and families stay in their car the whole way.
It is a good option for very young children, for cold or stormy nights, and for anyone who wants holiday lights without a long walk. The display runs from November 20 to January 2. Ticket prices and time slots are set by the organizer. Ottawa Tourism describes it as a great event for the whole family to enjoy safely from the comfort of the car.
Parent tip: Since you stay in the car, pyjamas are fair game for little ones. Check the organizer's site for tickets before you go.
See dates and details from Magic of Lights (opens in a new tab)Ottawa Christmas Market
Christmas lightsFreeOttawa Christmas Market · Ottawa
- Host
- Ottawa Christmas Market (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Aberdeen Plaza at Lansdowne, Marché Way, Ottawa K1S 3W7
- When
- Weekends from Nov 20 to Dec 20, plus Dec 31
- Cost
- Free admission
- Ages
- Family-friendly
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Ottawa Christmas Market takes over the outdoor plaza at Lansdowne in the Glebe on weekends and select extra days leading up to Christmas. It is styled after European holiday markets, with traditional wooden kiosks, local goods in vendor cabins and a festive atmosphere.
The event is free and described as family-friendly, with glittering light displays and live performances that kids enjoy, plus seasonal food and warm drinks. Note that some drinks served are alcoholic, so it is best visited earlier in the day with young children. New Year's Eve is listed as an extra market day.
Parent tip: Go earlier in the day with little ones; the market serves alcoholic drinks alongside family treats.
See dates and details from Ottawa Christmas Market (opens in a new tab)Help Santa Toy Parade
Santa Claus paradeFreeHelp Santa Toy Parade · Ottawa
- Host
- Help Santa Toy Parade (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Queen Elizabeth Driveway (Somerset St W to Lansdowne Park), Queen Elizabeth Driveway at Somerset Street West, Ottawa
- When
- Sat, Nov 21, 11 am
- Cost
- Free; toy or cash donations welcome
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Help Santa Toy Parade is Ottawa's long-running Santa Claus parade, back for its 57th year. Families line the streets to cheer on Santa and his friends as the parade starts at the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Somerset Street West, heads south along the Driveway and finishes at Lansdowne Park and TD Place.
The parade supports the Help Santa campaign for Toy Mountain, run with CTV and MOVE 100, which gives toys to local families who might otherwise go without gifts at Christmas. Watching is free, and spectators are encouraged to bring a new toy or a donation if they can.
Parent tip: Bring an unwrapped toy or a donation for Toy Mountain. The route ends at Lansdowne, which is handy if you want to stay in the Glebe afterwards.
See dates and details from Help Santa Toy Parade (opens in a new tab)The Nutcracker, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
Christmas showNational Arts Centre · Ottawa
- Host
- National Arts Centre (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa K1P 5W1
- When
- Thu, Nov 26 to Sun, Nov 29; matinees Sat and Sun 1:30 pm
- Cost
- Ticket prices on NAC site
- Ages
- Ages 4 and up
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens' Nutcracker has been a family tradition since Fernand Nault created it in 1964. Inspired by Hoffmann's tale and set to Tchaikovsky's music, it follows young Clara and her Prince to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, with the Snow Queen, the Sugar Plum Fairy, reindeer, matryoshkas and comic pastry chefs along the way.
The NAC Orchestra plays live in Southam Hall. The show runs about two hours with an intermission and is recommended for ages 4 and up. Weekend matinees at 1:30 pm are the easiest fit for younger children.
Parent tip: Choose a 1:30 pm matinee for younger kids; plan for about two hours including the intermission.
See dates and details from National Arts Centre (opens in a new tab)Winter Lights Across Canada
Christmas lightsCanadian Heritage · Ottawa
- Host
- Canadian Heritage (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Confederation Boulevard and sites across Canada's Capital Region, Parliament Hill area, Wellington Street, Ottawa
- When
- Nightly, Dec 7 to Jan 7
- Cost
- Price not stated (outdoor public displays)
- Ages
- Families and friends
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Each December nearly 300,000 lights are installed across Canada's Capital Region, highlighting sites and monuments on both sides of the river. Together they form a Pathway of lights that families and friends can explore on foot after dark.
It is an easy, flexible outing: go for a short evening walk with little ones or make a longer loop past several monuments. The lights run from December 7 to January 7, which makes this a good option during the school break and after Christmas. The displays are spread across the Ottawa and Gatineau sides of the region, so you can pick the stretch closest to where you park.
Parent tip: Go just after dark on a weeknight for smaller crowds, and dress for wind near the river.
See dates and details from Canadian Heritage (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Gatineau
2 confirmed events in Gatineau, soonest first.
Christmas in Old Aylmer (Gatineau)
Santa Claus paradeNoël dans le Vieux-Aylmer · Gatineau
- Host
- Noël dans le Vieux-Aylmer (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Vieux-Aylmer, Rue Principale, secteur Aylmer, Gatineau (near Ottawa)
- When
- Nov 27 to 29 and Dec 4 to 6
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas in Old Aylmer turns the historic heart of Gatineau's Aylmer sector into a winter village for two weekends. A holiday market features local artisans and vendors, with handmade ornaments, treats and gift ideas.
The highlight for kids is the traditional Santa Claus parade through Old Aylmer. The festival is organized locally and shares its parade details and schedule on its social media page, so check there for the parade time before you go. Ottawa Tourism lists the market weekends of November 27 to 29 and December 4 to 6, with more dates possible.
Parent tip: Check the organizer's Facebook page for the parade day and time, which are not listed on the tourism calendar.
See dates and details from Noël dans le Vieux-Aylmer (opens in a new tab)Jazz-Noisette (Gatineau)
Christmas story timeVille de Gatineau · Gatineau
- Host
- Ville de Gatineau (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer, Cabaret La Basoche, 120 Rue Principale, Gatineau (near Ottawa)
- When
- Sun, Dec 6, 2 pm
- Cost
- Tickets required; price not stated
- Ages
- Ages 4 to 10 and their adults
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
In Jazz-Noisette, the Nutcracker scores of Tchaikovsky and jazz great Duke Ellington meet under the mistletoe in a free adaptation of the traditional tale. On Christmas Eve, Clara waits for her uncle Drosselmeyer, a musician, magician and computer programmer, who gives her a programmable robot nutcracker instead of the ballet slippers she wanted.
The robot cannot even dance without stepping on her toes, and Clara's classic Christmas turns into a swinging, off-beat adventure. This theatre and music show by Jeunesses Musicales Canada is aimed at children aged 4 to 10 and their adults, and is presented by the Ville de Gatineau in Old Aylmer.
Parent tip: Buy tickets through the City's online ticket link on the calendar listing.
See dates and details from Ville de Gatineau (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Orléans
2 confirmed events in Orléans, soonest first.
Tree Lighting and Night Market (Orléans)
Tree lightingHeart of Orléans BIA · Orléans
- Host
- Heart of Orléans BIA (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Orléans Town Centre, 260 Centrum Boulevard, Orléans K1E 3V7 (near Ottawa)
- When
- Fri, Nov 20, evening
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- Family and friends
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Heart of Orléans BIA hosts its fourth annual tree lighting ceremony in the courtyard at Orléans Town Centre, during its second annual Holiday Night Market. It is a community evening meant to bring family and friends together at the start of the season.
Kids can watch the tree light up while parents browse the market, and the event is a low-key, local alternative to the big downtown celebrations. Exact times are posted by the BIA closer to the date. Orléans Town Centre is at 260 Centrum Boulevard, in the heart of Orléans.
Parent tip: Check the BIA's posts for the exact lighting time so you do not miss the moment.
See dates and details from Heart of Orléans BIA (opens in a new tab)Santa's Parade of Lights (Orléans)
Santa Claus paradeFreeSanta's Parade of Lights (Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters) · Orléans
- Host
- Santa's Parade of Lights (Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- St-Joseph Boulevard, Boulevard St-Joseph, Orléans (near Ottawa)
- When
- Sat, Nov 28, 6 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa's Parade of Lights fills St-Joseph Boulevard in Orléans with floats decorated in lights, with Santa as the grand finale. The parade is put on by Ottawa's professional firefighters and supports firefighter charities, including the Ottawa Fire Fighters Community Foundation.
Because it runs after dark, starting at 6 pm, the lit-up floats are the main attraction, and it is a popular east-end tradition for families. Watching from the sidewalk is free. The organizer's site posts road closure details and the route before parade day. The Ottawa Tourism calendar also lists the parade as a popular east-end tradition.
Parent tip: Check the organizer's road closure information before driving, and bring warm layers for an evening outdoors.
See dates and details from Santa's Parade of Lights (Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters) (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Edwards
1 confirmed event in Edwards, soonest first.
Stanley's Christmas Village (Edwards)
Visit with SantaStanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm · Edwards
- Host
- Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 Yorks Corners Road, Edwards K0A 1V0 (near Ottawa)
- When
- Weekends, Dec 5 to Dec 20
- Cost
- Price not stated; reservations required
- Ages
- Families
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm turns into a winter wonderland on December weekends. Families can snap a photo with Santa, sip hot cocoa and take a sleigh ride through the winter forest.
There are also games, sing-alongs and a bonfire to warm up by, and you can head home with a freshly cut Christmas tree or treats from the Farm Shop. The farm is in Edwards, in the rural southeast of the city, so plan on a country drive. Reservations are required. The tourism calendar notes that more dates may be added, so check the farm's page for the full schedule.
Parent tip: Book your visit ahead, since reservations are required, and dress for time outside in the forest.
See dates and details from Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Stittsville
1 confirmed event in Stittsville, soonest first.
Stittsville Parade of Lights (Stittsville)
Santa Claus paradeFreeStittsville Village Association · Stittsville
- Host
- Stittsville Village Association (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stittsville Main Street and Village Square Park, Stittsville Main Street, Stittsville (near Ottawa)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, evening
- Cost
- Free; food bank donations welcome
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On the first Saturday of December the Stittsville Village Association lights up Main Street with its Parade of Lights. Around 50 floats from local businesses, non-profits and community groups take part, and before the parade the association hands out hot chocolate and cookies at Village Square while local choirs sing Christmas music.
After the parade, Village Square Park fills with volunteers, a scout bonfire, music and snacks. When Santa arrives there is a countdown to the lighting of the park, and families can stay for a visit with Santa. The Stittsville Lions Club walks the route collecting food and cash for the Stittsville Food Bank.
Parent tip: Bring a non-perishable food item for the Lions Club collection. The parade is also streamed by isiLive for anyone watching from home.
See dates and details from Stittsville Village Association (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cozy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)Ottawa Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Ottawa in 2026?
We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Ottawa for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Trees of Hope for CHEO, Magic of Lights, Ottawa Christmas Market, Tree Lighting and Night Market (Orléans), Help Santa Toy Parade, The Nutcracker, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Christmas in Old Aylmer (Gatineau), Santa's Parade of Lights (Orléans), Stanley's Christmas Village (Edwards), Stittsville Parade of Lights (Stittsville), Jazz-Noisette (Gatineau) and Winter Lights Across Canada. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Ottawa?
Yes. 4 of the 12 events here are free, including Ottawa Christmas Market, Help Santa Toy Parade, Santa's Parade of Lights (Orléans) and Stittsville Parade of Lights (Stittsville). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Ottawa this year?
Santa appears at Help Santa Toy Parade, Christmas in Old Aylmer (Gatineau), Santa's Parade of Lights (Orléans), Stanley's Christmas Village (Edwards) and Stittsville Parade of Lights (Stittsville). Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Ottawa?
Christmas story times on this page: Jazz-Noisette (Gatineau).
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
