If you are looking for the perfect holiday cheer in Ottawa, then look no further, the Ottawa Christmas Market is the perfect event for little ones and grown-ups alike!

European Christmas markets have marvelled us for centuries - the tradition began around 700 years ago. The fairy lights, the Christmas decorations, the hot beverages and the magical feeling are the picture-perfect moments of every Christmas. I have booked a vacation to Germany just to experience them! And let me tell you it is soo worth it! I loved the delicious regional goodies and of course, the magic atmosphere of Christmas. However, I know that travelling during the holiday season can be SUPER expensive and can be tricky with all the family events. We had to negotiate an early Christmas dinner before leaving. After this experience, I kept wanting to attend every market! You could say I had been bitten. So, when Ottawa had its first European market type, we jumped at the opportunity! What better way to get into the holiday spirit than attending a Christmas market?

The Ottawa Christmas Market

The market is small-ish with 45+ vendors with a cozy atmosphere, it feels like a tiny version of German markets. The market started in 2019 with only 20 vendors, now 4 years after the quantity doubled and I’m sure the list will keep increasing year after year. The stands sell everything from hot cider and mulled wine to Christmas sweaters, candles and socks. There is even Ottawa’s latest distillery, Dairy Distillery, that makes vodka from dairy by-products. I would not have been lactose intolerant; I would have given it a try. The hubby loved Cloud Forest Coffee, saying it was one of the best expressos he had in a while! If you are looking for the perfect souvenir or handmade gift, this is the place to get it. Forget about the made-in-China products, shopping locally is much better and more personal.

The entry to the Ottawa Christmas market is free. The market is open for 5 weeks, from Friday to Sunday every weekend of December. On Fridays, it opens after 5 pm, which for people in Ottawa, could be a great place to go for a drink after work. On weekends it opens at 10 am. 

Besides the stands, there are different concerts and other activities and entertainment for families and adults alike. Check out the event calendar here. The market is open for 15 days and every night there is an activity, either taking a picture of Santa or seeing a local DJ or band from every genre. There is also a silent disco, where you dance with headphones, hockey games and more! So enjoy some great live music with your hot drink in hand for a good holiday cheer.

the market is located at the Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne. Please note that this is NOT where the casino is. Don’t go to the wrong place!

What to do after the market?

The Ottawa Farmers Market is a must-do! Located next to the festive market, the farmers market is your foodie stop. You can buy fresh veggies and meat, but you also have handcrafted products and numerous food stands, you have over 100 vendors to choose from. We had falafels from The Falafel Guys and they were delicious! They were made with traditional Syrian bread, and flatbread cooked in their Saj oven. This was a delightful twist from the traditional pita, making it moister, and giving it a whole different taste. I would definitely recommend eating there! You should read their story, it’s the story of Syrian refugees recently resettled in Canada.

The market is also located next to TD Place and numerous restaurants and shops.

The market is conveniently located in the Glebe neighbourhood. This is a quirky and artsy neighbourhood. It has numerous unique, locally-owned shops. Whether you are looking for thrift stores, vinyl, expensive boutiques or diverse restaurants, you will find something of your liking. By walking through Bank Street, we saw 2 pieces of great street art, and great residential architecture dating back from the 1800s. After all the walking, we stopped at Flora Hall for a great craft beer!

If you are looking to do ice skating, then right next to the Ottawa Christmas Market, there is the Landsdowne Rink in front of the Aberdeen Pavillion. This skating ring gets very busy (you have been warned.)

But, what about the cold? 

It is not a secret, that Canadian winters are cold! Don’t forget to dress accordingly, you will be outside! Mittens, a scarf and a tuque will be essential accessories to enjoy your time outside. Dressing in layers will be the best tip I have for you. The market has several pit fires for you to warm up as well. 

If you are in Ottawa for a weekend getaway, then adding these stops to your itinerary would be a must! If you are looking for other winter tips for Ottawa, I got you!

BRB acknowledges that Ottawa is built on un-ceded Anishinabe Algonquin territory. The peoples of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation have lived on this territory for millennia. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. The City of Ottawa honours the peoples and land of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation.

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Disclaimer: This was a press trip organisez by Ottawa tourism board. As always, all opinions are our own.

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