It’s the most wonderful time… of the year! The holiday season is quickly approaching and this means that the Ottawa Christmas markets are back in full swing! With Covid-19 passports and proof of vaccination, you can safely visit these in-person markets for the first time in 2 years. Long lineups at the mall may not sound too appealing to you. And who doesn’t love the idea of shopping locally! Why not support your local artisans at a Christmas market this year!
Ottawa knows how to do the holiday season right.
Grab your hat and scarf and get ready to be festive and check out some of these great Christmas markets!
Lansdowne Park, Marché Way, Ottawa
📅 Weekends from November 26th until December 22nd
Prepare to get Festive with Ottawa’s BIGGEST annual outdoor Christmas market! Every year, the Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne is transformed into the most magical Christmas Market! You can enjoy browsing through 35+ vendors while sipping a delicious hot chocolate and listening to some awesome local live music. The market includes crafts, traditional Christmas-themed items, as well as delectable food and beverages. And of course, don’t forget to sneak in a quick visit with Santa, he is normally on-site as well! Bring your camera for tons of great photo ops with beautiful twinkle lights and signs.
EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr, Ottawa
📅 December 8 – 12th
This uniquely Canadian Christmas craft sale features the work of 180+ artisans and designers from coast to coast! Since 1974, this show has been the premier holiday shopping event. The market includes handmade goods such as jewellery, fashion, pottery, glassware, sculptures, fine are and more! Furthermore, you will have the chance to meet the passionate artisans themselves and hear their stories in person! You will find something for everyone on your list at the Originals Ottawa Craft Sale!
1448 Meadow Drive, Greely, ON
📅 December 18th: 9AM – 2PM
The Metcalfe Farmer’s Market has been a staple in the community since 1993! Every year, the market puts on a Christmas show and this year’s show won’t disappoint! Featuring over 50 local vendors presenting gifts such as homemade wines, home decor, coffee, baked goods and crafts! If you are looking for some delicious homegrown goods or locally made trinkets, the Metcalfe Farmer’s Christmas Market is the place for you!
Head Office Ottawa, 6-430 Hazeldean Road, Kanata
📅 December 5th: 12PM – 4PM
Get your pup ready for a day on the town! On December 5th, 15 local pet store vendors will be on-site with amazing products for dogs and dog lovers alike. You will definitely find something for every furry friend on your Christmas list here! Santa will also be ready to take photos with your pooch, so make sure they wear their holiday best for the occasion! Enjoy all that this fun, tail-wagging market has to offer while a portion of the proceeds goes towards the dogs of Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue.
190 Glen Park Drive, Blackburn Hamlet
📅 December 12th: 11:30AM – 3:30PM
The Fresh Mango and the Blackburn Hamlet Community Association have partnered together to host a pop-up Christmas Market at the Blackburn Hamlet Community Hall. Support your local vendors by shopping local this holiday season at this fun and festive market! As a matter of fact, if you are a local vendor in the Blackburn Hamlet area, be sure to reach out to the Fresh Mango to reserve your table!
Watson’s Mill, 5525 Dickinson St, Manotick, ON
📅 December 4-5th: 10AM – 4PM
This Christmas market takes place inside of the enchanting and historic Watson’s Mill in Manotick. Featuring 2 floors of the Mill as well as the Dickinson House, you will find special treasures from all kinds of local artisans! You can expect to find handmade crafts, jewellery, art, glass, woodwork, pottery, knitting and tons of delicious food items all made locally within the Ottawa area. Don’t forget to check out the Used Book Store in the Carriage Shed to give the gift of reading!
Alfred Taylor Community Centre, 2300 Community Way, North Gower
📅 December 4th: 8:30AM – 2PM
After being postponed due to COVID-19, the North Gower Farmers’ Market is happy to present its annual Christmas Market! Be sure to dress up in your festive attire for this fun holiday event! Featuring local baked goods, woodworking, crochet, honey, soaps, personal products, maple syrup, house plants and so much more! Come early enough to enjoy a well-rounded breakfast of farm-fresh eggs and bacon and stay for lunch with hamburgers and treats of all kinds for the little ones!
We hope you enjoyed these 7 local Christmas markets in Ottawa! If you are looking to shop local this holiday season, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list at the many markets above. Because of COVID-19, attending these festive events is extra sweet for 2021 since Ottawa hasn’t been able to celebrate them for so long!
With most of the markets, you will need to provide proof of vaccination before entering.
Social distancing and face-covering rules will be in effect as well to keep you safe.
The Susan & Moe Team hopes you and your families enjoy this holiday season to the fullest! If you are looking to buy or sell a home, contact us today. We would love to help you find your dream home!