Weekend What’s Up: December 3-5, 2021

From holiday shopping to taking part in seasonal activities, check out our weekly roundup of things to do in Ottawa this weekend. We have a mix of fun activities including some free options, all are guaranteed to help you get in the festive spirit!

1. Ottawa Artisans Holiday Market

When: December 4 and 5, 2021
Where: St-Laurent Shopping Centre
What time: Mall hours
Admission: Free

Ottawa Artisans will be at the St-Laurent Shopping Centre this weekend for 2-days of shopping from a ton of local creators. Start in the back hallway at the Ottawa Artisans Store and then keep an eye out for the big red banners that will mark other stores featuring artisan works. There will be face painting, temporary tattoos, and a special performance by @singhousestudios on Sunday between 1-3 pm.

2. Watson’s Mill Christmas Market in the Square

When: December 4 and 5, 2021
Where: 5525 Dickinson St, Manotick
What time: 10 am to 4 pm
Admission: Free

Head to Manotick for the last weekend of the Watson’s Mill Christmas Market featuring unique handmade products by local craftspersons. The market includes jewellery, art, glass, woodwork, pottery, knitting, holiday decorations, bath creams & soaps, baked goods, preserves, honey, and much more. There is something for everyone!

Proof of vaccination required. 60 visitors at a time capacity.

3. Christmas on the Farm

When: Saturdays and Sundays until December 23, 2021
Where: The Log Farm 670 Cedarview Road, Ottawa
What time: Weekends 9 am-12 pm and 1 pm-4 pm (timed entrance)
Admission:  $11.97 • Tickets available at eventbrite.ca (Ticket sale limited)

Visit the Log Farm and kick off your holiday season by feeding the animals, going for a wagon ride through the forest, checking out Santa’s workshop, and having the little ones drop off their letters to Santa. If that doesn’t tire the kids out, then have them burn off some energy on their hay mountains! You can even pick up your Christmas tree here.  

Note: At this time, ticket-holders are not required to provide a provincial vaccination certificate in order to visit the farm. For more information: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000779/ontario-to-require-proof-of-vaccination-in-select-settings

4. Carivibe on Ice — ‘Tropical Skate Party’

When: December 4 and 5, 2021
Where: Lansdowne Park Skating Rink, 1525 Princess Patricia Way
What time: Saturday, December 4th — Kids skate: 3-5 pm, Adult skate: 6-9 pm • Sunday, December 5th_^—Family Vibe 6–9 pm
Admission: Free

Head to Lansdowne Christmas Market for some winter skating to the hot tropical vibes of Soca, Danchall, Raggae, Afro & Caribbean Anthems. Winter/Island fun and giveaways for the entire family. Spread the word and we’ll see you vibin’ on de ice!

5. Trees of Hope at Chateau Laurier

When: Until January 3rd, 2022
Where: In-person or virtually. Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa
What time: On-going
Admission: Free

Fairmont Château Laurier Trees of Hope for CHEO is a magical event that helps kick-start the holiday season while raising much-needed funds. Thirty-four Ottawa companies and organizations participated by decorating Christmas trees which are displayed in the main spaces of the Fairmont Château Laurier hotel throughout the holidays. Visit in person or take a virtual tour.

Donate $25 or more and send Trees of Hope for CHEO a photo of your tree or holiday lights to be entered for a chance to win a $250 Fairmont Gift Card OR a Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition Speaker. The winner’s photo will be posted on the Trees of Hope website for all to see. Deadline to enter: December 19, 2021.

All guests and visitors must wear a mask at all times while viewing the trees, as they are in the public spaces of the hotel.

6. Ottawa Rock N’ Gem Show

When: December 2 -December 5, 2021
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive
What time: Dec. 4th, 10 am-8 pm •  Dec. 5th, 10 am-5 pm
Admission: $2/person, $5/family, children 5 and under are free

Discover unique treasures at the Rock N’ Gem Show, at the EY Centre. Shop from the massive variety of minerals, crystals, beads, and gems from Silver Cove along with a selection of vendors. Invite friends to explore the show and hand-pick your exclusive jewelry and mineral finds.

Masks and Vaccination are required for entry.

7. Royal Winnipeg Ballet performing The Nutcracker at NAC

When: December 3 – 5, 2021
Where: National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
What time: Dec. 3^rd at 7 pm, Dec 4^th at 1:30 pm & 7 pm, Dec. 5 at 1:30 pm & 7 pm
Admission: Tickets starting from $17 (29 and under) – NAC Box Office 1.844.985.ARTS (2787) or Ticketmaster

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is bringing the much-loved, holiday favourite, The Nutcracker, back to the NAC for five performances. Join Clara, the Prince, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy for this delightful frolic through a winter wonderland.

Masks and Vaccination are required for entry.

8. Ottawa Fire Services Band in the ByWard Market

When: December 5, 2021
Where: George Street Plaza, ByWard Market
What time: 12-2 pm
Admission: Free

The Ottawa Fire Service Band will be playing holiday tunes and spreading good cheer in the ByWard Market this Sunday. As the official band of the City of Ottawa, this traditional marching brass band is made up of members of the Ottawa Fire Service and the City of Ottawa. 

9. Loretta Studios Holiday Sale

When: December 3-5, 2021
Where: 131 Loretta Ave N, Ottawa
What time: Dec. 3rd, 5-9 pm • Dec. 4th/ and 5th from 11 am-5 pm
Admission: Free

Shop for unique holiday gift items at Loretta Studios Holiday Sale. The studio is home to incredibly talented glass artists from Ottawa who will be showcasing their jewellery and sculptural pieces along with ceramics and paintings. You can't get more local than this!

10. 2021 Enchanted Holiday Drive

When: December 3-5, 2021
Where: 6336 Fallowfield Rd, Stittsville
What time: Timed entrance
Admission: 45 per car 

A holiday drive-through experience like no other, guests will experience eight festive scenes for the whole family to enjoy from the comfort of their vehicle. Enchanted Holiday Drive has no shortage of spectacular special effects, innovative lighting, and fantastical production. It also includes live actors (including Santa), fully built scenes, a mailbox for letters to Santa, and a sense of wonder for all.