For nearly five decades, the Stairwell Carollers have been filling Ottawa churches with the pure, unaccompanied beauty of Christmas choral music—and on December 10, 2025, they return to St. Columba Church for their 48th annual holiday concert.
This beloved Ottawa tradition brings together one of the city’s most respected a cappella choirs for an evening of seasonal music that spans centuries and styles. Led by founding director Pierre Massie, the Stairwell Carollers deliver a Christmas concert experience that has become essential to the holiday season for thousands of Ottawa families.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: The Stairwell Carollers present their 48th annual Christmas concert on December 10, 2025 at St. Columba Church, 24 Sandridge Road. This a cappella choir led by Pierre Massie is an Ottawa institution, delivering stunning unaccompanied choral music in a beautiful church setting.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Wednesday, December 10, 2025 |
| 📍 Venue | St. Columba Church, 24 Sandridge Road |
| 🎟️ Tickets | Available through the choir |
| ⏰ Tradition | 48 years of Christmas concerts |
About the Stairwell Carollers
Ottawa’s A Cappella Tradition
The Stairwell Carollers have been a cornerstone of Ottawa’s choral music scene since the 1970s. What began as a small group of singers has grown into one of the city’s most respected vocal ensembles, known for:
- Pure a cappella performance – No instrumental accompaniment
- Exceptional vocal blend – Honed over decades together
- Diverse repertoire – From Renaissance to contemporary
- Community connection – Deep roots in Ottawa’s cultural life
- Consistent excellence – Maintained through 48 years
Pierre Massie: Founding Director
The choir’s distinctive sound and longevity owe much to founding director Pierre Massie, whose vision and leadership have shaped the ensemble since its inception:
- Established the choir’s a cappella identity
- Curates thoughtful programs each season
- Develops the choir’s signature vocal blend
- Maintains high artistic standards
- Connects music to community celebration
Image: Illustrative image only.
What to Expect
The Music
A Stairwell Carollers Christmas concert typically features:
- Traditional carols – Beloved favourites beautifully arranged
- Renaissance and Baroque works – Historical Christmas music
- Contemporary choral pieces – Modern composers’ seasonal works
- Canadian compositions – Featuring homegrown talent
- Audience participation – Singalong moments for familiar carols
The A Cappella Experience
There’s something uniquely powerful about unaccompanied choral music:
- Pure vocal sound – Voices creating all harmony and texture
- Intimate atmosphere – Direct connection between singers and audience
- Dynamic range – From whispered pianissimo to full-voiced glory
- Blend and balance – Decades of ensemble singing on display
- Spiritual quality – Music that touches the soul
The Program Structure
Concert programs typically include:
- Mix of sacred and secular seasonal music
- Variety of musical periods and styles
- Brief introductions to select pieces
- Intermission for refreshments
- Opportunities for audience carol singing
St. Columba Church
The Venue
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 24 Sandridge Road, Ottawa |
| Neighbourhood | Alta Vista |
| Atmosphere | Beautiful church sanctuary |
| Acoustics | Ideal for choral music |
Why Churches Make Perfect Concert Halls
The Stairwell Carollers choose church venues deliberately:
- Natural acoustics – Church spaces designed for singing
- Spiritual atmosphere – Sacred spaces enhance sacred music
- Visual beauty – Architecture adds to the experience
- Community connection – Churches as gathering places
- Practical capacity – Appropriate size for choral concerts
Getting There
Location: St. Columba Church is located in the Alta Vista neighbourhood, accessible from:
- Bank Street and Alta Vista Drive
- Pleasant Park Road area
- Easy access from downtown via transit or car
Parking: Church parking lot typically available, with street parking on surrounding residential streets.
Transit: OC Transpo routes service the Alta Vista area. Plan your route via octranspo.com.
48 Years of Christmas Music
A Living Tradition
The longevity of the Stairwell Carollers’ Christmas concert represents something increasingly rare in modern cultural life:
- Consistency – Same high quality, year after year
- Community memory – Multiple generations of audience members
- Musical continuity – Repertoire that connects past and present
- Artistic growth – Constant evolution while maintaining identity
What Makes It Special
Ottawa audiences return year after year because:
- The music never fails to move them
- The atmosphere captures Christmas spirit
- The quality consistently exceeds expectations
- The event marks the holiday season’s beginning
- The community connection feels genuine
Image: Illustrative image only.
Who Should Attend
This Concert Is Perfect For:
- Choral music lovers – A cappella singing at its finest
- Classical music enthusiasts – Beautiful seasonal repertoire
- Families – Introducing children to live choral music
- Couples – Elegant holiday evening out
- Christmas traditionalists – Those who love the season’s music
- First-time concert goers – Welcoming, accessible atmosphere
Good to Know:
- Concert atmosphere is respectful but warm
- Dress is smart casual to dressy
- All ages welcome
- Programs typically available
- Accessible seating—contact venue for specific needs
Making the Most of Your Evening
Before the Concert
Timing:
- Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before start time
- Allow extra time for parking in residential area
- Use the time to settle in and read the program
Preparation:
- Dress in layers (churches can vary in temperature)
- Silence mobile phones before entering
- Use the restroom beforehand (to avoid leaving during performance)
During the Concert
Concert Etiquette:
- Applause is welcome between pieces
- Avoid unwrapping candies or crinkling papers
- Photography typically not permitted during performance
- Join in when audience participation is invited
- Stay for the full program—the ending is always special
After the Concert
- Opportunity to meet choir members
- Often light refreshments available
- Purchase CDs or support the choir
- Share the experience with friends
- Drive carefully in winter conditions
The Value of Live Choral Music
Why This Matters
In an age of streaming and digital entertainment, live choral concerts offer irreplaceable experiences:
- Human connection – Voices creating beauty together
- Acoustic authenticity – Sound waves filling real space
- Shared experience – Community gathering for art
- Seasonal meaning – Music marking sacred time
- Cultural preservation – Keeping choral traditions alive
Supporting Ottawa’s Choral Scene
Attending concerts like this:
- Supports local musicians and artists
- Encourages continuation of traditions
- Builds audience for choral music
- Strengthens Ottawa’s cultural fabric
- Creates memories that last generations
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is the Stairwell Carollers Christmas concert? A: Concerts typically run approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, including intermission. Exact timing varies by program.
Q: Is this concert appropriate for children? A: Yes, children are welcome. The beautiful music can be magical for young listeners. Consider your child’s ability to sit quietly for extended periods.
Q: Do I need to be religious to enjoy this concert? A: Not at all. While performed in a church and featuring some sacred music, the concert is a cultural and musical event welcoming all. The beauty of the music transcends religious affiliation.
Q: What should I wear to the concert? A: Smart casual to dressy attire is appropriate. Many attendees dress up as part of the holiday season experience. Comfort is key—church pews can be firm.
Q: Are tickets available at the door? A: It’s best to purchase tickets in advance as concerts often sell out. Check the Stairwell Carollers website for ticket availability.
Final Thoughts
The Stairwell Carollers’ 48th annual Christmas concert represents everything wonderful about Ottawa’s cultural traditions: committed artists, appreciative audiences, beautiful venues, and music that has brought joy across generations.
In a world that often feels fragmented and fast-paced, an evening of a cappella Christmas music in a candlelit church offers something increasingly precious—a moment of beauty, connection, and reflection. Pierre Massie and the Stairwell Carollers have been creating these moments for nearly five decades, and their craft has only deepened with time.
Whether you’ve attended every year since the 1970s or this will be your first experience with this remarkable choir, December 10 at St. Columba Church promises an evening that captures the true spirit of the Christmas season through the timeless power of the human voice.
Some traditions are worth preserving. The Stairwell Carollers prove it every December.
Source: Stairwell Carollers and local event information – Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa holiday events, visit Ottawa Events. After the concert, enjoy skating at the Rink of Dreams or explore the Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover for more holiday magic!
