🍩 Day 23: The Sweetest Return!
You asked for it, and we delivered! For Day 23, we’ve teamed up with Homers for a second time to give you another shot at winning a box of pure joy.
We are giving away a Dozen Delicious Holiday Donuts!
These aren't just donuts; they are festive works of art featuring reindeer faces, snowflakes, and holiday sprinkles. It is the perfect treat to wake up to on Christmas morning (or enjoy right now!).
As our email subscribers, you are already halfway there... click the link below to finish your entry!
Tuesday, December 23
Lego (Family) at 10:30am 📍OPL Stittsville
Parenting in Ottawa Drop-in (Series) at 1:00pm 📍OPL Ruth E. Dickinson
We are officially in the holiday countdown! Tuesdays are usually for playgroups, but with most EarlyON centers and school programs closed, tomorrow is about low-stress, drop-in fun. Here is where you can go to get out of the house without spending a dime.
Part B: The "Safe Bets" (What IS Open)
Since scheduled events are rare, list the reliable drop-ins:
📚 The Library Stock-Up:
Why go: OPL branches are open regular hours tomorrow! It’s the perfect day to stock up on 20+ books for the holiday break or let the kids play in the children’s area while you breathe for 5 minutes.
⛸️ Outdoor Skating:
Why go: Rink of Dreams (City Hall) and Lansdowne Skating Court are open. (Reminder: Bring your own skates to keep it free).
✨ The "Pajama Drive":
Why go: Taffy Lane (Orleans) or Parliament Hill (Lights Across Canada).
Pro-tip: Do this before dinner to avoid the late-night meltdown.
Part C: The "Red Light" List (What is CLOSED)
Save them a trip!
❌ Most EarlyON / Playgroups: Many have started their 2-week break. Check before you drive!
❌ The Christmas Market (Lansdowne): Closed on Tuesday.
Part D: The "At-Home" Backup Plan
Give them one easy activity if they just can't leave the house:
The "Box" Challenge: Got Amazon boxes delivered? Don't recycle them yet. Give the kids markers and tape. Is it a fort? A sled? A robot? That’s an hour of peace for you.
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❄️Winter Activities❄️
Winter Lights Across Canada Dec 8 - Jan 9, 2026 Pathway of lights Map
November 23, 2025 to March 29, 2026 (weather depending)
Weekdays: 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Weekends: 1:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Open daily, 7 am to 11 pm (weather permitting)
Rink of Dreams (opens Dec 6 at 3pm)
Open everyday from 9am to 11pm, except for Tue & Thur 7am to 11pm
4-7pm📍Sparks Street
5-10pm📍Lansdowne Park
Santa in Carlingwood! until December 24th 10:30am 📍Carlingwood Shopping Centre
Daily Light Show at 5:30pm & 7:30pm📍George Street Plaza
Christmas on Taffy Lane 📍Taffy Lane
🎉The Family Fridge
A little corner for jokes, hacks, and fun ideas to stick on your mental fridge.
📌 The Tuesday Fridge Note
🤣 The Holiday Giggle Menu
Q: What do you call a reindeer with bad manners?
A: RUDE-olph! 🦌
Q: What does a gingerbread man put on his bed?
A: Cookie sheets! 🍪
Q: What is Santa's favorite kind of music?
A: Wrap music! 🎁
Q: Where do snowmen keep their money?
A: In a snowbank! ❄️
Q: What do you get if you cross a vampire and a snowman?
A: Frostbite! 🧛♂️
🎁 Reminder: Snap, Tag, and Win!
Even if your Elf leaves early, you can still enter our giveaway! Snap a photo of their final setup, tag @OttawaParents, and you’re entered to win the Marsjoy Musical Plush Pony!
✨ Exclusive Subscriber Perk: Free Coloring Pages!
As a special thank you for being an Ottawa Parents subscriber, we've included a festive Christmas Coloring Page PDF just for you.
Print it out and enjoy some quiet, creative time this holiday season!
"The gifts are wrapped, the lists are long, But your love is what makes the season strong. Forget the stress and the perfect plan, You’re making magic the best you can!"
