Christmas Break Events for Families in Ottawa

For many students in the Ottawa area, their holiday break falls mostly after Christmas, meaning there are two full weeks open for post-festive fun. How to fill the days? We've created a list jam-packed with exciting, adventurous and family-friendly events that you can plan to attend before the kids head back to school.

The bright lights of the Christmas season don't have to be shut off after December 25 and the Christmas Lights Across Canada show on Parliament Hill will brighten up our cold nights until January 7. Watch as the Parliament Buildings and Confederation Boulevard are lit up in a spectacular show that will illuminate the hearts of the entire family and any out of town guests you may have.

It's always enticing to visit the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum in the winter when the snow is covering the paths and you can bundle up for a walk around the grounds and through the barns to see all of the animal friends. The Museum's Winter Frolic holiday programming will continue over the Christmas Break until January 8. We recommend visiting the gingerbread house village and to head to the demonstration kitchen for some treats! Plus, we hear there is a new horse at the farm!

Start your New Year by planning a family vision board and doing some yoga together with Little Lotus Yoga. What do you and your children want to do in 2017 as a family? What big plans can you make together? During the Vision Board planning workshop, children aged 8-14 can join their parents for some yoga, and time to reflect on the upcoming year. We think this is a unique way to kick off the New Year.

As always, the Canadian Museum of History is planning hands-on, interactive fun for little visitors over the break. Sneak in some education by heading to the Museum and exploring the exhibits but be sure to leave time for a snowman craft. Participants can build a snowman (that won't melt) and materials will be supplied. Older children and family members may enjoy the Napoleon and Paris exhibit, in Ottawa for a limited time, until January 8.

This timeless Dickens classic is being re-told on the National Arts Centre stage until December 31. The nearly two-hour performance will feature outstanding music and dance and of course an appearance by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. We have no doubt families will be riveted when revisiting this tale again.

Add some Scottish entertainment to your plans as you ring in the New Year at Hogman-Eh at TD Place. Admission is free, and we love that there is a 7 pm countdown for little ones. The event begins at 5 pm and offers family-friendly entertainment, Scottish and Celtic live music, highland dancing, skating and for those families who stay around, fireworks at midnight.

How about taking the kids to see some live theatre with a twist on a classic tale you already know? Ottawa Musicals presents Blizzard of Oz at The Gladstone theatre from January 3-8. After Dottie gets lost in a snow storm, she's in a new land. Along her journey home, she meets a group of interesting characters and has to also save the Ruby Slipper Cafe from Wanda the Wicked. This is a twisted performance you won't want to miss.