If you missed the Help Santa Toy Parade yesterday there’s no need to cry and pout. Santa Claus is coming back to town.
The 56th annual Help Santa Toy Parade is Ottawa’s main Christmas parade, hosted by the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association. It raises money and toy donations for Toy Mountain, supplying gifts to ensure all children have something to open Christmas morning.
But if you didn’t catch Santa’s trip down Queen Elizabeth Driveway, you’ll have the chance to spot him in nearby communities next weekend and into December.
Next weekend, jolly old Saint Nicholas will be making appearances in Manotick on Friday, and in Riverside South and Orléans on Saturday.
If you’re not feeling jolly and holly just yet, Manotick Village is hosting brunch with the Grinch on Nov. 29.
The Osgoode Village Community Association is kicking off the first weekend in December with a list of holiday events. The cheer will kick off on the evening of Friday Dec. 5 with a parade of lights ending with a tree lighting ceremony. Other notable events throughout the weekend include breakfast with Santa and an ugly Christmas sweater party.
The Richmond Christmas Parade and Stittsville Parade of Lights will also take place on Saturday Dec. 6.
If you leave your holiday planning until the last minute, there are still chances to get out there and celebrate with the community. The Constance and Buckham’s Bay Santa Parade and the Huntley Community Association Santa Claus Parade will take place on Dec. 13, followed by the Metcalfe Santa Parade Food and Toy Drive on Dec. 14.
Markets and events
If you’re looking for some local spots to finish up your holiday shopping, you might want to check out some winter markets across the city.
The Ottawa Christmas Market at Aberdeen Plaza at Lansdown is running Fridays through Sundays now until Dec. 31.
The Parkdale Holiday Market will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Nov. 29.
If you’re in and around the east end of the city, the Cumberland Farmers’ Market Christmas Market will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9.
The following holiday events are also on the city’s must-do list:
- Mayor’s 23rd Annual Christmas Celebration, Ottawa City Hall, Dec. 6, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Magic of Lights, Wesley Clover Parks 411 Corkstown Rd., Nov. 21 to Jan. 3
- Winter Lights across Canada, Parliament Hill, Dec. 8 to Jan. 9
- Santa Shuffle Fun Run and Elf Walk, Lansdowne Park, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
- Fitzroy Harbour Children’s Christmas Party, Fitzroy Harbour Community Centre, Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
- Billings Estate National Historic Site – Holiday Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Nov. 28 through Dec. 19 (Excluding Dec. 13-14)
- Cumberland Heritage Village Museum – Vintage Village of Lights: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 28 to Dec. 21 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Advance registration is required.
- Cumberland Heritage Village Museum – Tree Lighting Ceremony: Friday, Nov. 28 from 5:15 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. Advance registration is required.
- Cumberland Heritage Village Museum – Introduction to leatherwork workshop – Sleigh bell door hanger: various dates and times from Dec. 10 to Dec. 21. Advance registration is required.
- Nepean Museum – Retro Christmas – Children’s holiday party: Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Nepean Museum – Weekend Crafters – Vintage paper ornaments: Dec. 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
