It’s almost Christmas. This guide covers the things that actually matter over the holidays — what’s open, what’s closed, and what’s worth planning with family and friends between December 23 and January 3.
Museums: What’s Open (and When)
Christmas Day (Dec 25): CLOSED
This applies to almost all museums across the region.
Generally Open: Dec 23 → Jan 3 (with holiday hours)
- National Gallery of Canada
Open most days with special holiday hours. Closed Dec 25. - Canadian War Museum
Open through the holidays. Closed Dec 25. - Canadian Museum of Nature
Closed Dec 24, Dec 25, and Jan 1. - Canada Science and Technology Museum
Open daily except Dec 25. - Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Open through the period. Closed Dec 25. - Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Open most days. Closed Dec 25 and Dec 26. - Canadian Museum of History & Canadian Children’s Museum
Open through the holiday period. Closed Dec 25. - Ottawa Art Gallery
Open most days. Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Museums with Limited Holiday Hours
- Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
Closed Dec 24–26 and Jan 1. - Smaller local museums (ex. Nepean Museum)
Often closed Dec 25, Dec 26, and Jan 1.
Good to Know
The Canada Strong Pass (Dec 12 – Jan 15) offers free or reduced admission for youth and families at many national museums — a great option during school break.
Outdoor Skating: Winter Staples
Four reliable outdoor rinks and trails to bookmark:
- Rideau Canal Skateway – When conditions allow, this is Ottawa’s classic winter experience.
- Rink of Dreams (City Hall) – Refrigerated ice, central, and dependable.
- Lansdowne Park Skating Court – Casual skating near shops and food.
- Rideau Hall Rink – Historic setting and a quieter skate.
Festivals, Events & Seasonal Highlights
December 23 → January 3
Lights & Outdoor Displays
- Winter Lights Across Canada, until Jan 9th 2026
Downtown Ottawa and major landmarks glow throughout the season — perfect for evening walks and photos.
Shows & Concerts
- Holiday concerts at the NAC
Seasonal music and performances run through late December. - Glenn Miller Orchestra – Dec 23
Swing classics and festive favourites at Southam Hall.
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
- NYE Countdown Party at CRAFT – DJ, dancing, and midnight countdown.
- NYE Comedy Night at Shenkman Arts Centre – A lighter way to ring in the new year.
- Ottawa New Year’s Eve Ball – Formal gala-style celebration.
- Denim & Diamonds at RA Centre – Themed party with music and dancing.
Family-Friendly Extras
- Saunders Farm: Country Christmas
Holiday light trails and activities through Dec 30. - Neighbourhood light displays
Across the Ottawa region, many displays run into early January and are easy to explore by foot or car.
Sports & Seasonal Energy
- Bell Capital Cup Dec 26-
One of the world’s largest youth hockey tournaments runs through late December, with games across the city (Bell Sensplex).
Quick Planning Notes
- Dec 25 is quiet for official events, but lights and outdoor displays still shine.
- Late December → early January is calmer but still festive, especially around New Year’s Eve and downtown light installations.
- Holiday hours vary — checking ahead saves frustration.
Ottawa doesn’t slow down over the holidays — it just shifts into winter mode.
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