As festive lights begin to twinkle across the capital, the annual search for the perfect holiday gift gets underway. The Ottawa Christmas shopping scene offers a wide range of options, from bustling European-style markets to unique independent shops in historic neighbourhoods. This guide is designed to help you plan your shopping with purpose, whether you're seeking a one-of-a-kind handmade item, a local food gift, or a last-minute find from a major retailer.
We've compiled seven key destinations for your holiday shopping in the National Capital Region, complete with the practical details needed for a smooth experience. This list cuts through the clutter, offering a direct path to the city's best markets, shopping districts, and seasonal events. Inside, you will find helpful information on vendor highlights, unique gift ideas, and logistical notes for each location.
Our goal is to simplify your Ottawa Christmas shopping, helping you find meaningful gifts while supporting local businesses. From the festive atmosphere at Lansdowne to the curated selections at major craft sales, this guide is your go-to resource for finding gifts that will delight everyone on your list.
1. Ottawa Christmas Market (Lansdowne)
For many Ottawa residents, the holiday season officially starts with a visit to the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne. This European-style outdoor market is a festive in-person event, and its official website is an essential planning tool for anyone looking to make their Ottawa Christmas shopping trip successful. The website is not for e-commerce; its main purpose is to provide a comprehensive guide for your visit.
The site excels at organizing a large, rotating event into a manageable plan. Before leaving home, you can browse a detailed directory of more than 50 local vendors. This feature is particularly useful because it breaks down artisans by category, such as food, apparel, or home decor, and indicates which weekends they will be present. This allows you to time your visit to see specific makers or discover new ones.
Planning Your Shopping Trip
The website’s strength lies in its practical details. It provides a clear schedule of events, from live music performances to special programming like craft workshops. This transforms a simple shopping outing into a full holiday experience. You can check the operating hours, which typically span weekends from late November until the days before Christmas, and find crucial logistical information.
Key planning features on the website include:
- Vendor Directory: A filterable list of participating local artisans, makers, and food producers.
- Event Calendar: A day-by-day schedule of live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
- Visitor Information: Up-to-date hours, a site map of Aberdeen Square, and details on parking and free OC Transpo shuttle services.
Pros and Cons of a Market-First Approach
The Ottawa Christmas Market offers a concentrated dose of local holiday spirit, but it requires an in-person visit. The website is your guide, not a storefront.
What We Like:
- Support Local: It provides direct access to a huge variety of Ottawa-based businesses in one festive location.
- Unique Finds: Discover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts you will not find in a big-box store.
- Free to Visit: Entry is free, making it an accessible holiday tradition.
Points to Consider:
- In-Person Only: You must visit the market at Lansdowne; there is no online purchasing option.
- Weather and Crowds: As an outdoor event, it is weather-dependent, and popular times can become very crowded.
- Limited Hours: The market operates on specific weekends, requiring you to plan your visit accordingly.
Website: https://www.ottawachristmasmarket.com
2. Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Christmas Market
For those who love the market atmosphere but prefer to stay warm, the Ottawa Farmers’ Market Christmas Market inside the historic Aberdeen Pavilion is a popular destination. Its website functions as a crucial guide for this beloved indoor event, ensuring your Ottawa Christmas shopping is cozy, efficient, and filled with local flavour. While not an e-commerce site, it provides all the essential details needed to plan a successful trip.
The website’s main role is to streamline your visit. It clearly outlines the market's operating dates and hours, which typically run on weekends from late November through December. With over 80 vendors under one roof, the site gives you a sense of the diverse offerings, from farm-fresh food gifts and seasonal decor to unique, handmade goods. It is an ideal resource for finding the perfect host gift, tasty stocking stuffers, or a special treat for the holiday table.
Planning Your Shopping Trip
The strength of the Ottawa Farmers' Market website is its logistical clarity. It eliminates guesswork by providing detailed information that makes getting to the market simple. You can easily find the specific dates for the Christmas Market, confirm opening and closing times, and plan your transportation in advance. This focus on logistics ensures you can spend less time worrying about the details and more time discovering local treasures.
Key planning features on the website include:
- Dates and Hours: A clear schedule of when the Christmas Market is open at the Aberdeen Pavilion.
- Vendor Information: An overview of the types of local producers and artisans you can expect to find.
- Location and Transit: Detailed directions, parking information, and guidance on using OC Transpo to get to Lansdowne.
Pros and Cons of a Market-First Approach
This market offers a fantastic, weather-proof way to connect with local makers, but it is an entirely in-person experience. The website is your informational hub, not a digital checkout.
What We Like:
- Indoor Comfort: The Aberdeen Pavilion location means you can shop comfortably regardless of the weather.
- Focus on Edible Gifts: An excellent selection of local food producers makes it perfect for finding consumables and host gifts.
- Convenient Planning: The site provides straightforward transit and parking instructions.
Points to Consider:
- In-Person Only: All purchases must be made directly from vendors at the market.
- Seasonal Availability: The market operates on a limited schedule of weekends during the holiday season.
- Vendor-by-Vendor Purchases: There is no central checkout; you pay at each individual vendor's booth.
Website: https://ottawafarmersmarket.ca/christmas-market/
3. Museum’s Christmas Market (Canadian Museum of History)
For a refined and art-focused holiday shopping experience, the Canadian Museum of History’s Christmas Market is a premier destination. While the event takes place across the river in Gatineau, it is a cornerstone of the Ottawa Christmas shopping season for many in the region. The museum's event webpage is the central hub for planning your visit, providing all the necessary details to navigate this large, juried market featuring approximately 100 artisans.
The website's primary role is to serve as an organized guide to the in-person event. It clearly lays out dates, hours, and provides a comprehensive overview of the participating vendors. This allows shoppers to preview the high-calibre selection of handmade art, gourmet foods, artisanal spirits, and unique accessories before they arrive. The juried nature of the market ensures a consistent level of quality, making it an ideal spot to find sophisticated, locally crafted gifts.
Planning Your Shopping Trip
The strength of the museum's event page is its simplicity and focus on essential information. It transforms what could be an overwhelming event into a manageable outing. You can quickly find the operating hours for the specific market weekend and confirm key amenities that enhance the experience, such as free admission and coat check services.
Key planning features on the website include:
- Exhibitor Overview: A list or preview of the nearly 100 artisans, giving you a sense of the diverse products available.
- Event Schedule: Clear dates and times for the multi-day market, allowing for precise planning.
- Visitor Amenities: Details on free entry, accessibility, and practical information about the venue, including parking.
- Gift Shop Link: The site also promotes the museum’s own gift shop as an alternative for finding unique Canadian gifts.
Pros and Cons of a Market-First Approach
This market offers an impressive, curated collection of high-quality goods in an iconic setting, but its availability is limited to one specific weekend.
What We Like:
- Curated Quality: The juried selection process means every vendor offers high-calibre, handmade products.
- Impressive Variety: With around 100 exhibitors, you can compare a vast range of artisanal goods under one roof.
- Comfortable Setting: The indoor museum environment offers amenities like a coat check and easy access.
Points to Consider:
- In-Person Only: The market itself requires an in-person visit; online purchases are limited to the museum's separate gift shop.
- Limited Dates: The event typically runs for only one long weekend, creating a small window for attendance.
- Potential Crowds: As a popular and free event, peak times can be very busy, and on-site parking may be limited.
Website: https://www.historymuseum.ca/events/christmas-market
4. Originals Christmas Craft Sale (EY Centre, by Signatures)
For those seeking a massive, one-stop destination for high-quality Canadian-made gifts, the Originals Christmas Craft Sale is an institution in Ottawa. Held at the spacious EY Centre, this event is a key part of Ottawa Christmas shopping. Its website acts as the central hub for planning a visit to this juried marketplace, which features over 200 of the nation's finest artisans. While not an e-commerce site, it is an indispensable tool for previewing makers and organizing your trip.
The website’s core value is its ability to showcase the event's scale and quality before you arrive. You can explore a detailed artisan directory, often with links to the makers' own online shops, allowing you to create a must-visit list. This preview function is perfect for targeted shopping, helping you find specific items like handcrafted jewellery, gourmet foods, or unique home decor from a curated selection of Canadian talent.
Planning Your Shopping Trip
The strength of the Originals website lies in its logistical precision. It provides all the necessary information to make your visit to the large-scale event smooth. You can find detailed schedules, including special features like "Sip & Shop" evenings, and purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues. The site also offers clear directions and information on parking and public transit options for getting to the EY Centre.
Key planning features on the website include:
- Artisan Directory: A searchable gallery of the 200+ participating Canadian makers, often with photos and links.
- Online Ticketing: Secure your admission ahead of time for specific dates and times.
- Visitor Information: Clear details on dates, hours, location, a venue map, and transportation tips. See also: other happenings at the EY Centre here.
Pros and Cons of a Market-First Approach
The Originals Christmas Craft Sale offers an unparalleled selection of Canadian-made goods under one roof, but it is a time-limited, ticketed event. The website is your portal for planning, not direct purchasing.
What We Like:
- Canadian-Made Quality: Access to a huge, juried selection of some of Canada's best artisans.
- All-in-One Venue: The indoor setting at the EY Centre makes it a comfortable, weather-proof shopping experience.
- Efficient Planning: The website makes it easy to buy tickets and preview vendors to maximize your time.
Points to Consider:
- Admission Fee: Unlike many other markets, this event requires a ticket for entry.
- In-Person Only: All purchases are made directly from vendors at the event itself.
- Limited Run: The sale takes place over a specific period, typically for about 10 days in early December.
Website: https://originalsshow.ca
5. CF Rideau Centre (downtown mall + store e-commerce links)
As Ottawa's largest and most central shopping hub, CF Rideau Centre is a pillar of downtown holiday shopping. While the mall itself offers a traditional in-person experience, its website functions as a powerful digital directory and a gateway to the e-commerce platforms of its 170-plus retailers. This makes it a key tool for anyone planning their Ottawa Christmas shopping, whether they prefer to browse in-store or order online for pickup.
The website's primary utility during the holiday season is its comprehensive store directory. Shoppers can quickly check which brands are available, from major international names like Apple and Zara to Canadian favourites like Indigo and Simons. Each store listing provides essential details and often includes a direct link to the retailer’s own website, allowing you to check stock or purchase gifts online before you visit.
Planning Your Shopping Trip
The strength of the CF Rideau Centre website lies in its logistical support. It centralizes all the practical information you need to plan an efficient trip. This includes detailed holiday hours, which often extend in December, and information on amenities like parking and guest services. You can learn more about Ottawa mall holiday hours on ncrnow.ca to better coordinate your visit.
Key planning features on the website include:
- Complete Store Directory: An A-Z list of all retailers with direct links to their e-commerce sites.
- Holiday Hours & Services: Centralized information on extended holiday hours, gift card services, and mall amenities.
- Online to In-Store Convenience: Many retailers linked from the site offer "buy online, pick up in-store" options, perfect for last-minute gifts.
Pros and Cons of a Mall-First Approach
CF Rideau Centre offers an unparalleled variety of brands in one location, but this convenience comes with the challenges of a busy urban mall during peak season.
What We Like:
- One-Stop Shop: A massive selection covering nearly every gift category and price point.
- Pickup Flexibility: Many stores offer in-store pickup for online orders, a lifesaver for last-minute shoppers.
- Broad Appeal: Ideal for finding gifts for a wide range of recipients with diverse tastes.
Points to Consider:
- Peak Season Crowds: The mall and its parking can become extremely busy, especially on weekends in December.
- Retailer-Dependent Policies: Shipping, returns, and inventory are all managed by individual stores.
- Less Focus on Local Artisans: The selection is dominated by national and international brands.
Website: https://www.cfshops.com/rideau-centre.html
6. ByWard Market (district + vendor/business directory)
The ByWard Market has been a cornerstone of Ottawa life for nearly two centuries, and its website serves as the modern gateway to this historic shopping district. While not a centralized e-commerce platform, the site is a helpful tool for planning your Ottawa Christmas shopping in one of the city's most vibrant areas of independent retailers. It acts as a digital directory and event guide, helping you navigate over 600 businesses to find unique local gifts.
The website's primary strength is its comprehensive business directory. You can digitally explore the district before setting foot on its streets, filtering by categories like "Fashion," "Gifts & Specialty," or "Food." This allows you to create a personalized shopping list, whether you're searching for gourmet foods from a local deli or handcrafted jewellery from an artisan boutique. It transforms a potentially overwhelming district into a curated experience.
Planning Your Shopping Trip
The ByWard Market website shines as a planning resource, especially during the festive season. It highlights seasonal programming, including winter market activities and holiday decorations, helping you combine shopping with a memorable outing. You can find information on everything from public art installations to specific shop hours, making it easy to plan a full day in the area.
Key planning features on the website include:
- Business Directory: A searchable and filterable guide to the hundreds of shops, artisans, and restaurants in the district.
- Events and Programming: Information on seasonal activities and events that add a festive touch to your shopping trip. See also: year-round events in Ottawa.
- Visitor Information: Practical details on parking, public transit, and a map of the area to help you navigate with ease.
Pros and Cons of a District-First Approach
Using the ByWard Market website is about planning an in-person, multi-stop shopping adventure, not making a single online purchase. It connects you directly with local commerce.
What We Like:
- Incredible Variety: Offers a dense and diverse collection of independent shops, specialty food vendors, and boutiques in one walkable area.
- Support Local: Every purchase directly supports a small, local Ottawa business.
- Unique Food Gifts: An unparalleled destination for finding gourmet and artisanal food items for holiday gifting.
Points to Consider:
- Individual Purchases: You must visit and pay at each individual shop; there is no single checkout.
- Weather Dependent: The outdoor elements of the market are subject to winter weather, and some vendor hours may vary.
- Varying Online Options: E-commerce capabilities and policies differ from one business to another.
Website: https://www.byward-market.com
7. Amazon Canada – Holiday Shop
While supporting local is a key part of the season, the reality of Ottawa Christmas shopping sometimes calls for the convenience and selection of a major online retailer. For mainstream gifts, last-minute needs, and hard-to-find items, Amazon Canada’s dedicated Holiday Shop becomes a useful tool for many Ottawa households. This is less about discovering a local artisan and more about efficiency and speed.
The platform’s strength lies in its logistics and curation during the holiday season. The Holiday Shop organizes millions of products into easy-to-browse gift guides for every recipient, from tech enthusiasts to home chefs. For Ottawa residents, especially those with an Amazon Prime membership, this translates to reliable, fast shipping right to your doorstep, even during the busiest shopping weeks.
Planning Your Shopping Trip
The Amazon website is built for efficient purchasing. Its seasonal gift guides and Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal pages allow you to plan major purchases and capitalize on discounts. You can create and share wish lists, compare prices from various sellers, and read user reviews before committing to a purchase. This digital-first approach lets you complete your shopping from home, avoiding crowded stores.
Key planning features on the website include:
- Holiday Gift Guides: Curated collections organized by category, price point, and recipient.
- Prime Shipping: Fast, often next-day, delivery to Ottawa addresses, which is invaluable for last-minute gifts.
- Deals and Promotions: Dedicated sections for major sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
- Standardized Returns: A consistent and straightforward returns process, providing peace of mind for gift purchases.
Pros and Cons of a Mainstream E-commerce Approach
Amazon offers unmatched convenience and selection, but it comes at the expense of supporting the local Ottawa economy directly.
What We Like:
- Speed and Reliability: Prime shipping ensures fast delivery to Ottawa, which is a lifesaver for time-crunched shoppers.
- Massive Selection: An enormous range of products across nearly every category.
- Price Comparison: The platform makes it easy to compare prices and find competitive deals without leaving the site.
Points to Consider:
- Not Locally Focused: Primarily supports large corporations rather than independent Ottawa makers and small businesses.
- Impersonal Experience: Lacks the personal touch of shopping at a local market or boutique.
- Delivery Cutoffs: During peak season, delivery deadlines for Christmas can be tight, so it is important to order in advance.
Website: https://www.amazon.ca
Ottawa Christmas Shopping — 7-Option Comparison
| Item | Logistics & Complexity 🔄 | Time/Cost & Efficiency ⚡ | Quality & Uniqueness ⭐ | Ideal Use Cases 💡 | Key Advantages / Impact 📊 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa Christmas Market (Lansdowne) | 🔄 Moderate — outdoor, rotating vendors; seasonal schedule | ⚡ Moderate time; low entry cost (free) | ⭐ High — local makers & seasonal exclusives | 💡 Festive in-person shopping; unique local gifts; family outing | 📊 Concentrated local vendors; festive atmosphere; limited days |
| Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Christmas Market | 🔄 Low — indoor single-venue setup (Aberdeen Pavilion) | ⚡ Efficient visit; weather-proof; clear transit/parking | ⭐ Medium–High — strong edible & artisan food selection | 💡 Host/food gifts; stocking-stuffers; weather-proof shopping | 📊 Large consumables selection; reliable regardless of weather |
| Museum’s Christmas Market (Canadian Museum of History) | 🔄 Moderate — juried/curated event with museum logistics | ⚡ Moderate efficiency; museum amenities improve comfort | ⭐ Very high — curated, high-quality artisans (~100 exhibitors) | 💡 Curated artisan shopping; combine museum visit + gifts | 📊 High-quality finds; museum amenities; online gift-shop option |
| Originals Christmas Craft Sale (EY Centre) | 🔄 Moderate — large juried marketplace; ticketing & previews | ⚡ Medium — ticketing may add cost; preview tools aid planning | ⭐ Very high — 200+ juried Canadian artisans | 💡 Broad artisan hunting; Canadian-made unique gifts | 📊 Massive variety; preview/shop features; special event programming |
| CF Rideau Centre (downtown mall) | 🔄 Low — centralized directory; mall navigation | ⚡ High — fast purchases, in-store pickup & e-commerce links | ⭐ Medium — wide mainstream product range | 💡 Last-minute shopping; brand-name gifts; pickup/returns | 📊 One-stop for many categories; convenient pickup; gift cards |
| ByWard Market (district + directory) | 🔄 Moderate — dispersed shops across a walkable district | ⚡ Variable — efficient if targeted, time-consuming to browse | ⭐ High — independent boutiques & specialty food options | 💡 Discover local boutiques; combined shopping + sightseeing | 📊 Dense indie business mix; year-round options; discovery-focused |
| Amazon Canada – Holiday Shop | 🔄 Very low — fully online checkout and delivery | ⚡ Very high — Prime shipping, easy returns; peak-season cutoffs | ⭐ Medium — massive selection but not local-focused | 💡 Fast delivery; wide selection; price comparison | 📊 Reliable logistics; extensive inventory; seasonal deals/events |
More Than Just a Purchase: Supporting Ottawa's Local Economy
As the holiday season approaches, completing your Ottawa Christmas shopping list is more than just a task. It represents a chance to invest directly into the heart of our community. The choices we make with our money this season can have a lasting positive impact, strengthening the local economy and supporting the creative spirit that defines our city.
This guide highlights a diverse landscape of shopping destinations, from the festive Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne to the curated artisan goods at the Originals Christmas Craft Sale. Each venue offers a distinct experience and a different flavour of what makes Ottawa’s holiday season unique. While the convenience of major retailers like CF Rideau Centre or online giants like Amazon has its place, the true character of our city is found in its local vendors and independent shop owners. When you purchase a handcrafted item at a market or a unique gift from a neighbourhood boutique, you are supporting a neighbour and contributing to the vibrant fabric of Ottawa.
Choosing Your Holiday Shopping Path
Your final decision on where to shop will likely depend on your needs and priorities. Consider a thoughtful blend of different experiences to create a shopping strategy that is both efficient and fulfilling.
- For the Full Festive Experience: If you are seeking a complete holiday outing, the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne and the Canadian Museum of History's Christmas Market are excellent choices for soaking in the atmosphere while discovering artisanal gifts.
- For One-of-a-Kind Handcrafted Gifts: To find truly unique, locally made items, prioritize the Originals Christmas Craft Sale at the EY Centre and the Ottawa Farmers’ Market. These are the best places to connect directly with the makers.
- For Efficiency and Variety: When time is short, a destination like CF Rideau Centre or the ByWard Market district offers a high concentration of diverse shops in one central location, allowing you to tackle a wide range of gift needs in a single trip.
- For Last-Minute Convenience: For those final, hard-to-find items, online options like Amazon Canada offer a practical solution. Consider supplementing these purchases with a few special items from a local shop to keep some of your spending within the community.
Choosing where to do your Ottawa Christmas shopping is an act of community engagement. By consciously directing even a portion of your holiday budget toward local businesses, you help ensure our city remains a place where independent creators and entrepreneurs can thrive. This season, let your gift-giving be a celebration of both the people on your list and the vibrant city we all call home.
Stay connected to the pulse of the city and discover more local events, markets, and small business stories with NCR Now. We provide in-depth, locally focused news that helps you make the most of living in the National Capital Region. Visit NCR Now to explore what is happening in your neighbourhood this holiday season.
