Categories > Guides and Tips
Unwrap Your Holiday Spirit with the 10 Best Christmas Markets in Ottawa!
- Ottawa Christmas Market
- Canadian Museum of History Christmas Market
- Square Lemon Ottawa’s Holiday Craft Market
- Outstanding in their Fields
- Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show
- Country Christmas Days
- Idle Hands Art Craft & Vintage
- Cumberland Christmas Market
- 613Christmas
- St. Andrew’s Scottish Tea & Christmas Bazaar
Ottawa doesn’t play when it comes to Christmas. Once the holiday season starts, you’ll find a cascade of festive decorations and lights twinkling in the night—and let’s not forget Christmas trees in major shopping malls, streets, and neighbourhoods.
If that’s not enough, the city hosts many festive markets to kickstart your Christmas shopping and or to do some last-minute gift hunting. We really do go the extra mile with seasonal products that will lift your holiday spirit—maple taffy on snow, anyone?
If you’re wondering where to shop for unique and festive items this Christmas, check out our favourite markets to go to! So, bundle up and make sure your bank account’s ready because we’re about to do some holiday retail therapy!
Ottawa Christmas Market
Media credit: ottawa.xmas.market
Address: Aberdeen Plaza – 1000 Exhibition Way
Contact: (613) 232-6767, [email protected]
When: November – January
Admission: Free
Nobody does the holidays like the Ottawa Christmas Market, a fun-filled destination that goes all out to make the season special! The lively European-style market has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to celebrate solo or with friends!
Every year, Aberdeen Plaza turns into a magical and festive place with thousands of Christmas lights and decor, as well as live performances. Go to the opening night to witness the Christmas tree light-up ceremony to officially welcome the holiday season.
Over 50 vendors will grace the streets filled with seasonal food, drinks, gifts, and Christmas-themed products (perfect for completing your holiday shopping!). Stroll around to find traditional and seasonal kiosks!
The Ottawa Christmas Market has something for all ages. Kids can visit Santa’s Village and Workshop for fun arts and crafts activities, while the adults can warm up with mulled wine—it completes the European-style festivities, eh?
Pro Tips:
Bring cash because even though the event is free, some activities and experiences are not.
The Ottawa Christmas Market is usually busy after 3 pm. It’s recommended to take public transportation since finding a parking slot will be tough—check the OC Transpo Bus Routes 6 and 7.
Canadian Museum of History Christmas Market
Media credit: canmushistory
Address: 100 Laurier St, Gatineau
Contact: (819) 776-7000, 1 (800) 555-5621 (Toll-Free)
When: Around the end of November
Admission: Free
The Canadian Museum of History isn’t exactly in Ottawa, but it is located in Gatineau, which is only minutes away since the two cities are neighbours. This event has been happening annually for over 15 years, so it’s definitely a must-visit for Ottawans.
Instead of admiring rows of artworks, you’ll be browsing nearly 100 exhibitors lined up at the Grand Hall of this beautiful Quebec museum (quebec city museums). Discover cool products, like intricate woodwork and glassware, as well as jewellery, seasonal food, and holiday decorations.
And if you’re a tourist, you don’t have to worry about not speaking French because the vendors can communicate well in English.
Pro Tip:
While you’re there, why not purchase a ticket to see the museum’s exhibitions? It’s one of the must-visit museums in Quebec that’s super close to Ottawa.
Square Lemon Ottawa’s Holiday Craft Market
Media credit: squarelemon_ottawa
Address: Glebe Community Centre – 175 Third Ave
Contact: [email protected]
When: December
Admission: Free
Square Lemon Ottawa hosts a holiday market to foster and support the city’s artistic community. This happens every December when over 40 local artists will join the Christmas market to showcase their products and handcrafted works.
If you still need to purchase gifts for loved ones, this festive market is the perfect opportunity for last-minute shopping. Explore the indoor venue and visit the stalls for gifts like jewellery, pottery, clothing, artwork, and holiday decorations.
Keep an eye out for delicious seasonal food, like baked goodies and sweet treats. You’ll also find vendors that sell Ottawan cuisine and homemade products using locally sourced ingredients.
Pro Tip:
There’s no ATM inside the Glebe Community Centre, so make sure you have cash because the vendors don’t accept card payments.
Outstanding in their Fields
Media credit: savvycompanyinc
Address: To be announced (subject to change each year)
Contact: (613) 728-8926, [email protected]
When: Early November
Admission:
- VIT (Very Important Taster) Ticket: $65
- Main Event Ticket: $55
Savvy Company has hosted Outstanding in their Fields for over 11 years now. This isn’t the typical Christmas market you see in Ottawa—here, you’ll be tasting and buying the wines that impress your tastebuds!
With just one admission ticket, you can sample any of over 100 wines at the event while learning about them straight from the winemakers. And if there’s something you fancy, you can add that to your case and have it delivered to your doorstep!
Wine is not the only thing you’ll see. Local artisans are also present, offering gourmet treats, like chocolates, baked goodies, and bread!
Pro Tips:
Look for discounts. When you order a certain number of bottles, you can get free delivery!
Purchase your ticket as early as you can because they accept a limited number of guests. This is to avoid overcrowding since it’s a 1-day event in an indoor location.
Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show
Media credit: christmasinthevalleyalmonte
Address: John Levi Community Centre/Arena Upper Hall – 182 Bridge St
When: November
Admission: Free
The Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show in Almonte is a cool space for people who love handcrafted products. Just a little drive from Ottawa and you’ll reach this relaxed and friendly holiday market, where you can find unique gift ideas!
This is the place to look for one-of-a-kind pieces, whether you want decor or something functional. Discover over 25 carefully selected artisans who sell a wide variety of goodies at a wide range of prices.
It’s also the ultimate destination if you hate holiday crowds. This market is small yet filled with many practical products, like repurposed metals and pottery pieces, which means you can cross out so many from your Christmas shopping list without stress!
Pro Tip:
For a smooth shopping experience, bring cash before heading out to the Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show. Most vendors accept cash and card payments may not be accepted.
Country Christmas Days
Media credit: saundersfarmfun
Address: 7893 Bleeks Rd A
Contact: [email protected]
When: November – December
Admission: $25 – $30
Every winter season, Saunders Farm turns into a magical Christmas wonderland as they welcome the holidays. They host Country Christmas Days, an exciting event where you can shop for gifts, eat holiday treats, join the activities, and play at the hedge maze!
You can find your perfect Christmas tree, spruce up your own wreath, and taste seasonal drinks and treats! Kids can meet Santa so they can finally give him their wishlist and meet the silliest elves!
This isn’t just a regular holiday market. You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities at the Holiday Light Stroll and festive decor spots! The farm literally turns into a Christmas village to do your holiday shopping while joining fun activities!
Pro Tip:
There’s a limited number of tickets per time slot, so book in advance to secure your reservation. Bundle up, wear comfortable clothing, and bring an umbrella if there’s a chance of rain because the event will push through rain or shine.
Idle Hands Art Craft & Vintage
Media credit: idle_hands_ottawa
Address: To be announced (subject to change each year)
Contact: [email protected]
When: December
Admission: $5 (subject to change)
The annual Idle Hands Art Craft & Vintage in Ottawa is not to be missed! It’s the city’s longest-running indie craft show, a place with over 50 local vendors where you can discover cool, unique items that you literally won’t find anywhere else!
Check out local vendors who sell unique arts and crafts, as well as beautiful vintage stuff. It’s the ultimate destination for meaningful and creative gifts that will surely wow your family and friends—who doesn’t love thoughtful presents, right?
This Ottawa market has a wide variety of vendors who make high-quality and original products, such as body care made from local ingredients, handmade leather bags, intricate artwork, sketches, one-of-a-kind jewellery, and upcycled clothing.
Pro Tip:
Be sure to keep updated because their venue may switch up this year. Also, it’s best to arrive as early as you can to avoid crowds and so you have more time to browse since this is only a 1-day event.
Cumberland Christmas Market
Media credit: cumberlandfarmmarket
Address: 1115 Dunning Rd, Cumberland
Contact: [email protected]
When: December
Admission: Free
Just take a little drive from downtown to reach Cumberland Christmas Market, an annual event that sells various handmade goods and food. It has four locations in Cumberland and has over 100 vendors to choose from!
At this farmer’s market, you’ll find clothing, jewellery, body care, decor, sweet treats, produce, and alcoholic beverages. It’s the place where you can purchase seasonal delights for your Christmas table at home and where you can find stocking stuffers!
If you’re still looking for ingredients, you’ll most likely find them here! Aside from vegetables and fruits, you can buy fresh meat from local farms and homemade pies that taste like grandma’s!
Pro Tip:
If you’re buying meat, bring an insulated bag or a cooler to keep ‘em fresh on your drive home.
613Christmas
Media credit: 613flea
Address: Lansdowne Park – 1525 Princess Patricia Way (subject to change)
Contact: Online form
When: December
Admission: Free
613flea hosts an annual massive Christmas market for a couple of Saturdays in the winter months. It’s known as an ever-changing marketplace, where you’ll discover new vendors selling some Christmas classic and unique items.
As a big holiday market, they have over 100 vendors! Finish your Christmas shopping list and check out jewellery, clothing, handcrafted products, cookware, body care, vintage items, books, and more (if you need it, it’s probably here!).
This is a family event, and sometimes, even friendly dogs are welcome! This rule depends on the current venue since they do indoor markets, so remember to check their website for updates.
Pro Tip:
Bring cash since most vendors will probably not accept mobile payments. If there’s an ATM on-site, the line will probably be long (which, honestly, we all want to avoid).
St. Andrew’s Scottish Tea & Christmas Bazaar
Media credit: monsieurlebun
Address: 82 Kent St
Contact: (613) 232-9042
When: November
Admission: Free
Every year, St. Andrew’s Church in Kent hosts a Scottish Tea and Christmas Bazaar. It only runs for a couple of hours and is held for one day only, but the church turns into a small gathering of vendors and guests who want to jumpstart their Christmas shopping.
Expect to see various kinds of holiday decorations, as well as unique gifts and handcrafted items, such as jewellery and clothing. There are going to be gift baskets available if you’re looking for a well-arranged and practical present.
The silent auction also allows you to bid on activities and items, which is also a way to support local charities. Then, relax and chat with your family and friends over a warm cup of Scottish tea!
Pro Tips:
Don’t arrive late if you want to participate in the silent auction and see all the vendors. The event is only 2 to 2.5 hours long (exact hours may change), so be there on time to get the full experience.
Bring cash since this is a small event and the vendors will most likely not accept other payment methods.
