The first full weekend of December 2025 brings an explosion of holiday activities to Ottawa, from beloved ballet performances to film festivals, Christmas markets, and the official start of skating season at City Hall.
Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, family fun, or holiday shopping, this weekend offers something for everyone in Canada’s capital.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: This weekend features The Nutcracker at NAC (Wed-Sun), Digi60 Film Festival (Fri-Sun), Christmas with the Mayor (Sat 3-6 PM), Saunders Farm Christmas opening (Sat), Ottawa 67s vs Barrie (Fri), and ongoing Christmas markets at Lansdowne.
| Event | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 🩰 The Nutcracker | Dec 3-7 | Ballet |
| 🎬 Digi60 Festival | Dec 5-7 | Film |
| 🎄 Christmas with Mayor | Dec 6 | Community |
| 🏒 Ottawa 67s | Dec 5 | Hockey |
| 🎅 Saunders Farm | Dec 6 start | Holiday |
Friday, December 5
Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival Opens
Location: Ottawa Art Gallery, Arts Court, Club SAW Time: Various screenings and events Cost: From $15 (Festival Pass $60)
Ottawa’s premier short film festival kicks off with local filmmaker screenings, 60-Day Challenge films, and professional development panels.
Ottawa 67s vs Barrie Colts
Location: TD Place Arena Time: 7:00 PM Cost: Affordable junior hockey pricing
Friday night OHL action at Lansdowne. Great family entertainment at budget-friendly prices.
The Nutcracker at NAC
Location: National Arts Centre, Southam Hall Time: 7:00 PM Cost: Various ticket prices
Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Canadian-themed production continues its run with live NAC Orchestra accompaniment.
Image: Illustrative image only.
Saturday, December 6
Christmas with the Mayor
Location: Ottawa City Hall, Marion Dewar Plaza Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Cost: Donation to Ottawa Food Bank
The big event! Rink of Dreams opens, tree lighting ceremony, Santa visits, BeaverTails, hot chocolate, wagon rides, and live entertainment. Don’t miss this community celebration!
Saunders Farm Christmas Opens
Location: Saunders Farm, Munster Time: Evening Cost: Family passes from $80
The beloved Christmas experience launches with the NEW Forest Light Walk, Holiday Light Stroll, Santa visits, and Elf Academy Show.
Breakfast with Santa at Lansdowne
Location: Horticultural Building, Lansdowne Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Cost: Proceeds to OSEG Foundation
Santa photos, kids’ activities, and special guests from Ottawa REDBLACKS. Book in advance!
Digi60 Festival (Day 2)
Location: Various downtown venues Time: All day Cost: From $15
Continue exploring Ottawa’s filmmaking community with screenings and panels.
Indigenous Craft Market at Mādahòkì Farm
Location: Mādahòkì Farm Time: Check website Cost: Admission required
Special craft market date featuring beadwork, moccasins, artwork, and more from Indigenous artisans.
The Nutcracker at NAC
Location: National Arts Centre Time: 7:00 PM Cost: Various ticket prices
Saturday evening performance of the Canadian-themed classic.
Ottawa Senators vs St. Louis Blues
Location: Canadian Tire Centre Time: 7:00 PM Cost: NHL ticket prices
Hockey fans can catch the Sens at home this Saturday night.
Sunday, December 7
Ottawa Sunday Market
Location: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Cost: Free entry
Over 85 local vendors with holiday shopping, fresh produce, and artisan goods.
Mochitsuki 2025 (Japanese Mochi-Making)
Location: Preston Event Centre, Little Italy Time: Check event details Cost: Check event details
Experience traditional Japanese rice cake making, cultural performances, and Japanese food products.
Digi60 Festival (Final Day)
Location: Various venues Time: All day Cost: From $15
Last chance for 60-Day Challenge screenings and awards.
The Nutcracker at NAC (Final Performance)
Location: National Arts Centre Time: 7:00 PM Cost: Various ticket prices
Closing night of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Ottawa run.
Ottawa 67s vs Sudbury (Away Game Note)
The 67s travel to Sudbury—no home game Sunday.
Image: Illustrative image only.
Ongoing All Weekend
Ottawa Christmas Market
Location: Lansdowne Park Time: Daily Cost: Free admission
50+ vendors, live entertainment, festive food and drinks, holiday atmosphere.
Winter Wander on Sparks Street
Location: Sparks Street Time: Evenings Cost: Free
Thousands of lights transform the pedestrian street into a holiday wonderland.
Winter Lights Across Canada
Location: Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park, various Time: Evenings Cost: Free
Follow the trail of illuminated monuments and government buildings throughout downtown.
Mādahòkì Farm Trail of Lights
Location: Mādahòkì Farm Time: Evenings Cost: Admission required
Indigenous winter market experience with the enchanting Trail of Lights & Traditions.
Big Stuff Comedy (Final Weekend)
Location: GCTC Time: Check showtimes Cost: Ticket required
Last chance to catch Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus debate the value of stuff.
Quick Reference by Interest
For Families
- Christmas with the Mayor (Sat)
- Saunders Farm Christmas (Sat)
- Ottawa Christmas Market (All weekend)
- Ottawa 67s hockey (Fri)
- Rink of Dreams skating (Opens Sat)
For Culture Seekers
- The Nutcracker at NAC (All weekend)
- Digi60 Film Festival (All weekend)
- Mochitsuki Japanese culture (Sun)
- Mādahòkì Indigenous experience (All weekend)
For Sports Fans
- Ottawa 67s vs Barrie (Fri)
- Ottawa Senators vs Blues (Sat)
- Rink of Dreams skating (Opens Sat)
For Shoppers
- Ottawa Christmas Market (All weekend)
- Ottawa Sunday Market (Sun)
- Mādahòkì Indigenous Craft Market (Sat)
- ByWard Market holiday shopping (All weekend)
For Budget-Conscious
- Winter Wander lights (Free)
- Winter Lights Across Canada (Free)
- Ottawa Christmas Market (Free entry)
- Christmas with the Mayor (Donation)
- Ottawa Sunday Market (Free entry)
Weather Consideration
Expected Conditions
December early-month temperatures typically range from -5°C to +2°C. Check forecasts before outdoor activities.
Preparation Tips
- Layer clothing for indoor/outdoor transitions
- Waterproof boots for potentially slushy conditions
- Gloves and hats for evening activities
- Hand warmers for extended outdoor time
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the one must-do event this weekend? A: Christmas with the Mayor on Saturday combines free activities, community spirit, and the Rink of Dreams opening—it’s quintessentially Ottawa.
Q: How do I prioritize if I can only go out one day? A: Saturday offers the most variety: Christmas with the Mayor, Saunders Farm opening, Breakfast with Santa, Sens game, and Nutcracker performance.
Q: Are these events suitable for kids? A: Most events are family-friendly. The Nutcracker, Christmas with the Mayor, Saunders Farm, and the 67s game are all great for children.
Q: What’s free this weekend? A: Winter Wander, Winter Lights, Ottawa Christmas Market admission, and Christmas with the Mayor (with food bank donation).
Final Thoughts
This weekend marks the true beginning of Ottawa’s holiday season. With Christmas with the Mayor launching the Rink of Dreams, Saunders Farm opening its Country Christmas, and world-class ballet at the NAC, December 5-7 offers a feast of activities for every interest and budget.
The beauty of an Ottawa December weekend is the blend of free community events with ticketed cultural experiences. You can spend nothing watching Winter Wander lights, then splurge on The Nutcracker—or do everything in between at the Christmas markets.
Whatever you choose, embrace the holiday spirit that makes Ottawa’s December so special.
Source: Various Ottawa event listings and Ottawa Tourism – Summarized and adapted for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa event guides, visit Ottawa Events or explore Where to Go!
