Unwrap the Magic of Lansdowne Christmas Market in Ottawa With the Help of Our Guide!
I’m typing this with my trusty red hat on, ready to be your Santa for the day, and here to grant your Christmas wish – an exciting way to celebrate the holidays!
Although let’s be real, it might take me a while to grow a legit white beard, so we’ll settle for the hat.
And, if you happen to find yourself in Ottawa during the holidays, there’s one spot that should absolutely sleigh your list – the Lansdowne Christmas Market.
With more surprises than a present from your mischievous elf on the shelf, it’s a must-visit for a holly, jolly good time in Ottawa.
What to Do at the Lansdowne Christmas Market
Enjoy the festive ambiance
It’s hard to ignore the festive spirit of the season once you’re at the Lansdowne Christmas Market.
You’ll be blinded by the mesmerizing light illumination all around you, creating a jolly atmosphere apt for the holidays.
Needless to say, it’s the perfect stage for merry celebrations in the city during this time, even attracting folks from all over the globe.
Here’s a tip: make sure to look out for any announcements regarding the Christmas tree lighting event for an exciting way to kickstart the festivities!
Explore more than 50 vendors
There are more than 50 vendors selling their products at the Lansdowne Christmas Market, a bustling hub of holiday cheer and a shopper’s paradise.
If you’re especially keen on supporting local vendors, I recommend doing your Christmas shopping here.
With a wide variety of goods you can purchase, I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to snag unique finds you can gift your loved ones.
Expect to spot fun Christmas-themed trinkets, trendy apparel perfect for winter, handcrafted pottery, unique dishes, mouth-watering pastries, and much more.
Have your kids participate in exciting events
Christmas is all about family-friendly fun, ensuring your little ones will discover a multitude of exciting events to enjoy.
In the past, events like Santa’s Workshop have been a hit, where kids get to play the role of elves and create Christmas-themed items. Be sure to attend during the day to catch this, as there’s also an adult version at night, featuring seasonal cocktails.
And speaking of adults, this brings us to the next item on the list – events tailored especially for grown-ups, because who says Christmas is only for kids?
Participate in activities
Aside from the cocktails and crafts event mentioned earlier, adults can also engage in other activities such as playing hockey, joining a DJ skate night, and even watching performers at the Casino Lac-Leamy stage.
With such a diverse range of options, there’s something to suit every taste and age!
Surround yourself with the buzzing crowd
The Christmas market has drawn thousands of crowds in the past. In 2022, around 75,000 visitors enjoyed the festivities, followed by 100,000 in 2023.
While they have yet to announce the crowd prediction this year, we wouldn’t be surprised if there were more people than last year!
Watch vibrant live performances
Another reason why the Christmas market has a remarkable festive spirit is the live performances that create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, drawing visitors into the joyful celebration of the season.
Aside from the expected Christmas carols, you can also expect local artists to show up with their own tunes!
Enjoy a groovy silent disco
I don’t know about you but there’s something about Christmas celebrations that makes them feel incomplete without a little dancing. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.
Fortunately, there’s an opportunity for us to indulge ourselves at Silent Disco Night.
It’s like an ordinary disco night but with a twist: instead of blaring music, everyone wears headphones, immersing themselves in their own world while dancing together in perfect harmony.
Have fun times on ice
Visitors can also perfect their axles if they find themselves at the Lansdowne Christmas Market or, you know, stumble while trying – whichever comes first.
Just imagine gliding across the ice on a picturesque outdoor skating rink, surrounded by the twinkling lights and festive ambiance of the market! You’re bound to have a memorable skating experience.
Enter with free admission
Everything so far has been fun and all but here’s the best part – the entrance to the Lansdowne Christmas Market is completely free!
You can enjoy all the festive attractions and activities without worrying about admission fees draining your holiday budget. And to that I say, more money for shopping!
Things to Keep in Mind
Use public transit if you can
The Ottawa roads tend to be congested this time of year, especially if there’s a huge event like the Christmas market. I recommend using public transit, if possible, to avoid being stuck on the road.
To help plan your trip, make sure to check out OC Transpo’s travel planner where you can input your origin and destination, and receive detailed route options, schedules, and estimated travel times.
Consider the operating hours
Lansdowne Christmas Market is open from November 25 to December 23 every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
That said, depending on weather conditions, there might be changes to the schedule, so it’s a good idea to check the official website before you visit.
Pets are allowed
While pets are allowed at the Christmas market, do note that they’re not allowed inside the restaurants.
I find it best to keep them in a stroller to avoid overwhelming them with the crowd or carry them instead. I’ve seen a lot of fur parents doing both, but ultimately, please be a responsible owner and prioritize your furry friend’s comfort and well-being.