Looking for a magical winter experience through the holidays and beyond? Bundle up for an evening stroll through Upper Canada Village, transformed into a winter wonderland with over one million lights adorning heritage buildings, trees, and fences. The beloved Alight at Night festival returns for its 25th anniversary season, celebrating a quarter-century of cherished memories in Morrisburg, Ontario.
Just over an hour drive from Ottawa, guests of all ages can wander the twinkling streets, join old-fashioned caroling, and marvel at the dazzling sound and light show. Hop aboard the whimsical Toy Train, meet the Victorian Saint Nick inside the new Toy Factory, and capture festive photos to treasure.
This milestone year brings exciting perks with the Canada Strong Pass, making visiting easier and more affordable for families. Enjoy extended dates through January 15, FREE admission for youth and students (up to age 17), and half-price tickets for young adults (18 to 24) – perfect for creating family moments.
Experience the wonder, nostalgia and joy that have made Alight at Night one of Ontario’s most enchanting winter traditions.
Friday, November 28
Play Days (Series) at 10:30am 📍OPL Nepean Centrepointe
The Museum’s Christmas Market (Nov 27 - 30) 11am-8pm 📍Canadian Museum of History
Bilingual Babytime and Stay & Play (Series) at 11:15am 📍OPL Ruth E. Dickinson
Seasonal Card Making at 1:30pm 📍OPL Richmond
PD Day: Dog Man Party at 2pm 📍OPL Carlingwood
CPKC Holiday Train 14:45pm -📍Finch, 5pm -📍Merrickville, 6:30pm -📍Smiths Falls, 8pm📍Perth
LEGO Party - Fête en blocs at 3:45pm 📍OPL Vanier
Wii U Game On! (Family) at 4pm 📍OPL Carlingwood
Join the club and get cool merch
Become a supporter and receive an exclusive Ottawa Parents T-Shirt, early access to giveaways, and special perks made just for our community.
Saturday, November 29
QuickStart Autism Sensory Santa at Ottawa Christmas Market (Lansdowne Park) from 9am to11am📍Lansdowne Park
Saturday Storytime (Series) at 10:30am📍Multiple OPL Locations
Rubik's Cubes at BH (Series) at 11:00am📍OPL Blackburn Hamlet
Celebration of Lights’ - Tree Lighting Ceremony 4:30pm-5pm 📍Town Square - 77 Beckwith Street North, Smiths Falls
T(w)een Gaming on Ninten/do Switch (12-17yo) (Series) at 2:30pm 📍OPL Rosemount
Markets:
Christmas Bazaar at St. Andrew's Church 1pm - 3:30pm📍82 Kent St
Sunday, November 30
Sunday Storytime (Series) at 10:30am📍Multiple OPL Locations
All aboard Santa’s holiday train Low-sensory hour: 10-11am; Open to everyone: 11am to 4pm 📍Canada Science and Technology Museum
Santa is coming to Carlingwood! until December 24th 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍Carlingwood Shopping Centre
CONCERT: Ensemble de percussions / Percussion Ensemble 3pm📍Salle Freiman Hall, Pavillon Pérez Building
Markets:
Winter Wonderland Craft Market 10:30pm - 3pm📍175 Third Avenue
Old Fashioned Christmas 10am - 3pm📍Goulbourn Museum
Other helpful links
❄️Daily Winter Activities❄️
Rideau Hall Rink - Public Skating 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.
Christmas on Taffy Lane 📍Taffy Lane
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
Visit Canada’s Parliament
Parliament: The Immersive Experience
Explore the main Parliament Building, also called Centre Block, in this innovative experience that includes an exhibition and a 360° multimedia show. Tickets are free of charge. The experience lasts approximately 45mins
Guided Tours of the Senate
Visit the Senate of Canada Building – Ottawa’s former train station – to learn about the people, work and history of Parliament’s upper chamber.
Length of tour: 30 minutes
Location: 2 Rideau Street
Security notes: Please arrive 25 minutes before your tour time to allow for security screening
Guided Tours of the House of Commons
Discover the history, roles and architecture of the House of Commons on a tour of Parliament's historic West Block.
Length of tour: 40 minutes
Location: Western side of Parliament Hill (111 Wellington Street)
Security notes: When booking their tickets, visitors must provide their full names and dates of birth. All visitors aged 16 and over must also present a valid piece of government-issued photo ID upon arrival at West Block. View the Library of Parliament’s privacy policy. Please arrive 45 minutes before your tour time to allow for registration and screening.
To view the current schedule and filter events by age, date, or specific branch location, visit the official OPL Programs and Events page:
Mothercraft Ottawa frequently posts wonderful, useful free events.
Check them out here for ongoing opportunities: Mothercraft Ottawa Free Events Link
🎅 Ho Ho Hold Up!
Santa Needs Your Wish List!
Download FREE Letter Template below
Print our fun letter PDF and grab your crayons! Canada Post's postal elves are waiting for mail addressed to North Pole, H0H 0H0, Canada. Don't forget: NO stamp is required for Canadian letters!
It's Easy: Download ➡️ Write ➡️ Send!
Spend some quality time with your kid(s)—write the letter together, make jokes, dream, and laugh! This tradition is a wonderful way to connect.
To make sure your child receives a personalized reply from Santa, here are the two most important details:
❄️ Santa's Address: Santa Claus North Pole H0H 0H0 Canada
❄️The Deadline: Please mail your letter no later than December 8 to guarantee that Santa's postal elves have enough time to write back before the holidays!
If you’d like to sponsor one of our upcoming emails or share your family-friendly event, feel free to reach out - we’d love to hear from you - [email protected]
🎁 Bonus Gift Just for You!
Between all the fun festivals, splash pad stops, and park playdates... why not wind down with something creative at home? 🖍️
We’re giving you FREE printable coloring pages - designed by local author Basilia - perfect for rainy days, road trips, or quiet time between summer adventures, all coloring levels.
👉 Click here to download and let the coloring fun begin!