Festive Ottawa 2020
'Tis the season to get festive! Check out some of the great COVID friendly options available in Ottawa and surrounding areas to help get yourself and your family in to the holiday spirit!
THE LOG FARM
WHERE: 670 Cedarview Road, Ottawa, ON K2R 1E5
WHEN: NOW until December 23rd, 2020
"Come out to the farm and let the kids play while you take a few deep breaths of fresh air!!! At the farm there are lots of animals to see, touch and feed. With lots of open space it makes it easy to be able to social distance and enjoy your visit. Check out Santa's workshop and drop off your letters to Santa. Take a peek into how the pioneers would have celebrated Christmas. Enjoy christmas music and a bonfire. Stop by the kids play barn: play in the favourite sensory corn table and let their imagination take over at the little farmers market stand and mechanics table. Climb on the hay piles we have a large and a small one. What kid does not want to climb on hay! You can even pick up your Christmas tree from our pre- cut selection at our visitor center. Ticket sale limited."
GET TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME HERE!
STANLEY'S FARM CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
WHERE: 2452 Yorks Corners Road, Edwards, Ontario, K0A 1V0
WHEN: NOW every Saturday and Sunday until December 20th, 2020
"Once you arrive you will be greeted by a Christmas Elf at the loading area. The tractor drawn sleigh ride will then whisk you away through the forest, to the Christmas Village.
Explore the village and play games, sing songs, and warm up by the bonfire.
Hop back on the sleigh for a ride through the bush passing by our rows of Christmas trees. Finish off at The Tent to meet the big man himself, Santa Claus, for a physically distanced visit. Have your camera and smartphones ready to take your own pictures! Then grab a cup of hot chocolate, a delicious maple cookie and a special gift from your new Elf friend.
This fully outdoors activity is 1 hour long, so please dress for the weather.
To cap off your visit, you are welcomed to see the animals in the barn and to purchase some goodies in our Farm Shop or fresh cut Christmas Tree.
$120 for up to 6 people (children under 18 months are not included in the fee and must sit on parent/guardians lap for the tractor drawn sleigh ride."
BOOK ONLINE AHEAD OF TIME HERE!
SAUNDERS FARM
Country Christmas Nighttime Drive-Through Experiance
WHERE: 7893 Bleeks Road, Munster, ON, K0A 3P0
WHEN: NOW until January 3rd, 2021
"Join us for an amazing A Country Christmas Drive-Through experience through our beautiful 180-year-old family Farm and forest. Join Mazey, our young sapling, along the route as she explores the Farm in search of her own Christmas star. After the drive through, we invite you to visit our night patio and Farm Shop where we have mulled wine, craft beers, hot drinks, seasonal treats and Beavertails for purchase. We also have precut Christmas trees, homemade wreaths and unique gifts in the Saunders Farm Shop."
GET TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME HERE!
A Country Christmas Daytime Admission 2020
WHERE: 7893 Bleeks Road, Munster, ON, K0A 3P0
WHEN: NOW until December 20th, 2020 (for 2-hour visits from 10am-4pm)
"Join us for a Country Christmas visit! With lots of outdoor open air attractions, including pre-cut Christmas trees, hedge mazes, wagon rides, Christmas displays, our amazing Farm Shop and our new local vendor market featuring 20 incredible local vendors! Don't forget to come with an appetite! We'll be serving up seasonal foods and lots of treats!"
GET TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME HERE!
Save $10 off a Christmas Tree with the purchase of admission (*6ft+ christmas trees only)
UPPER CANADA VILLAGE: ALIGHT AT NIGHT
https://www.uppercanadavillage.com/events/alight-at-night/
WHERE: 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg, ON, K0C 1X0
WHEN: NOW until January 2nd, 2021
"Bundle up for an evening stroll through this picture-perfect postcard setting! Over one million lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees, and fences of Upper Canada Village creating a one-of-a-kind magical backdrop for its annual Alight at Night Festival - a true winter wonderland!
This year brings changes to Alight at Night as some activities have been paused. These include the life-size toy train rides, visits to the bakery, horse-drawn wagon rides, and old-fashioned carol singing at Christ Church. In their place, several returning and new activities will be featured including the popular Sound and Light Show at Crysler Hall, enhanced visual storytelling illuminations displayed at the Village Cheese Factory and at Christ Church along with holiday tunes."
GET TICKETS HERE!
VINTAGE VILLAGE OF LIGHTS
https://www.facebook.com/cumberlandmuseum/
WHERE: 2940 Old Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K4C 1G3
WHEN: NOW every Wednesday to Sunday from 5-9pm until December 23rd, 2020
"Share in the holiday cheer with your household at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. This season, we’ve adapted our Vintage Village of Lights as a drive-through experience. Relax and enjoy the festive scenery from your vehicle as you pass through a 1920s and 30s village illuminated by over 30,000 lights. Colourful vignettes will highlight Christmas traditions from the interwar years while an old-fashioned radio program will bring the sounds of the season to you. You may even spot Santa hard at work preparing for the big night along the way! As an added festive treat, each household will receive a goody bag to continue the celebration at home.
Complement your tour through the Vintage Village of Lights by listening to our special radio program in the style of 1920s and 30s productions."
REGISTER AHEAD OF TIME HERE!
IAN'S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE PARK
https://www.ianschristmaspark.ca/
WHERE: 804 Richmond Road, Beckwith, ON, K0A 1B0
WHEN: NOW every Wednesday to Friday (1-10pm) and Saturday to Sunday (9am-10pm) until December 23rd, 2020. Santa’s Petting Zoo is open weekends from 9am-5pm.
"Bring the entire family and enjoy a real tradition – harvest your own fresh christmas tree and/or enjoy the adventure park. Come to the park and visit Santa’s workshop, make your way through our rope mazes, jump on a wagon ride and tour the park, cozy up to a campfire and warm up with a free hot chocolate!
Enjoy our many cross-country hiking trails. Bring your skates or toboggans to use on our rink and sliding hills (weather permitting, lit up at night). Take a trip down Candy Cane Lane and enjoy the night lights!
Check out the full list of activities HERE!"
TREES & FEES HERE!
THOMAS TREE FARM
https://www.thomastreefarm.ca/
WHERE: 6421 McCordick Road, North Gower, ON, K0A 2T0
WHEN: NOW from 9am-5pm Monday to Sunday until December 23rd, 2020
*wagon rides are only available during the week or on the weekend for those with mobility challenges
"Thomas Tree Farm is set on a beautiful 50-acre property just south of Ottawa, 2 miles west of North Gower. On arrival you are free to wander through our maple bush, ride the tractor-drawn hay wagon or take the horse-drawn sleigh to choose the perfect tree (available only on weekdays this year or for those with mobility challenges on the weekends).
Once you return with the tree we will be pleased to serve you hot chocolate and homemade cookies while you warm up by the fire at the sugar house."
MAGIC OF LIGHTS
https://wesleycloverparks.com/events/magic-of-lights-ottawa/
WHERE: Wesley Clover Parks, 411 Corkstown Road, Nepean, ON, K2K 8T1
WHEN: NOW until January 9th, 2021
" Magic of Lights is a dazzling 2-kilometer drive-through holiday lights show featuring more than 300 spectacular displays using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Ottawa’s favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price. Magic of Lights is a great family entertainment value, and every ticket to Magic of Lights benefits The Ottawa Senators Foundation.
In the last three years, Magic of Lights Ottawa has donated more than $100,000 to the Ottawa Senator’s Foundation. Pile everyone in the car and bring them out to see the lights! Magic of Lights runs every evening, including holidays, from 5:00pm to 10:00pm through."
PURCHASE TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME HERE!
CEDAR HILL CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
https://cedarhillchristmastreefarm.com/
WHERE: 951 8th Concession South, Pakenham, ON, K0A 2X0
WHEN: NOW every Monday to Thursday from 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-8pm, and Saturday to Sunday 9am-5pm. Until December 24th, 2020
"Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm. is a great place to get into the Christmas spirit with cut-your-own and fresh cut trees. Kids love our sliding hill, straw play structure, hot dogs and hot chocolate. Our free tractor and wagon rides to the plantation make cutting a tree fun and easy.
Enjoy our relaxing country hospitality in our beautiful post and beam shop which has lots of room for visitors and a cozy stone fireplace.
We have bonfires to warm fingers and toes.
Shop ahead for your home décor, ornaments, and other items on our online store and have them ready for on farm pick up available Monday to Friday.
There will be no indoor seating this year. The restaurant will be operating as take-out only with outdoor picnic tables.
The tractor drawn wagon rides will be running with physical distancing in place. Masks are mandatory."
ADMISSION IS FREE! Trees are $35 and up
ENCHANTED OTTAWA HOLIDAY DRIVE
https://www.enchantedottawa.ca/
WHERE: Karter's Korner, 6336 Fallowfield Road, Stittsville, ON, K2S 1B8
"The team behind the incredibly successful The Drive-In Experience and Deadwood Haunted Drive is back again and getting into the holiday spirit. DNA Live joyfully brings you Ottawa’s newest winter experience: Enchanted, presented by Richcraft
Enchanted, presented by Richcraft, is a holiday drive-through experience like no other. While making their way through the nostalgic Karters’ Korner’s track, attendees will experience eight holly, jolly, festive scenes for the whole family to enjoy. Enchanted will have no shortage of spectacular special effects, innovative lighting, and fantastical production, but, unlike most other experiences, it will also largely focus on scenery and interaction. With live actors (including Santa), fully built scenes, a mailbox for letters to Santa, and a sense of wonder like no other, Enchanted is set to bring a new level of magic to Ottawa this holiday season."
PURCHASE TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME HERE!
IllumiNATION - A CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS ACROSS CANADA
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/christmas-lights/illumination.html
WHERE: from the comfort of your home!
WHEN: December 17th, 2020 at 8pm to January 7th, 2021 at midnight
"Let yourself be dazzled by IllumiNATION! The virtual show takes you on a magical cross-Canada journey that will amaze young and old alike.
Join us wherever you are as we discover talented Canadians sharing their light upon this special holiday season.
In the company of Gregory Charles, admire numerous artistic performances as we travel to Ottawa, Montréal, Toronto, Halifax, Moncton, Calgary, Vancouver, Yellowknife and Old Crow, Yukon. Let's discover the most beautiful lights in Canada!
The virtual show will premiere on Thursday, December 17, at 8 pm (ET)."
11TH ANNUAL SANTA CLAUSE PARADE
https://www.facebook.com/events/1303378300003469
WHERE: Carp Fair Grounds, 3790 Carp Road, Carp, ON, K0A 1L0
WHEN: December 12th, 2020 7pm
"This year's parade will be held on the Carp Fair grounds in static form
Details:
-Parade Route starts at the entrance of the W Eskine Johnston Arena, exit at the Curling Club
-Each float will be stationed along the route
-Parade will start at 7:00PM
-Everyone is encouraged to drive thru the grounds and enjoy the parade."
ENTRY is Food Donations to the West Carleton Food Access Centre. Cash, Gift Cards, Food Donations collected along route.
TAFFY LANE, ORLEANS
https://www.facebook.com/Taffy-Lane-586502018033800/
This is a street in Orleans that goes light-crazy every year, and people drive from all over to catch a glimpse. It's bright and fun, and the kids love it!
ADMISSION IS FREE!
VISIT SANTA
Santa’s In Town - Bayshore Shopping Centre
https://www.icbookingtool.com/en/BAY/794
WHERE: Bayshore Shopping Centre, P1 of North Deck along Woodridge Crescent (Section K to H)
WHEN: NOW until December 20th, 2020
"A magical outdoor, socially distanced, holiday encounter with Santa Claus. Book your experience with a $10 donation to Ottawa Food Bank and receive a high-resolution photo as well as a 360° digital photo with Santa Claus posing alongside his charming Christmas cabin."
Virtual Santa Pierre - Orleans Mall
https://santapierre.com/products/virtual-santa-message
"Santa Pierre has seen your loved ones grow up at the Orleans Mall for the past 20+ years, and the thought of not seeing them and putting smiles on their faces saddens him. That is why he has gone virtual! Custom message for your loved one(s) from Santa Pierre!"
COST per message is $25
COVID Santa And Spooky Santa-Friendly Experience - Carlingwood Mall
https://carlingwood.com/events/carlingwood-santa-s-arrival-saturday-november-21st-11am
WHERE: Carlingwood Mall
WHEN: NOW until December 24th, 2020
"Santa will be on his Green Chair and families will be able to get a socially-distant photo with Santa while sitting on a bench in front of Santa or Spooky Santa. Guests will also be directed to wear a mask through the entire experience, except for the photo. Carlingwood has also enhanced sanitization protocols between each visit."
COVID-19 Safe Visit With Santa - Hazeldean Mall
https://www.hazeldeanmall.com/events/hazeldean-yes-there-will-be-a-santa-claus
WHERE: Hazeldean Mall
WHEN: NOW until December 20th, 2020
"Enjoy a 6-minute visit with Santa (studio area will be sanitized prior to your visit) and portraits made by a photographer. First 4 minutes: Visit Santa, he will be seated beside the Santa Sofa with a plexiglass sneeze guard between you and Santa. Santa will be wearing a mask during the visit. The final 2 minutes are the time for photographs: you will turn to face the photographer and can (if permitted) remove your mask(s) for photographs - Santa can be behind or beside visitors at this point and, if permitted, take his mask off as well."
Santa and Mean Green Santa at Billings Bridge Mall
https://www.idea3.xyz/billings-santa
WHERE: Hazeldean Mall
WHEN: NOW until December 24th, 2020
"Visit Santa Claus: Up to four appointments per hour for enhanced and safe visits with Santa Claus - located beside the bottom of the escalators that lead to the food court.
Visit Mean Green: Up to four appointments per hour for enhanced and safe visits with Mean Green Santa - located beside the bottom of the escalators that lead to the food court."
Virtual Santa Visits - Rideau Centre
https://www.cfshops.com/rideau-centre.html
"Virtual visits with Santa are complimentary and will be hosted 1 on 1 with Santa through a video call platform.
Each video call is 5 minutes in length.
Your personal, secure video call link and login will be provided to you 24 hours in advance of your reservation.
Your virtual visit with Santa is with just you and Santa. Your web link is specific to your reservation and your reservation only. At no time will your virtual visit be recorded or shared."
