One of Ontario’s biggest Christmas markets is a European-style escape

If you can’t make it to Toronto for the Distillery Winter Village, the next biggest market should do the trick. The Ottawa Christmas Market is running from now until Dec. 31, promising everything from live music to festive treats to ice skating.

Let’s start with the food and drink vendors. You’re going to want to show up hungry and thirsty because there’s no shortage of options.

Just a few of the places offering delectable sips and bites include:

• The Thirst Responder
• Chai Guys
• Farmgate Cider
• Studel Ladies
• Beavertails
• Street Eats Tacos
• Your Bread Box
• Temples Sugarbush
• Cookies by Kat
• Pistols Brewery
• Oh My Doughnuts
• Snack O’ Shack

Vendors will be displayed in gorgeous European-style chalets, all lit up by twinkling lights. Unlike a lot of other Christmas markets in the province, the Ottawa Christmas Market will have almost constant live entertainment, such as music and dance performances.

There will also be DJ skate nights every Saturday at the Lansdowne Park Outdoor Ice. On Fridays, head over to the Chalet Stage to catch a free movie. 

The best part? Admission is free. Yep, you can bring the whole family, a date, or a big group of pals, and you don’t need to worry about shelling out money for anything other than what you want to purchase there.

Happy holidays!

Ottawa Christmas Market

When: Friday to Sunday from now until Dec. 31, 2025
Where: Lansdowne Park – 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, Ont.
Cost: Free admission

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