Seasonal Affairs

Too busy to track down the best family events this festive month? We’ve got you covered. Here are our picks in the lead-up to the holidays, as well as during the school break.

As the Holidays Approach…
If you missed the big Help Santa Toy Parade downtown, fear not—there are smaller parades to be seen, just a bit outside the city. For your three year-old who just needs to check ‘went to Christmas parade’ off her list, these are fun and much easier to navigate than the big downtown parade. Check out the Richmond and Constance Bay parades December 4, Carp on December 11 and the Metcalfe Parade on December 12.

Looking for a way to give back that involves the little ones? Consider the Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk on December 4, which raises money for the Salvation Army. The Fun Run is 5K, the Elf Walk a very manageable 1K.

Santa fans won’t want to miss the Ottawa Mayor’s Annual Christmas Party at Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park on the afternoon of December 11. Not only do your kids get to visit with Santa, but there will be crafts in Santa’s workshop, a visit to Mrs. Claus’ Candy Shoppe, face painting, live music and entertainment. Admission is free, but organizers request a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank. Kids 11 years and under get there free when accompanied by an adult on OC Transpo.

Need a break from all-Christmas, all-the-time? Check out Splash ‘N Boots at the Ottawa Arts Court on December 11. Billed as the ‘Canadian Wiggles’, and an intriguing cross between Raffi and the Barenaked Ladies, this award-winning children’s musical duo can be seen for a very reasonable $15.

…and Over the Holidays
School’s out—now what? For an evening activity, we like Christmas Lights Across Canada, when more than 300,000 lights brighten downtown Ottawa and Gatineau, including Parliament Hill. Head out any night you like between December 2 and January 7 to catch the illumination ceremony at 6 pm on Parliament Hill.

It wouldn’t be the holidays if you didn’t take your budding ballerina to see The Nutcracker (male siblings may beg to differ). Productions can be found around the city, but we’ve always enjoyed the one at Centrepointe Theatre. There are shows on December 17 and 18 this year.

We could go on—but we think you’ll want some time to relax by the fireplace as well. This season, don’t forget to take care of you, too.

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