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How to Do the Holidays in Ottawa
We're in the home stretch of the holiday season and things may feel a little frantic right now. But before we know it, all the parties will be over, the presents unwrapped and the festive dinners eaten. And the kids will still be home from school. Luckily, the Christmas season in Ottawa brings plenty of opportunity for good family fun, and we're rounding up our faves.
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See the Lights
Our top pick for the holidays is Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village, a beautiful, peaceful evening spent singing carols, riding horse and buggies, and being dazzled by thousands of lights. But if something in town is more your speed, try the Vintage Christmas Village of Lights at Cumberland Village, or even a trip downtown to the Parliament Buildings to see the lovely Christmas Lights Across Canada.
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Get Outside
The best way to survive winter in Ottawa is to embrace it, so get outside over the holidays and play. Take a ride on the canal with Ottawa Rickshaws, or skate on one of the three refrigerated rinks in town (Rink of Dreams at City Hall, Ben Franklin Place, and the brand new rink at Landsdowne Park). There's tubing for the adventurous, feeding the chickadees in the Green Belt for those looking for something quieter, and if you're up for a bit of a drive, don't forget to visit Ian's Christmas Tree Farm for mazes, the giant snow hill, and maybe even a visit from St. Nick.
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Go to a Show
Take in a show! Freezing is a family musical playing at The Gladstone from December 18 through January 3. It's the story of a Snow Queen who must protect her kingdom from the loss of winter. Sounds
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Visit a Museum
Always a favourite on school holidays, any of the big city museums are a great choice for a December visit. The Museum of History, Museum of Aviation, and the Agriculture Museum always have fun holiday programming.