Ottawa audiences will have the chance to welcome the holidays with music that blends tradition and celebration when the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces performs at Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe on December 16 and 17, 2025. The concerts, beginning at 7:00 p.m. each evening, will feature the Concert Band, Serenade of Strings, and the Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums in a program that highlights both seasonal favourites and timeless classics.
The Central Band has been a fixture in Ottawa since its establishment in 1968. As the senior military band in the Canadian Armed Forces, it has played at national ceremonies, international events, and cultural milestones, including the opening of the 2017 Invictus Games. Its musicians are drawn from across the country, bringing professional training and experience that give the ensemble a reputation for precision and artistry. The band’s performances are not only musical events but also reflections of Canadian identity and service.
Audiences can expect a range of moods and styles throughout the evening. The Concert Band delivers the power and sweep of symphonic arrangements, while the Serenade of Strings offers a more intimate sound. The Pipes and Drums add a distinctive element rooted in tradition, their stirring rhythms and melodies evoking both ceremony and celebration. Together, these ensembles create a program that moves seamlessly from solemn reflection to spirited joy, capturing the atmosphere of the season.
“I can’t wait to share this concert with our community. The Central Band looks forward to our Holiday Concert every year, and this year we’re especially excited to highlight and Celebrate Canada as we dive into the holiday spirit through music.” – Captain Christine Davies, Commanding Officer, Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces
The holiday concerts will include familiar carols and pieces that have become part of the seasonal soundtrack. From pieces such as Vivaldi’s Winter, popular movie favourites, the Canadian iconic story of the Hockey sweater, to traditional carols performed with warmth and clarity, the program is designed to appeal to audiences of all ages. The variety of ensembles ensures that each performance offers something different, whether it is the grandeur of a full band, jazz, rock, or the intimacy of strings.
Beyond the music, the concerts serve as an opportunity for the community to come together. Families, veterans, and residents of Ottawa gather each year to mark the season in a way that connects them to both tradition and service. The Central Band’s role as Canada’s foremost military ensemble lends the event a sense of national pride, while the holiday repertoire ensures it remains accessible and welcoming.
This December, Ottawa audiences can expect two evenings of music that mark the season with both celebration and tradition, delivered by one of Canada’s most respected ensembles. The concerts will take place on the Mainstage at Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe at 7:00 p.m. on December 16 and 17, 2025.
Tickets are priced between $25 and $29.50 and are available online through the theatre’s website under “Celebrate Canada with the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces.”
For those unable to attend in person, a livestream will be available on the band’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CentralBandMusiqueCentrale.
