Things to do in Ottawa, the Outaouais, Eastern Ontario and beyond (December 16 to January 5)

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Wondering what to do in Ottawa this weekend? It is a great time for a road trip in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais or northern New York state. In fact, there’s SO much going on that I keep adding new items, so please keep checking back here regularly. Happy road tripping!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WEEK OF DECEMBER 16 TO DECEMBER 22

Tiptoe among the butterflies at the Canadian Museum of Nature

Plan ahead if you’d like to see the very popular Butterflies in Flight exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. Running until Sunday, January 5, this show lets you walk through the museum’s solarium, which is currently filled with brilliantly coloured butterflies from Costa Rica and the Philippines. Monarch butterflies, blue morphos, swallowtails and other butterflies—20 species in all—are fluttering among the plants and eating delicately from trays of fruit. You need to buy a timed ticket—advance purchase is strongly recommended—as the number of spaces available each day is limited. Read the information on the museum’s website carefully before visiting, as it has great advice on what to wear and how to interact with the butterflies.

Catch a concert in Ottawa, Cornwall, Morrisburg and beyond

Haven’t made it to a Christmas concert yet? Don’t worry—there’s still time! Your choices this week include the Barra MacNeils (see video above) in Cornwall, Wayne Rostad in Nepean and Pembroke, the Rideau Ramblers and the Ottawa Celtic Choir in a joint show at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, and Lynn Miles in Morrisburg. That’s just a few of the many holiday shows going on this week.

Save money on makeup, shoes and clothes in Ottawa

Two big sales going on at the EY Centre in Ottawa are promising deep discounts. The Revlon Warehouse Sale is promoting discounts of up to 75% on cosmetics, while the $10 Shoe and Clothing Warehouse Sale is pretty self-explanatory. Both shows are on from December 12 to 22.

Chat with new people at a Perth coffee shop

Coffee and Conversation is a movement that brings people together in coffee shops and other gathering places to meet each other, hear different points of view and participate in a facilitated discussion. It’s billed as a way to combat loneliness and build community, which sounds pretty cool to me. The video above gives more details. One of these sessions is taking place at lunchtime at Coutts Coffee Roaster and Cafe in Perth on Wednesday, December 18.

Learn about the dark universe at Carleton University

Whether you’re a science star or just curious about physics and cosmology, you might be interested in a talk by Carleton physics professor Daniel Stolarski on Wednesday, December 18. In Exploring the Dark Universe, you’ll learn about the fascinating concepts of dark matter and dark energy. The talk will be aimed at the general public, so don’t worry if you’re not the next Neil deGrasse Tyson.

See a Christmas play … or not

Looking for some distraction from your shopping list and cookie baking? How about a play? In terms of Christmas-themed theatre, you can choose from On the Farce Day of Christmas at Ottawa Little Theatre, O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy in multiple locations, Pierre Brault’s one-man performance of A Christmas Carol at the Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, and The Jersey Nights Before Christmas Show at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Orleans.

Feeling a bit Christmassed-out? Then perhaps FLOP! An Improvised Musical Fiasco at the GCTC or The Awakening, a one-woman cabaret at the Gladstone Theatre (both in Ottawa) will be more your cup of eggnog. For more details on these and many other upcoming plays, see my theatre roundup.

Get crafty and watch Hot Frosty in Smiths Falls

You can join a party to watch Hot Frosty (a holiday rom-com filmed in Brockville, Ottawa and Almonte) and do some Christmas crafts in the Artisan Village at the Falls in Smiths Falls on Friday, December 20. (P.S.: If you love holiday rom-coms, don’t miss my big list of Christmas movies shot in Eastern Ontario.)

(Salsa) dance the night away in Ottawa

Ever wanted to learn to salsa dancing? The Rahim Salsa Christmas Party (Friday, December 20) could be your opportunity! Rahim Salsa and guest instructors offer a one-hour salsa or bachata dance lesson, followed by a four-hour social dance, every Friday night at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church on Elgin Street. No partner and no experience needed.

Cheer on blind hockey players at the Arena at TD Place

The Blind Hockey League is bringing the Carnegie Cup to Ottawa during the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. In partnership with Canadian Blind Hockey and Hockey Canada, the three-game series is taking place at the Arena at TD Place from December 20 to 22. Admission is free, but the organizers are asking guests to register online in advance, via the link above.

Hit one last craft sale

If you still have a few items left on your Christmas list, don’t panic—there are still a few art, artisan and craft sales you can check out. But don’t procrastinate much longer! By December 22, all of these sales will close (although the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park will reopen for a few days after Christmas).

Roller skate at Carleton University

Have you ever wanted to try roller skating—or, perhaps, recapture a misspent youth where you spent just about every weekend from Grade 11 through Grade 13 at the local roller rink? (OK, perhaps that last one is just me.) Whatever your motivations, the Ottawa Quad Rollerskating Club holds Friday-night skates in the Norm Fenn Gym at Carleton University. You can bring your own wheels or book a rental when you buy your online ticket. The last two events of the year are on Friday, December 20, and Friday, December 27.

See The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Mayfair

Leave the rice, confetti and toast at home, but put on your best Rocky Horror gear for a screening of the campy cult classic at the Mayfair Theatre in Old Ottawa South on Friday, December 20. For the past half century (yes, the movie will celebrate its 50TH birthday next year), audiences have been flocking to the tale of mad scientist Dr. Frank N. Furter, who comes to the rescue of stranded sweethearts Brad and Janet, and then … Honestly, the plot of this R-rated horror movie spoof makes absolutely no sense, and no one listens to the movie, anyway. Just come prepared to dance. Remember, it’s just a jump to the left, and then a step to the ri-i-i-i-ight.

Learn to make a watercolour gift in Ottawa

Just in time for Christmas, you can learn to make a watercolour painting of a Christmas wreath—which you could frame or use as a card—at a two-hour beginner’s workshop at Wallack’s Art Supplies on Bank Street in Centretown. It’s taking place on Saturday, December 21, from 2pm to 4pm.

WEEKS OF DECEMBER 23 TO JANUARY 5

See rising hockey stars play in Ottawa

Hockey fans have not one, but two, big hockey tournaments to choose from over the holiday break.

The Bell Capital Cup is one of the world’s largest hockey tournaments, drawing hundreds of youth hockey teams from around the world to Ottawa. This year, you can enjoy the action from December 27 to 31 at arenas across the city, including the Richcraft Sensplex, the Nepean Sportplex, the Arena at TD Place, the Frank Robinson Arena and the Canadian Tire Centre. You might just spot a future NHL star or two.

Another great place to spot rising talent will be during the IIHF World Junior Championships (December 23 to January 5). The gold-medal game at the Canadian Tire Centre on Sunday, January 5, is already sold out (unless you have a Taylor Swiftian budget for resale tickets), but there are still seats to be had for many of the other games. The earlier games are taking place at the Arena at TD Place, while the later games will be at the Canadian Tire Centre.

Thrill to a magic show at Ottawa Little Theatre

Mysteries of the Keyhole House is a one-of-a-kind production by Ted and Marion Outerbridge, inspired by their historic Smiths Falls residence and the mystical artifacts discovered during its restoration. Filled with illusions, comedy-magic, mentalism and prestidigitation, it has garnered over 30 million social media views and has wowed audiences across Ontario and beyond. It’s at the Ottawa Little Theatre from January 2 to 5.

Enjoy a five-course dinner in Johnstown

The Bridgeview Dockside Restaurant and Patio in Johnstown, Ontario—as the name suggests, it’s in the shadow of the Ogdensburg–Prescott International Bridge over the St. Lawrence River—is hosting a Wine or Whiskey five-course dinner on Monday, December 30. Each course will be paired with the diner’s choice of whiskey or wine. Dishes will include a pecan-and-pear salad and bacon-wrapped filet mignon.

Celebrate Kwanzaa in Ottawa and online

Jaku Konbit, an Ottawa non-profit group, is holding a week of Kwanzaa celebrations (December 26 to January 1). Kwanzaa celebrates the history, culture and experiences of people of African descent. Each evening, there will be a half-hour online presentation about one of the elements of Kwanzaa, which include which include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, creativity, purpose, and faith. On Thursday, December 26, there’s a flag-raising at Ottawa City Hall. And on Saturday, December 28, you can enjoy performances and more at the Kwanzaa celebration at the Blu Legacy Convention Centre (3750 Bowesville Road).

Bounce the day away in Gatineau

So the presents are unwrapped, the new toys have been played with, you’ve watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas approximately 47 times and the kids are getting restless. The Gatineau Playground Festival (December 27 to 30) at the Complexe Branchaud-Brière—with its 67,000 square feet of bouncy castles, trampolines and other active, indoor fun—might just be the answer to your family’s cabin fever.

Have some laughs in Kingston

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 560 in Kingston is hosting AB3Comedy’s Comedy Night with Dan Allaire, hosted by Al Babcock, on Saturday, December 28.

See butterflies in Ottawa

The Butterflies in Flight exhibition continues at the Canadian Museum of Nature until Sunday, January 5. Buy a timed ticket in advance, then move through a solarium filled with 20 species of beautiful butterflies. It’s a great way to ward off the winter chill!

Test your cornhole skills in Beckwith

Feeling lucky? You can sign up solo or as a team of two for the Charity Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, December 28, at the Beckwith Complex on the edge of Carleton Place. There will be a chili cook-off, too. It’s a fundraiser for the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital.

Stroll a holiday market at Lansdowne Park

Didn’t get enough of shopping before Christmas? You still have time to check out the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park (daily, December 26 to January 5). It’s generally open from 2pm to 10pm, but it will stay open until midnight on New Year’s Eve and will be open shorter hours (noon to 5pm) on New Year’s Day.

See a family-friendly play in Kanata

In Cinderella: A Panto, tlc Creative’s traditional British pantomime version of the classic fairy tale, the title character lives a life of drudgery, bullied by her stepsisters, Salmonella and Listeria. Prince Charming holds a ball to find his bride to be, and Cinderella’s magical fairy godmother helps get her to the dance. At this fun holiday production, the audience will be encouraged to boo the villain and cheer for the hero. It’s on at the Ron Maslin Playhouse in Kanata from December 27 to 30.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Looking for a fun way to ring in 2025? Check out my big guide to New Year’s Eve celebrations in Ottawa, the Outaouais and Eastern Ontario.

Looking for more tips on things to see and do in Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais, northern New York state and beyond? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or order a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your Weekend Getaway Guide.

As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.