SEO Meta Description: Looking for Christmas Day activities in Ottawa? Discover budget-friendly ideas, outdoor fun, and ways to connect with your community on December 25th.
Christmas Day in Ottawa often feels like the city is taking a collective, quiet breath. The usual hustle of Sparks Street fades, OC Transpo runs on a Sunday schedule, and many storefronts are dark. But the quiet does not mean the city is asleep. For many, December 25th is a day for connection, reflection, or simply finding something meaningful to do, whether that involves lacing up skates, catching a movie, or sharing a warm meal.
This guide is for everyone looking for things to do on Christmas Day, from festive family outings to serene outdoor escapes and simple acts of community kindness. It can be a challenging day for those who are alone, working, or navigating difficult circumstances, so we've focused on options that foster connection and inclusivity.
Navigating closures and holiday hours can be tricky. This list gathers what is open and accessible, including dazzling light displays, public skating rinks, and even a few restaurant and movie options. We also explore budget-friendly activities and ways to support our community, like checking in on a neighbour or visiting someone who is alone. This resource can help you find a memorable way to spend the holiday, reminding us that for those with food, shelter, and company, we are truly among the lucky ones.
1. See the Dazzling Light Displays
One of the most accessible and festive things to do on Christmas Day is to see the holiday lights. Many of the city's best displays are free, outdoors, and available to enjoy at your own pace.
Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks
For a festive spectacle without leaving the warmth of your vehicle, the Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks is an ideal Christmas Day activity. This drive-through experience transforms the park into a winter wonderland with millions of lights. It’s a perfect outing for families with young children or anyone with mobility considerations. Tickets are purchased online per vehicle, and a portion of proceeds supports the CHEO Foundation.
- Booking: Tickets must be bought online in advance, and Christmas Day slots sell out quickly.
- Website: wesleycloverparks.com/events/magic-of-lights/
- See also: read our full guide to the best Christmas light displays across Ottawa
Winter Lights Across Canada
A classic and completely free option is a walk or drive to see the Winter Lights Across Canada illuminations. Organized by Canadian Heritage, this self-guided tour transforms the downtown core. Key landmarks like Parliament Hill and Confederation Park are bathed in festive colours. There are no tickets or set times, making it a flexible and beautiful way to spend a quiet holiday evening.
- Cost: 100% free and open to everyone.
- Website: www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winter-lights.html
- Related reading: our guide to the best neighbourhood light displays in Ottawa
2. Get Active Outdoors
If the weather cooperates, Christmas Day is a wonderful opportunity to get some fresh air and enjoy Ottawa’s natural beauty and public spaces.
Go for a Skate
Public skating is a quintessential Canadian holiday activity. Several of the city’s refrigerated outdoor rinks, like the Rink of Dreams at City Hall and the Lansdowne Park Skating Court, are often open on Christmas Day. Skating is free, but you will likely need to bring your own skates as rental shops may be closed. Always check the City of Ottawa website for rink status before you go.
- Cost: Free.
- Website: ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/facilities/place-listing/lansdowne-park
- See also: Ottawa's best public ice skating rinks and their schedules
Explore Gatineau Park
For a more immersive nature experience, the trails at Gatineau Park offer a peaceful escape. Depending on snow conditions, you can go for a winter hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski. A daily pass is required for groomed ski and snowshoe trails, which you can purchase online. Check the NCC website for trail conditions and pass information before heading out.
- Booking: Daily passes can be purchased online.
- Website: ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park-winter-passes
3. Find a Cozy Indoor Activity
If you prefer to stay warm, a few reliable indoor options are available on Christmas Day.
Catch a Movie
Going to the movies is a beloved holiday tradition for many. Cineplex theatres across Ottawa are typically open on Christmas Day, showing the latest holiday blockbusters. It is a good idea to book your tickets and select your seats online in advance, as popular films can sell out.
- Booking: Book tickets online in advance for the best selection.
- Website: cineplex.com/theatre/cineplex-cinemas-ottawa
Dine Out
While most restaurants are closed, some establishments, particularly those in hotels, offer special Christmas Day meals. Using a reservation platform like OpenTable is the easiest way to see which restaurants are open and accepting bookings for December 25. Reservations are essential and should be made weeks, if not months, ahead.
- Booking: Reservations are mandatory and fill up very quickly.
- Website: opentable.ca/open/ottawa
4. Connect Through Kindness
The spirit of the holidays is rooted in connection and community care. For many, Christmas Day is quiet and can feel isolating. If you have the time and capacity, consider incorporating a small act of kindness into your day.
These simple gestures cost nothing but can make a significant difference.
- Check in on a neighbour, especially someone who is elderly or lives alone. A friendly hello can brighten a lonely day.
- Shovel a neighbour's walkway. This practical act of service is a wonderful, anonymous way to help someone out.
- Visit someone who is alone. If you know someone spending the day by themselves, a short visit can mean the world.
- Support community groups. While most organizations have their volunteers set for Christmas Day, you can always make a donation online to groups that support Ottawa's most vulnerable residents.
A Final Thought on the Holiday
While this article provides a roadmap for organized Christmas Day activities in Ottawa, the essence of the holiday often lives in moments that can't be scheduled. For many in our community, December 25th is not a day of celebration but one of quiet reflection, solitude, or even sorrow. If you are fortunate enough to have warmth, food, and companionship, you hold a quiet privilege.
Ultimately, Christmas in Ottawa is defined less by what is open and more by our openness to one another. Whether you're lacing up your skates, marvelling at twinkling lights, or simply sharing a quiet moment with a loved one, we hope your day is filled with peace, warmth, and a true sense of connection to the community around you.
For more hyperlocal guides, event listings, and stories that matter to our community, stay connected with NCR Now. We are your source for discovering everything the National Capital Region has to offer, from holiday happenings to daily news. Visit NCR Now to explore more.
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