Warm mulled wine, wooden chalets, and the spirit of a European Christmas village—all in the heart of Ottawa! The Ottawa Christmas market at Lansdowne continues on December 7, 2025, offering a perfect Sunday outing filled with holiday shopping, festive food, and seasonal entertainment.
The Ottawa Christmas Market transforms Aberdeen Square at Lansdowne Park into an authentic European-style Christmas market. With free admission, dozens of vendor chalets, and a magical atmosphere, it’s become one of the capital’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne runs Sunday December 7 from 10am-8pm. Free admission, 60+ vendors in wooden chalets, festive food and drinks, live entertainment, family activities, and Santa visits. European Christmas village atmosphere.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | December 7, 2025 (Sunday) |
| 📍 Location | Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne Park |
| 🎟️ Admission | FREE |
| ⏰ Hours | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
December 7 Sunday Experience
Perfect Sunday Outing
Sunday at the Christmas Market offers:
- Relaxed weekend pace for browsing
- Family-friendly daytime hours
- Evening ambiance as lights illuminate
- Full day of activities available
- Less crowded than Saturday evenings
What’s Happening
December 7 features the full market experience:
- All vendor chalets open
- Live entertainment throughout the day
- Food and beverage vendors
- Santa Claus visits
- Holiday activities for families
- Photo opportunities everywhere
Illustrative image only.
Shopping at the Market
60+ Vendor Chalets
Explore the wooden chalets filled with:
Handcrafted Goods:
- Artisan jewelry and accessories
- Handmade clothing and textiles
- Pottery and ceramics
- Woodwork and carvings
- Glass and metalwork
Canadian Products:
- Maple syrup and treats
- Local food products
- Canadian-made clothing
- Ottawa-themed souvenirs
Holiday Items:
- Christmas ornaments
- Decorations and wreaths
- Seasonal gifts
- Stocking stuffers
Finding Unique Gifts
The market excels at:
- Items not found in regular stores
- Direct-from-maker purchases
- Personalized and custom options
- Support for local creators
- Quality artisan craftsmanship
Food and Drinks
Festive Fare
Warm up with holiday food and beverages:
Drinks:
- Mulled wine and cider
- Hot chocolate varieties
- Specialty coffee drinks
- Boozy holiday favourites
Food:
- Traditional market foods
- Hearty seasonal dishes
- Sweet treats and pastries
- International options
Dining Experience
Food is central to the Christmas market tradition:
- Outdoor eating areas
- Standing warmth from heaters
- Communal atmosphere
- Pairs perfectly with shopping
Entertainment and Activities
Live Performances
December 7 features scheduled entertainment:
- Live music throughout the day
- Holiday performances
- Local artists and groups
- Festive sing-alongs
Family Activities
Fun for all ages:
- Santa Claus available for visits
- Photo opportunities throughout
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Holiday activities for children
- Crafts and games at various times
Illustrative image only.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Trip
Strategic timing suggestions:
Morning (10am-12pm):
- Less crowded
- Full vendor selection
- Good for focused shopping
- Easier parking
Afternoon (12pm-5pm):
- Peak activity time
- Most entertainment scheduled
- Great family hours
- Lunch and snack time
Evening (5pm-8pm):
- Magical lighting atmosphere
- More romantic ambiance
- Mulled wine time
- Special evening energy
What to Wear
December in Ottawa means dressing warmly:
- Layered clothing
- Warm coat and accessories
- Comfortable walking shoes/boots
- Gloves for carrying purchases
What to Bring
Come prepared:
- Cash (some vendors prefer it)
- Reusable shopping bags
- Camera or phone for photos
- Gift list to stay organized
- Patience and holiday spirit
Getting to Lansdowne
Location
Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne Park 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa
Transportation Options
By Car:
- Underground parking at Lansdowne
- Street parking nearby (limited)
- Paid parking lots in area
By Transit:
- Bank Street buses (1, 7, 87)
- Transfer from O-Train at Parliament
- Easy access from multiple routes
By Foot/Bike:
- Walkable from Glebe and Old Ottawa South
- Bike parking available
- Pleasant walk from Bank Street South
Combining with Other Activities
Lansdowne Park
While at Lansdowne, explore:
- Retail shops in Lansdowne complex
- Restaurants and cafes
- Movie theatre
- Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame
The Glebe
Walk to nearby Glebe for:
- Bank Street boutique shopping
- Additional restaurants and cafes
- Neighbourhood holiday decorations
- Extended shopping experience
Market Tips
Shopping Strategies
Maximize your market experience:
- Do a full walkthrough first before buying
- Note items you like for comparison
- Ask about payment options
- Request gift wrapping when available
- Get business cards for future purchases
- Consider early purchases to avoid sellouts
Photography Tips
Capture the magic:
- Evening hours for best light displays
- Christmas tree makes great backdrop
- Vendor chalets photograph beautifully
- Capture candid family moments
- Ask permission for close-up vendor photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Ottawa Christmas Market free? A: Yes! Admission is completely free. You only pay for purchases from vendors and food/drink.
Q: Can I bring my dog? A: Check the market’s current pet policy, as rules may vary. Service animals are always welcome.
Q: Is the market accessible? A: Yes, the outdoor market area at Aberdeen Square is accessible. Check specific accessibility features with organizers.
Q: How long should I plan to spend? A: Most visitors spend 1-3 hours exploring vendors, eating, and enjoying entertainment.
Q: Will it be crowded on Sunday? A: Sundays tend to be busy but often less packed than Saturday evenings. Morning arrival typically means smaller crowds.
Remaining Market Dates
December 2025 Schedule
The Ottawa Christmas Market continues:
- December 7 (Sunday) - 10am-8pm
- Additional weekends through December 31
- Extended dates December 30-31
Check the official Ottawa Christmas Market website for the complete schedule and special events.
Final Thoughts
December 7, 2025 offers a perfect opportunity to experience the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne. The Sunday hours provide flexibility for families and couples alike, with morning browsing, afternoon activities, and evening atmosphere all available in a single visit.
The combination of European-style market charm, local artisan vendors, festive food and drinks, and free admission makes this one of Ottawa’s best holiday experiences. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, enjoying seasonal treats, or simply soaking in the holiday atmosphere, the Ottawa Christmas Market delivers.
Visit ottawachristmasmarket.com for complete details and schedule updates.
Source: Ottawa Christmas Market, Ottawa Tourism - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa holiday events, visit Ottawa Events or explore Things to Do!
