🎄 Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays, Ottawa Parents!
As you sip your coffee (or your third coffee) amidst the wrapping paper chaos and the joy of the morning, we wanted to send a quick note of gratitude.
To Our Incredible Partners: Thank you for making this season extra magical. Your generosity turned our "Big Giveaway" from a fun idea into a massive reality. Thank you for supporting this community and for helping us spoil these deserving parents!
To You, Our Subscribers: Thank you for letting us into your inbox this year. Whether you are reading this while hiding in the pantry for five minutes of peace, or scrolling while the turkey cooks - we appreciate you. Thank you for trusting us, replying to our emails, and being part of this wonderful Community.
May your day be filled with laughter, good food, and naps. You deserve it all.
Cheers,
Ottawa Parents Team
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Parent's Guide to free family activities in Ottawa for Christmas Day (Dec 25)
Most businesses will be closed, so tomorrow is all about outdoor fun and festive sights. Pro-tip: Pack a thermos of hot cocoa and snacks, as finding open cafes will be difficult.
Morning: Burn Off Energy
Go Skating at the Rink of Dreams (City Hall)
Why it works: It is a refrigerated rink, so the ice is reliable even if the weather fluctuates. It is centrally located and usually not too crowded early in the morning.
Good to know:
Open: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Gear: You must bring your own skates (rental shops are closed).
Warmth: There are heated changing stations nearby.
Afternoon: A Quiet Indoor Stop
Why it works: If you are downtown, this is a perfect (and free) way to warm up. The historic lobby is filled with beautifully decorated trees for charity.
Good to know: It is a quieter atmosphere, great for calming things down if the kids are over-stimulated.
Early Evening: The Best Lights
Walk Through Taffy Lane (Orléans)
Why it works: This is Ottawa’s most famous residential light display. Every house on the street participates, and it is magical for kids.
Parent Tip: Do not drive down the lane. It gets jammed with traffic. Park on a nearby street (like Sugar Creek Way) and walk in with a sled or wagon. It is much more enjoyable and safer for the kids.
Downtown Light Walk: Confederation Park to Parliament - Pathway of lights Map
Why it works: The "Winter Lights Across Canada" display is right across from City Hall. You can do a loop: Skate at City Hall - Walk through Confederation Park lights - See the lights on Parliament Hill.
Logistics Checklist for Tomorrow
Bathrooms: Public washrooms at City Hall are generally accessible (enter through the rink side).
Food: Assume restaurants are closed. Bring water and emergency snacks.
Gear: Double-check you have helmets for skating; there are no rentals available.
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