Free Family Activities: Boxing Day (Friday, Dec 26, 2025)
Top Tip: The Canada Strong Pass is active! It grants FREE admission to National Museums for youth (17 and under) and 50% off for young adults (18-24). This is the best way to do the big museums on a budget.
🎄 Special Boxing Day Events
Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne: The market is open on Boxing Day with a full schedule of free entertainment.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: DJ Skate (Free skating with music at the court).
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Free Kids Crafts at Santa’s Workshop.
Live Music: Performances by local artists on the Casino Lac-Leamy Stage throughout the evening.
✨ Holiday Light Walks (Open Dec 26)
Winter Lights Across Canada: The "Pathway of Lights" loop connects Ottawa and Gatineau. Start at Confederation Park, walk past the National War Memorial, and cross the bridge to Parc du Portage in Gatineau for a beautiful (and free) evening walk.
Trees of Hope at Château Laurier: A perfect indoor option if it’s too cold. Walk the halls of the hotel to see the professionally decorated trees.
Taffy Lane (Orléans): The lights will be on tomorrow night. Expect it to be busy, so parking nearby and walking in is recommended.
Brockville River of Lights (approx. 1 hour from Ottawa): A fully free light and sound show on Blockhouse Island. If you are up for a drive, this is a fantastic display set to music (tune your car radio).
🏛️ Museums (Free for Youth via Canada Strong Pass)
Canadian Museum of Nature: Open Boxing Day. Great for the "Butterflies in Flight" exhibit (extra cost may apply for special exhibits, but general entry is free for youth).
Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau): Open Boxing Day. Cross the bridge to explore the Grand Hall and Children's Museum.
Canada Science and Technology Museum: Open Boxing Day. Highly interactive and great for burning off holiday energy.
⛸️ Outdoor Skating (Weather Permitting)
Rink of Dreams (City Hall): Open 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Changing huts are usually open.
Lansdowne Skating Court: Open 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM. (Combined with the Christmas Market events mentioned above).
Rideau Hall Skating Rink: The historic rink on the Governor General's grounds often opens for the season around this time. Check the link for "Open/Closed" status before heading out.
🌲 Nature & Trails
Gatineau Park (Sugarbush Trail): While many Gatineau Park trails require a ski pass, the Sugarbush Trail (near the Visitor Centre in Chelsea) is a free walking trail that is groomed during winter.
Mer Bleue Bog Boardwalk: A stunning winter walk on the boardwalks. Don't forget to bring birdseed—the chickadees will land right on your hand.
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🌩️ Weather & Parent Tips for Tomorrow
Forecast for Dec 26:
High: -14°C (Wind chill near -20°C).
Condition: Cloudy with a chance of flurries/light snow.
Sunset: ~4:25 PM.
Tips for Parents:
Bundle Up: It will be chilly! If you are doing the Winter Lights walk or Skating, dress in heavy layers and cover exposed skin.
Traffic Alert: Boxing Day shopping will make downtown (Rideau Centre area) and Bayshore very busy. If you are visiting the Art Gallery or Rink of Dreams, consider parking a bit further away or using the O-Train to avoid mall traffic jams.
Warm-Up Breaks: Since it is cold, mix outdoor fun with indoor stops. The Château Laurier (Trees of Hope) is a great place to warm up after walking Confederation Park.
Check Rink Status: While the refrigerated rinks (Lansdowne/City Hall) are reliable, natural ice rinks may still be closed due to recent fluctuating temperatures. Always check the websites linked above before loading the car!
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