Christmas Holiday Activities
Register now for holiday camps for children or plot your swimming outings using the Christmas Holiday search feature on the Public Swim and Skate schedules.
Don’t Hibernate – Join a class!
For indoor fun this winter, the City of Ottawa offers hundreds of classes and activities at gyms, fitness centres, halls, arenas, swimming pools and arts studios. Pottery, martial arts, yoga, ballroom dancing, painting, basketball, tai chi, indoor cycling, dog obedience, strength training, art and guitar are some of the options. Winter registration is ongoing. Check the online recreation guides for classes and activities.
Free Public Skating on Weekends
All public skating sessions held in city arenas on Saturdays and Sundays are free this winter. Start skating for free this Saturday, November 29. Check public skating schedules on ottawa.ca for dates, times and locations.
There’s free public skating at City of Ottawa arenas on weekends.
Minto Recreation Complex-Barrhaven: Official opening and Sports Day in Barrhaven.
This Saturday, November 29, you’re invited to the opening of the new Minto Recreation Complex-Barrhaven (MRCB). The action starts at 10 a.m. MRCB is also celebrating Sports Day in Barrhaven, with free sport activities in the gym and free public skating from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
City of Ottawa Archives Activities: Letters to Santa
For some festive family fun, create your letter to Santa at the City of Ottawa Archives Saturday, December 6. You’ll also get to make crafts, decorate cookies and hear traditional holiday stories. It’s free and all ages are welcome! This seasonal celebration runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 100 Tallwood Drive.
Jump, jive and wail at the City’s Big Band Dances
Adults of all ages are invited to Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre to swing to the hits of the 40’s and 50’s! Hear the sounds of an Ottawa’s Monterey Swing Band and dance the night away Thursday, December 4. Tickets are $19 in advance or $23 at the door and include a light lunch. Cash bar available. Call 613 828-4313 for details.
A Wellington West Christmas Tradition
Don’t miss the 21st annual Fisher Park Christmas Craft Show and Sale Saturday, December 6. Over 100 artisans will be presenting unique handcrafted items. Children crafters, local church groups and charities will also be featured. This popular event is held in Fisher Park Public School, 250 Holland Avenue, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Call 613 798-8945 for details.
Billings Estate National Historic Site is hosting a Christmas Tea on two Sundays— December 7 and December 14—from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy finger sandwiches, freshly baked desserts and scones while experiencing old-fashioned customs. There’s free admission to the museum. A special menu will be available. Call the museum at 613 247-4830 to reserve your spot.
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum’s Vintage Village of Lights: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from tomorrow, November 29, through December 21, you can see a specular yuletide lightshow from 3 to 8 p.m. Cumberland Heritage Village Museum’s Vintage Village of Lights features 30,000 Christmas lights, decorations everywhere, gigantic reindeer and sleigh, plus a visit with Santa Claus in his workshop. You can have fun sledding, playing broomball or street hockey, making a snow globe, decorating gingerbread, and sending your Christmas wish list to Santa via telegram. Cost is the regular admission fee.
