Holiday magic doesn’t have to cost a fortune! December 7, 2025 offers plenty of free activities throughout Ottawa, from Christmas markets to outdoor skating to spectacular light displays. Save your money for holiday gifts while enjoying all the capital has to offer.
Ottawa shines during the holiday season, and many of the best experiences are completely free. Whether you’re watching your budget or simply prefer experiences over expenses, this weekend delivers festive fun without opening your wallet.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Free activities December 7 include Ottawa Christmas Market, Rink of Dreams skating, ByWard Market holiday lights, Sparks Street decorations, and window shopping. Multiple free museum admissions also available for certain visitors.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | December 7, 2025 (Sunday) |
| 📍 Location | Various Ottawa locations |
| 🎟️ Cost | FREE |
| ⏰ Timing | All day options |
Top Free Activities
Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne
European-style market magic at no cost:
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- What’s Free: Entry, browsing vendors, live entertainment, atmosphere
- Location: Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne Park
- What to Expect: 60+ vendor chalets, festive decorations, Santa visits
Money-Saving Tip: Bring your own hot beverage in a thermos to stay warm without purchasing drinks.
Rink of Dreams
Free outdoor skating at City Hall:
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- What’s Free: Skating (if you bring skates), changing room
- Location: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W
- Available for Rent: Skates on site (rental fee applies)
Budget Tip: Borrow skates from friends or check community lending programs.
Illustrative image only.
ByWard Market Holiday Experience
The historic market comes alive for the holidays:
- Outdoor Market: Browse vendors without purchasing
- Holiday Lights: Free laser and aurora light shows nightly
- Window Shopping: Beautiful displays in boutiques
- Atmosphere: Festive decorations throughout
- Photo Opportunities: Instagram-worthy spots everywhere
Sparks Street Decorations
Downtown pedestrian mall in holiday splendor:
- What: Festive light displays and decorations
- When: All day/evening
- Perfect For: Evening strolls
- Combine With: Window shopping and people watching
Free Museum Options
Sunday Admission Deals
Check for free admission at various museums:
National Gallery of Canada
- Free admission for ages 17 and under
- Check for special free evening hours
Canadian Museum of History
- Free admission Thursdays 4-8 PM
- Sunday may have special programming
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
- Check for free admission days
- Pay-what-you-can events may be scheduled
Important: Verify current admission policies on museum websites before visiting.
Library Programs
Ottawa Public Library branches often offer:
- Free holiday programming
- Story times and craft activities
- Community events
- Warm, welcoming spaces
Outdoor Holiday Lights
Free Light Displays
Experience Ottawa’s holiday glow:
Parliament Hill Area
- Festive lighting on government buildings
- Scenic walk along Wellington Street
- Evening hours best for viewing
ByWard Market
- Laser light shows
- Aurora light displays
- Decorated storefronts
Neighbourhood Lights
- Drive or walk through decorated neighbourhoods
- Glebe, Westboro, and Old Ottawa South popular spots
- Free viewing from public streets
Illustrative image only.
Light Viewing Tips
Maximize your experience:
- Best viewed after 5:00 PM
- Dress warmly for extended walking
- Bring hot drinks from home
- Download map of decorated areas
- Park once and walk between spots
Free Indoor Warmth
Shopping Mall Displays
Enjoy holiday decorations while warming up:
Rideau Centre
- Elaborate holiday decorations
- Warm indoor environment
- Free to browse
- Central downtown location
Bayshore Shopping Centre
- Holiday displays and decorations
- Santa photo area (viewing free)
- Food court for affordable snacks
Public Spaces
Other warm spots to enjoy:
- Ottawa Public Library branches
- Community centre lobbies
- Hotel lobbies (discreet visits)
- University campus common areas
Budget-Friendly Additions
Very Low-Cost Options
Supplement free activities with affordable choices:
Hot Chocolate (~$4-6)
- Treat yourself to one warm drink
- ByWard Market cafes
- Tim Hortons for budget option
BeaverTails (~$8-12)
- Classic Ottawa treat
- Share one between friends
- Locations throughout city
Transit Day Pass (~$12)
- Unlimited travel all day
- Reach multiple free activities
- Stay warm between destinations
Pack Your Own
Maximize savings:
- Bring thermos with hot drinks
- Pack snacks from home
- Carry hand warmers
- Bring your own skates
Planning Your Free Day
Sample Itinerary
Morning:
- Start at Ottawa Christmas Market (free entry)
- Browse vendor chalets and enjoy atmosphere
- Catch live entertainment
Afternoon:
- Walk to Rideau Centre (warm up, browse displays)
- Explore ByWard Market area
- Window shop and photograph decorations
Evening:
- Return to Lansdowne for Rink of Dreams skating
- Watch holiday light displays
- Stroll Parliament Hill area for lights
Timing Tips
Strategic planning for maximum enjoyment:
- Markets less crowded in morning
- Skating busiest mid-afternoon
- Light displays best after sunset (around 4:30 PM)
- Indoor activities good for mid-day warmth
Staying Warm on a Budget
Layering Strategies
Beat the cold without buying new gear:
- Wear multiple thin layers
- Use newspaper as insulation (old trick!)
- Rotate between outdoor and indoor activities
- Bring extra socks for wet feet
Free Warming Spots
Know where to warm up:
- Public library branches
- Shopping mall common areas
- Coffee shops (purchase optional but courteous)
- Museum lobbies (before admission check)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Ottawa Christmas Market really free? A: Yes! Admission is completely free. You only pay if you choose to purchase food, drinks, or gifts from vendors.
Q: Can I skate at Rink of Dreams without owning skates? A: Rentals are available on-site for a fee. For a completely free experience, bring your own skates or borrow from friends.
Q: Are there free indoor activities for families? A: Yes! Public libraries offer free programs, some museums have free admission for youth, and shopping mall holiday displays are free to enjoy.
Q: What if I want to buy something small at the Christmas market? A: Many vendors have affordable items under $20. Set a small budget and stick to it for guilt-free enjoyment.
Q: Is transit included in “free” activities? A: Transit costs are not included, but you can walk between many downtown activities. Consider a day pass if using OC Transpo.
Additional Tips
Photography is Free
Capture memories without cost:
- Use your phone camera
- Holiday markets are photogenic
- Light displays photograph beautifully
- Create lasting memories
Group Activities
Free fun multiplies with friends:
- Organize a group skating outing
- Market exploration is more fun together
- Share hot drinks and snacks
- Create free holiday memories as a group
Check Event Listings
Last-minute free events:
- Community centre programs
- Library special events
- Pop-up performances
- Church concerts (many free)
Final Thoughts
December 7, 2025 proves that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy Ottawa’s holiday magic. From the free-admission Ottawa Christmas Market to skating at the Rink of Dreams, from spectacular light displays to museum visits, the capital offers countless ways to celebrate the season without spending a fortune.
The best holiday memories often come from experiences rather than purchases. Bundle up, gather friends or family, and discover that Ottawa’s free offerings deliver as much festive joy as any paid attraction.
Save your money for gifts—Ottawa’s holiday spirit is on the house!
Source: Ottawa Tourism, Ottawa Christmas Market, City of Ottawa - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
For more budget-friendly Ottawa activities, visit Things to Do or explore Ottawa Events!
