Ottawa Daily News: December 24, 2025
Last Updated: December 24, 2025 at 8:00 AM ET
Ottawa is waking up to a magical Christmas Eve with fresh snow blanketing the capital and more on the way, virtually guaranteeing a white Christmas for the first time in years. As residents prepare for family gatherings and last-minute shopping, the city buzzes with holiday energy while navigating some sobering news about a flu outbreak affecting local children.
This comprehensive daily news roundup covers everything happening in Ottawa today: from Christmas Eve church services and skating at the Rink of Dreams to the Senators hosting the Sabres tonight at Canadian Tire Centre. Whether you’re finishing your holiday shopping, planning your Christmas Eve activities, or just staying informed, here’s your complete guide to Ottawa news for December 24, 2025.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa is set for a white Christmas with 5-10 cm of snow expected. Christmas Eve shoppers have until 5 PM at most malls. The Senators play the Sabres at 7 PM. A serious flu outbreak has health officials urging vaccinations. OC Transpo runs on holiday schedules, and the Rink of Dreams offers free skating all day.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Tuesday, December 24, 2025 |
| 🌡️ Weather | High -5°C, Low -10°C, 5-10 cm snow |
| 🏒 Sports | Senators vs Sabres, 7:00 PM at CTC |
| 🎉 Top Event | Free skating at Rink of Dreams, 9 AM - 11 PM |
| 🚗 Parking | Free at City Hall from 4 PM today |
| ⏰ Mall Hours | Most malls close at 5:00 PM |
White Christmas Confirmed: Snow Blankets Ottawa
Image: Fresh snow transforms Ottawa into a winter wonderland on Christmas Eve 2025.
Ottawa residents will wake up to a picture-perfect white Christmas tomorrow morning. Environment Canada has confirmed that 5 to 10 centimetres of snow will fall across the capital region starting today, with periods of light snow and freezing drizzle continuing through the evening.
The temperature today reaches a high of minus 5 degrees Celsius, with wind chill values making it feel like minus 14 this morning. Tonight brings flurries with temperatures dropping to minus 10, and winds becoming northwest at 40 km/h, gusting to 60 after midnight.
For an official white Christmas designation, at least 2 centimetres of snow must be on the ground at 7 AM on December 25. Forecasters now express high confidence Ottawa will meet this threshold. This marks the second significant snowfall event in two weeks, following the 12 centimetres that fell on December 11.
Christmas Day Forecast: Cloudy with a high of minus 3°C and overnight low of minus 13°C. Boxing Day will be colder still, with a high of only minus 11°C and snow expected in the evening.
Residents planning to travel should allow extra time and check road conditions before heading out. The snow creates beautiful scenery but also demands caution on roadways throughout the holiday weekend.
Christmas Eve Activities: Where to Go and What to Do
Image: Families enjoy free skating at the illuminated Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall.
Free Skating at Rink of Dreams
The refrigerated skating rink at Ottawa City Hall operates from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM today, offering free ice skating for all ages. The evening hours are particularly magical, with festive illumination creating the distinctive “dreamy” atmosphere that gives the rink its name.
This outdoor rink provides an excellent alternative to the Rideau Canal Skateway, which remains closed as officials await proper ice thickness. The Rink of Dreams continues operating until March 29, 2026, making it a reliable winter destination throughout the season. Looking for more winter activities? Check out our guide to toboggan hills in Ottawa or find the best hot chocolate spots to warm up after skating.
Location: 110 Laurier Avenue West (Ottawa City Hall) Hours Today: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Cost: Free Skate Rentals: Available on-site
Ottawa Christmas Market Status
The popular European-style Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne (Aberdeen Plaza) is closed today for Christmas Eve. The market reopens on December 26 at 5:00 PM, perfect for Boxing Day visitors seeking holiday atmosphere.
When open, the market features thousands of Christmas lights, local vendor booths, artisanal goods, holiday entertainment, and seasonal food options. Plan your Boxing Day visit to experience this beloved Ottawa tradition.
Christmas Eve Church Services
St. Mary’s Parish (100 Young Street)
- Children’s Pageant: 4:45 PM
- Christmas Vigil Mass: 5:00 PM
- Candlelit Concert: 11:30 PM
- Traditional Midnight Mass: 12:00 AM
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (82 Kent Street)
- “A Service of the Nativity”: 6:30 PM
- Features nativity story and children’s pageant
- Available via live stream online
St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Traditional Candlelight Midnight Mass: 12:00 AM
These services welcome community members seeking to celebrate the spiritual meaning of Christmas. Most churches recommend arriving 15-20 minutes early, especially for popular services like midnight mass.
Ottawa Senators Host Buffalo Sabres Tonight
Image: The Ottawa Senators take on the Buffalo Sabres in a crucial Atlantic Division matchup.
The Ottawa Senators host the Buffalo Sabres at Canadian Tire Centre tonight at 7:00 PM in a critical Atlantic Division matchup. This Christmas Eve game carries significant playoff implications as both teams fight for Eastern Conference positioning.
The Senators enter the game with an 18-13-4 record (8-6-2 at home) and riding an impressive four-game winning streak. Meanwhile, Buffalo arrives with a 17-14-4 record (6-9-2 on the road) having won five straight games of their own.
Key Players to Watch:
- Tim Stützle leads Ottawa with 37 points this season
- Drake Batherson provides secondary scoring with 35 points
- Linus Ullmark has recorded 14 wins with a .884 save percentage
- Tage Thompson leads Buffalo’s offensive attack
- Alex Lyon (8-6-3 record) provides steady goaltending for the Sabres
Analysts expect a defensively focused contest given both teams’ recent disciplined play. The under 6.5 goals line is favored by sports betting experts.
For fans attending tonight’s game, remember that OC Transpo runs on holiday schedules. Plan your transportation accordingly and consider using the park-and-ride lots if driving to Kanata.
Health Alert: Flu Outbreak Claims Three Children
As of 8:00 AM ET
Image: CHEO faces unprecedented demand as flu cases surge across Ottawa.
Ottawa’s public health system is grappling with an unprecedented influenza outbreak that has claimed three children’s lives this month. The three victims, aged five to nine, died from flu-related complications in what health officials describe as an unusually high mortality rate in a short timeframe.
Dr. Trevor Arnason, Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health, characterized the situation as unusual. While pediatric flu deaths do occur in Canada, witnessing three deaths within a brief window is uncommon and concerning.
The crisis has reached critical proportions at CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario), which reported 300 positive flu test results between December 1-10. This represents a dramatic spike from just 11 positive tests during the same period last year.
Current Flu Statistics:
- Ottawa Public Health classifies flu activity as “very high” and still escalating
- Eastern Ontario Health Unit reports over 200 flu cases compared to approximately 50 at this time last year
- CHEO has requested family physicians extend hours to manage patient volume
Dr. Arnason emphasized that vaccination is “especially important this season for children due to the rise in severe illness.” Health authorities are urgently appealing to residents to obtain flu vaccinations before holiday family gatherings increase transmission risk. For more details on this developing story, see our flu outbreak coverage.
Approximately 90 per cent of flu deaths nationally occur in adults aged 65 and older, making vaccination important for grandparents who will gather with family over the holidays.
What To Do Now (Health)
Three children have died from flu this month—reconsider holiday plans if anyone shows symptoms. Keep gatherings small if possible, and open windows periodically for ventilation. Vaccines are still available at pharmacies today; it takes two weeks for full protection.
Last-Minute Shopping: Store Hours on Christmas Eve
Image: Ottawa shoppers make final purchases before malls close at 5 PM on Christmas Eve.
Time is running out for last-minute shoppers, with most Ottawa malls closing at 5:00 PM today. Here’s your complete guide to Christmas Eve shopping hours across the capital.
Mall Hours Today (December 24)
| Shopping Centre | Hours |
|---|---|
| Rideau Centre | Closes 5:00 PM |
| Bayshore Shopping Centre | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Place d’Orléans | Closes 5:00 PM |
| St. Laurent Centre | Closes 5:00 PM |
| Tanger Outlets | Closes 5:00 PM |
Grocery Store Hours
Last-minute ingredients for your holiday meal? Here’s where to shop:
- Shoppers Drug Mart: Extended hours, many locations open until 8:00-9:00 PM
- Farm Boy: Open until approximately 6:00 PM
- No Frills: Open until approximately 6:00 PM
- Sobeys: Open until approximately 6:00 PM
- Walmart: Open until approximately 8:00 PM
Christmas Day (December 25) - What’s Open
All shopping malls are closed on Christmas Day. However, some grocery stores maintain limited hours:
- Costco: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Farm Boy: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Walmart: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Plan ahead and complete your shopping today to avoid disappointment tomorrow.
OC Transpo Holiday Schedule in Effect
Image: OC Transpo operates on modified holiday schedules through January 2, 2026.
OC Transpo is operating on holiday schedules from December 22 through January 2, 2026, with modified frequency and service hours. Understanding these changes helps ensure smooth travel during the holiday season.
Today (Christmas Eve)
Buses and O-Train Lines 1, 2, and 4 operate on a special weekday schedule with reduced afternoon rush hour service. Regular routes run but with adjusted frequency.
Tomorrow (Christmas Day)
All services operate on Sunday schedules. The O-Train Line 1 begins at approximately 8:00 AM and runs every 4-5 minutes throughout the day. Paratranspo provides holiday service for registered users.
Important Notes
- School routes remain suspended until January 2, 2026
- New Year’s Eve features free transit after 6:00 PM to support safe celebrations
- Check octranspo.com for specific route information
Free Holiday Parking
The City of Ottawa offers free parking at City Hall from 4:00 PM today through 7:00 AM on December 26. The ByWard Market garage also provides complimentary parking during this same window.
This free parking makes downtown a convenient destination for evening activities, church services, or simply enjoying the holiday atmosphere in the market area.
Missing Teen: Police Seek Public Help
As of 8:00 AM ET
Image: Ottawa Police continue searching for missing 15-year-old Colton Dawe.
Ottawa Police are actively seeking public assistance in locating Colton Dawe, a 15-year-old who has been missing since December 17. Dawe was last sighted in west-end Ottawa and police are concerned for his well-being.
Description:
- White male, 15 years old
- Height: 5 feet 1 inch
- Short brown hair
- Brown eyes
- Last seen wearing: Puffy grey jacket, white or black sweater, blue plaid pyjama pants, and black Crocs
Police note that Dawe is known to use public transportation and frequently visits:
- Rideau Centre
- Place d’Orléans
- College Square
- St. Laurent Shopping Centre
- Downtown Ottawa
If You Have Information:
- Ottawa Police: 613-263-1222, extension 7300
- Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 1-800-222-8477
The holiday season makes locating missing persons especially important. Anyone who may have seen Colton Dawe is urged to contact authorities immediately.
Parliament Adjourns for Holiday Recess
Image: Parliament Hill sits quiet as MPs begin their six-week winter recess.
The House of Commons has begun its winter break, with MPs not expected to return until January 26, 2026. Parliament adjourned without completing passage of the government’s extensive budget implementation legislation.
While the Liberal budget received approval in November through a confidence vote, the bill implementing budget provisions only passed second reading on Wednesday. It will proceed to committee examination when Parliament returns in the new year.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed tensions on Parliament Hill before the recess, acknowledging the challenges of minority Parliament governance. “We are making advancements. Canadians justifiably expect us to achieve much more,” he stated to journalists.
City Council 2026 Budget Approved
Closer to home, Ottawa City Council concluded budget deliberations for 2026 on December 10, approving a spending proposal exceeding $5.2 billion for city operations and $1.9 billion in capital initiatives.
The budget includes a 3.75 per cent overall property tax increase, equating to approximately $166 annually for the average homeowner. Key allocations include:
- Five per cent increase for police funding
- Eight per cent rise for transit services
- Two per cent increase for most other city services
The distribution sparked controversy among councillors, with debates over whether police or other services should receive priority funding.
Museums and Attractions: Holiday Hours
Image: The National Gallery of Canada operates reduced hours during the Christmas holiday period.
Planning to visit Ottawa’s world-class museums and attractions over the holidays? Here’s the complete schedule for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Open Today (December 24)
| Attraction | Hours |
|---|---|
| National Gallery of Canada | 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM |
| Canada Agriculture and Food Museum | Until 2:00 PM |
| Ottawa Art Gallery | Until 4:00 PM |
| Ottawa Public Library (all branches) | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Closed Today
- Canadian Museum of Nature (closed through January 1, 2026)
- Shenkman Arts Centre
Christmas Day (December 25)
Most museums and attractions are closed on Christmas Day, including:
- National Gallery of Canada
- Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
- Canada Science and Technology Museum
- Ottawa Art Gallery
- Ottawa Public Library (all branches)
- Shenkman Arts Centre
Boxing Day Reopenings
Many venues reopen on December 26:
- National Gallery of Canada: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Canada Science and Technology Museum: Regular hours
- Ottawa Christmas Market: 5:00 PM
Sports Update: Redblacks Prepare for 2026 Season
Image: The Ottawa Redblacks announce key staff appointments ahead of the 2026 CFL season.
The Ottawa Redblacks announced key staff appointments this week as the team prepares for the 2026 CFL season. Gerry Townend joins as Director of Medical Services while Chris Schwarz takes the role of Director of High Performance.
Both professionals bring extensive NHL experience from the Ottawa Senators organization. Their mandate includes:
- Developing comprehensive offseason and in-season training programs
- Supporting return-to-play protocols for injured players
- Reducing overall injury risk
These priorities were highlighted after the Redblacks recorded 281 man-games lost to injury in 2025, the second-highest total in the CFL. Improving player health and availability represents a key focus for the organization heading into next season.
Other Sports Notes
- Ottawa 67’s (OHL): No games scheduled during the holiday break. The team returns to action December 28 at home versus Kingston.
- Ottawa Atlético: Off-season continues for the soccer club.
City Services and Closures
Image: Many City of Ottawa services operate on reduced schedules during the Christmas holiday.
Government Services
- City 3-1-1 Contact Centre: Open for urgent matters only on Christmas Day
- Employment and Social Services: All four city offices closed December 25-26 and January 1
Waste Collection
- No residential garbage, bin, recycling, or bulky item collection on Christmas Day
- Collections resume December 26
- Trail Waste Facility: Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Health Services
- Sexual Health and Dental Clinics: Modified holiday hours (check City of Ottawa website for specific times)
- Hospital emergency rooms remain open 24/7
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Ottawa have a white Christmas in 2025?
Yes, Environment Canada forecasts 5-10 cm of snow for Christmas Eve, with accumulation persisting through Christmas morning. At least 2 cm of snow on the ground at 7 AM on December 25 qualifies as an official white Christmas, and Ottawa is expected to exceed this threshold easily.
Q: What time do Ottawa malls close on Christmas Eve?
Most major Ottawa shopping centres close at 5:00 PM on Christmas Eve, including Rideau Centre, Bayshore, Place d’Orléans, St. Laurent Centre, and Tanger Outlets. Grocery stores generally stay open slightly later, until 6-8 PM depending on the chain.
Q: Is there a Senators game on Christmas Eve 2025?
Yes, the Ottawa Senators host the Buffalo Sabres at Canadian Tire Centre at 7:00 PM on December 24, 2025. The team is on a four-game winning streak and looking to extend their strong home record.
Q: Where can I go ice skating in Ottawa on Christmas Eve?
The Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall offers free skating from 9 AM to 11 PM on Christmas Eve. Skate rentals are available on-site. The Rideau Canal Skateway remains closed as ice conditions are not yet suitable.
Q: What churches have midnight mass in Ottawa?
Several Ottawa churches offer midnight mass on Christmas Eve, including St. Mary’s Parish (100 Young Street) with a candlelit concert at 11:30 PM followed by mass at midnight, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian offers an earlier service at 6:30 PM.
Q: Is OC Transpo running on Christmas Day?
Yes, OC Transpo operates Sunday schedules on Christmas Day. O-Train Line 1 begins at approximately 8 AM and runs every 4-5 minutes. Paratranspo also provides holiday service for registered users.
Q: What is open in Ottawa on Christmas Day 2025?
Most businesses are closed on Christmas Day. Some grocery stores remain open with limited hours: Costco (8 AM - 5 PM), Farm Boy (7 AM - 5 PM), and Walmart (7 AM - 6 PM). All shopping malls are closed. The Rink of Dreams at City Hall remains open.
Q: Is parking free in downtown Ottawa during Christmas?
Yes, the City of Ottawa offers free parking at City Hall from 4 PM on Christmas Eve through 7 AM on December 26. The ByWard Market garage also provides complimentary parking during this same window.
Q: How serious is the flu outbreak in Ottawa?
The current flu outbreak is significant, with Ottawa Public Health classifying activity as “very high.” CHEO reported 300 positive flu tests in the first 10 days of December, compared to just 11 during the same period last year. Three children have died from flu-related complications this month.
Q: What is the weather forecast for Christmas Day in Ottawa?
Christmas Day will be cloudy with a high of -3°C and an overnight low of -13°C. Snow accumulation from Christmas Eve will remain on the ground. Boxing Day will be colder, with highs of only -11°C.
Q: Is there a missing person alert in Ottawa?
Yes, Ottawa Police are searching for 15-year-old Colton Dawe, missing since December 17 from west-end Ottawa. He is 5’1” with short brown hair and brown eyes, last seen wearing a grey puffy jacket and blue plaid pyjama pants. Contact police at 613-263-1222 ext. 7300 with information.
Q: When does Parliament return after Christmas break?
Parliament is expected to resume sitting on January 26, 2026, after a six-week winter recess. Budget implementation legislation will continue through committee examination when MPs return.
Final Summary
Ottawa’s Christmas Eve 2025 brings the perfect blend of winter magic and holiday spirit to Canada’s capital. With 5-10 cm of snow ensuring a white Christmas, residents can enjoy skating at the Rink of Dreams, last-minute shopping before the 5 PM mall closures, or catching the Senators take on the Sabres at 7 PM.
The flu outbreak serves as a reminder to take health precautions during family gatherings, and the search for missing teen Colton Dawe continues. For those travelling, allow extra time due to snowy conditions and be aware of OC Transpo’s holiday schedules.
From everyone at ViaOttawa, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all our readers across the National Capital Region!
Sources and References
- Environment Canada Weather Forecast
- Ottawa Police Service
- City of Ottawa
- OC Transpo Holiday Schedules
- Ottawa Public Health
- CBC Ottawa
- CTV News Ottawa
- Ottawa Senators
- Ottawa Redblacks
This daily news roundup is compiled from multiple Ottawa news sources. For breaking updates throughout the holiday season, follow local news outlets and ViaOttawa. For more Ottawa events and activities, visit our Events section or check out what to do in Ottawa this winter. Looking for free activities? See our guide to free things to do in Ottawa.
