Take a break from holiday shopping and decking the halls one or more of these fine events happening in Ottawa this weekend:
Christmas Lights Across Canada
If you missed the illumination ceremony on Parliament Hill on December 2, don’t worry. Christmas Lights Across Canada, which includes the breathtaking displays on Parliament Hill, runs until January 7. This weekend is a great time to take the kids out, especially because the weather is expected to be quite mild. Christmas Lights Across Canada has taken over capital cities from Victoria to Halifax. In Ottawa, the displays light up Confederation Boulevard, including Wellington Street, Elgin Street, Sussex Drive, and Laurier Street in Gatineau.
Originals Christmas Craft Sale
Didn’t we just say to take a break from holiday shopping? Not before you visit our city’s most magical Christmas shopping event, the Originals Christmas Craft Sale. From December 10 to 20, hundreds of Canada’s best artists, artisans, and designers gather to showcase their creations – and you can take them home to wrap under the Christmas tree. Quality handmade goods crafted right here in Canada include fine art, jewellery, pottery, glassware, fashion, gourmet treats, and much more. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and youth, while children 12 and under are free. Please note that the show is closed on Monday, December 14.
Wakefield Christmas Market
Billed as the “first European-style outdoor Christmas market in the Outaouais,” the Wakefield Christmas Market is on at the Wakefield Community Centre on Saturday afternoon/evening. “Bring the whole family to shop and celebrate local artists, artisans, and designers! Buy gifts, stock up on fresh vegetables, herbs, treats and more for the holidays, warm up with a drink of hot chocolate or mulled wine, sing carols, take your photo with Santa, and so much more! A delight for the whole family. Admission is free, but a non-perishable food donation and/or new toys for Toy Mountain is encouraged.
Festive Brunch at the Museum of Nature
Once a month, the Museum of Nature hosts a special themed brunch to coincide with the season. On Sunday, the theme is “Holiday/Festive Season,” as you would expect. This special brunch is a lot more than bacon and eggs! On the menu this month? Caribbean molasses with run-soaked salmon, latkes with apple compote, even traditional roast turkey with all the seasons! Then of course, there’s sweet treats and festive desserts. This event has two seatings, at 10:30am and 12:30pm. Admission (which includes access to the museum) is $39.99 for adults, $37.99 for seniors and students, $19.99 for children (5-12), and $6.50 for 3-4 year old children (children under 2 are free). Museum members receive a 10% discount.
Title image courtesy of Canadian Heritage Flickr.
