Sure, November may have a reputation as that dreary month between Halloween and the start of holiday-party season. But that’s why it’s the perfect time to cozy up with the family before your calendar fills up.
Plus, November is the true heart of fall. Crisp air, sweaters, piles of leaves, and warm goodies from the kitchen. Busy moms always have half an eye on the holidays by now. (I’ve already got one holiday pot luck sign-up sheet on the go!) But let’s not forget to enjoy the remaining fall colours, pumpkin-spice everything, and our last few snowsuit-free days. Our Savvy Guide to November in Ottawa will help you make the most of right now while planning for next month.
GO
Never mind the weather, bundle up and get out and enjoy Ottawa!
As temperatures get cooler, the days grow darker, and the clocks fall back, November steps out of the shadow of October to bring you some family fun in November in Ottawa and the Capital Region.
This month we’ve gathered events that will take you into the kitchen, look up at the skies, celebrate the arts and storytelling, and more. Here’s what to do in Ottawa in November.
DO
Host a family movie night marathon
Why?
The shorter days have us yearning to cocoon with blankets, movies, and our favourite people. If you can no longer convince your guys to watch animated movies, check out what streaming in Canada in November for families on Canada’s streaming services. You can even serve a dinner of everyone’s favourite finger foods—and popcorn, of course. Lots of popcorn.
MAKE
Slow-cooker dinners
Why?
This is the season for dusting off your favourite slow cooker recipes and seeking out a few new ones. Pandemic or no, family schedules are usually full to bursting at this time of year and there’s nothing like coming home to find a satisfying meal that’s hot and ready. Fall veggies like potatoes, carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes stand up well to long cooking which means you can eat local and on budget. There are lots of fantastic slow cooker tips and tricks here. I’ve got a rigatoni with pork ragu lined up that sounds DIVINE.
START
Planning to decorate
Why?
There are only two options, really. You can dig up the holiday decorations, take a quick inventory of your stock, and then set aside an afternoon late in the month for decking the halls. Or you can frantically tear through boxes in mid-December searching for the tree stand while your kids scatter tinsel all over the rest of the house. It pays to plan. And if you need to pick up a few extras, you’ll still have plenty of time to pick up those odds and sods and a new tree topper if the lights in yours have mysteriously burnt out. Again.
GREEN IT
By hitting a consignment store for “ugly” holiday sweaters
Why?
Leading up to the holidays, there’s always a need for festive clothing. Last year we had nowhere to wear anything, but we are hopeful for this year! Get a jump start by hitting a consignment or thrift store for those fabulous, “ugly” holiday sweaters that are sure to make your family the hit of the party or, if worse comes to worse, the festive Zoom call.
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Category: events,attractions
