Ottawa in December: Ultimate Guide + 15 Things to Do

Thinking about visiting Ottawa in December?

As a local, I can tell you it’s truly a magical time to visit. During the holiday season, Ottawa transforms into a festive frenzy with local events, bustling winter markets, and loads of outdoor activities to enjoy in the winter!

The weather is cold, yes. However, that’s no reason to overlook taking a trip in December to Ottawa, Ontario.

I have spent many winters in Ottawa, and December is definitely the best winter month to visit.

In this post, I’ll discuss the weather, typical temperatures, and what to expect from Ottawa during December.

Hopefully, this will help you easily plan and pack for your trip!

Nina smiling in front of a snow covered pine tree while wearing a knit hat in winter in Ottawa.

Ottawa Weather In December

The winter temperature in Ottawa in December varies between -2.7°C (27.1°F) and -10°C (14°F) daily.

It’s cold, I won’t lie. But hey, that’s all part of the Canadian experience, right? Plus, I assure you there are plenty of things to do when the temperatures dip below zero.

Ottawa winters typically last from December to February, and it’s common to see the first snowfall as early as November. The city receives an average of 16.6 days of snow in December, accumulating to approximately 19.8cm (7.8″).

You should also expect around 6.6cm (2.6″) of rain throughout the month.

However, the snow-covered streets and crisp air create a picturesque Ottawa that makes it worth braving the cold! Just pack accordingly and be prepared to bundle up!

Fun Things to Do in Ottawa in December

December is a magical time to visit Ottawa, as the Canadian capital comes alive with the holiday spirit.

When it comes to winter activities, Ottawa knows how to put on a show. From stunning light displays to outdoor activities and cultural events, there is no shortage of places to visit and things to do in Ottawa during this month.

Starting with a few of the top Christmas Markets and special events in Ottawa in December, here’s how to get the most out of your visit.

1. Ottawa Christmas Market

The European-style Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne is like traveling to the North Pole.

Decked out in twinkling lights and decorations, you can roam around the market and stroll through the cozy-looking stalls for hours.

You can even sip on mulled wine and snack on Canadian treats while shopping!

I love unique handcrafted gifts, among many things. They make great Xmas presents! There is no entrance fee, and it’s a great way to support the 45+ local vendors.

2. Alight At Night Festival

To get that feeling of Christmas morning as a kid, make your way to Upper Canada Village for their Alight at Night Festival.

This historic village transforms into a winter wonderland in December, with over one million lights decorating the streets, trees, churches, and houses.

There are also other festive activities to get you into the Christmas Spirit, including a Pommier horse-drawn carriage ride for couples and a place to ‘visit’ Santa Claus for families with small children!

3. Rink of Dreams

The other reason to visit Ottawa in December is to experience nighttime ice skating on the Rink of Dreams, just outside the Ottawa City Hall!

The ice is refrigerated, so it stays nice and smooth for easy skating. There’s also a small warming station in case you get a bit too cold on the ice!

The rink is open 7 days a week from 9AM to 11PM. It’s completely free if you have your own skates, or you can rent a pair for a small fee.

4. Vintage Village of Lights

Another event not to miss is the Vintage Village of Lights display that is put on every year by the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum.

You can stroll through the 1920s and 1930s style village, enjoying the nostalgic atmosphere and browsing unique vintage stalls.

It is a magical experience that captures the essence of the Christmas season, with over 30,000 lights illuminating different sections of the village.

5. Rideau Canal

Skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa during winter is one of the best outdoor winter activities in Ottawa.

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest skating rink, stretching for over 7.8km (4.8 miles).

If you don’t have ice skates, you can rent a pair. All you have to do is put down a small deposit and show some ID. Then, you’re free to use their skates!

And when you need a break, there are plenty of warming huts along the way where you can get a hot drink or a Beaver Tail.

If ice skating isn’t your thing, you can always walk alongside the Rideau Canal Skateway to experience the same views of both Ottawa and Gatineau.

6. Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is Canada’s second most visited park.

While most of these visitors come in the warmer months, there’s plenty to do in the winter, like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, and snow biking.

The federally protected park has over 80 snowshoeing trails to choose from, and visitors can rent snowshoes from the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre.

You’ll also need to buy a daily pass to snowshoe in the park.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something different, this Gatineau Park Nocturnal Snowshoeing Adventure might be for you! The tour picks up from various hotels and takes you to trail #70, where you’ll snowshoe to the historic Healey Shelter for a wood-stove-cooked meal.

7. Nordik Spa-Nature

Nordik Spa-Nature in Ottawa is a slice of paradise in the capital city.

This wellness retreat center is ideal for unwinding and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

Picture yourself spending an evening soaking in the indoor and outdoor saunas, dipping in the hot and cold pools, and then lounging in the relaxation areas. There are even several restaurants on-site that serve excellent food and craft cocktails.

Best of all, this oasis is just a quick 10-minute journey from downtown Ottawa, near Gatineau Park.

8. Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, and it’s a cool place to stop by when visiting Ottawa in December.

Just a few minutes from downtown Ottawa, political history buffs love to stroll around Rideau Hall grounds and explore the formal gardens. The complex is illuminated with thousands of lights and 10,000 trees across the 32-hectare (79-acre) park.

You can even tour the residence and visit the State rooms where the governor general carries out official duties.

9. Parc Omega

Parc Omega is a wildlife park located in Montebello, Quebec, just a 1-hour drive from downtown Ottawa and is a fun day trip from the city.

The wildlife park circuit is 12 km long and takes around 1.5 hours. Along the way, you’ll see some of the 20+ wild animals from across Canada (even wolves!) I don’t think anyone gets as excited about seeing the wolves as I do!

Before you go, buy a bag of carrots, as the deer have come to expect a few from each visitor!

If you’re looking for something unique to do in Ottawa in December, Parc Omega is a great choice!

A photo of the outside of Fairmont Chateau Laurier

10. Fairmont Chateau Laurier

If you’re looking for a bit of winter luxury during your stay in Ottawa, look no further than the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

This iconic landmark, within walking distance of the Parliament Buildings and the downtown core, has stunning views of the Rideau Canal and is the perfect getaway during winter months.

If staying here is not within your budget, take a walk around this historic chateau instead and reserve a table for afternoon tea.

You can read about my Chateau Laurier High Tea experience so you know what to expect, but I recommend booking at least a couple of weeks in advance.

11. Canadian Museum of Nature

While there are many outdoor excursions in Ottawa, there are also plenty of Ottawa winter activities indoors. One example is the Canadian Museum of Nature. It’s located at 240 McLeod St. and crowned as Ottawa’s premier natural history and natural sciences museum.

As you step inside, you’ll be captivated by its fascinating exhibits and four main collections devoted to Botany, Geology, Paleontology, and Zoology.

You can also take a leisurely wander through the eight permanent galleries, where you’ll see dinosaur fossils, a blue whale skeleton, and the incredible Canada Goose Arctic Gallery installation.

12. National Gallery of Canada

I can tell you that the National Gallery of Canada is an absolute gem and certainly another of the best indoor places to see in Ottawa.

Step into this enormous gallery and prepare to be blown away by its world-class collection of Canadian, Indigenous, European, and American art. From the iconic works of Emily Carr and Tom Thomson to priceless masterpieces by iconic European artists, this place is an art lover’s paradise.

The National Gallery also offers interactive exhibits and hosts exciting temporary exhibitions showcasing diverse and thought-provoking artwork.

You can find this artistic haven about 10 minutes from downtown Ottawa. The address is 380 Sussex Drive.

13. Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History is another exciting museum across the Ottawa River in Gatineau. The building has beautiful architecture that’s worth seeing by itself, but it’s the immersive exhibits that leave a lasting impression.

The First Peoples Hall takes you through Indigenous history with its beautiful artifacts and interactive displays.

Then, the Canadian History Hall showcases the diverse stories that have shaped the country.

Whether you love history or are just curious about Canada’s cultural heritage, this museum should be on your Ottawa itinerary!

14. Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a national historic site of Canada and a fantastic place to escape the winter cold in Ottawa.

There’s something magical about visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral during winter, especially around Christmas.

It’s the perfect place to soak up the holiday spirit and admire the historical significance of the cathedral. The church is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Admission to the Notre Dame Cathedral is free, which is another reason I love to visit regularly!

15. ByWard Market

Ottawa’s ByWard Market offers a vibrant hub of activity with numerous bars, restaurants, and boutique stores all in one place. There’s ALWAYS something exciting happening here.

It becomes even more magical in December, with the sparkling Christmas lights illuminating the market.

The market is also indoors, so you can escape the cold winter air and warm up with a latte or a piping cup of hot chocolate!

Then, spend the afternoon browsing for a unique gift to take home, or you can try some local Canadian food at one of the many restaurants!

FAQs Winter in Ottawa

As an Ottawa local, I’ve heard all the questions about winter in this city. So, let’s clear up any final concerns before you make the journey to Canada’s capital city!

Is Ottawa worth visiting in winter?

Absolutely! Ottawa comes alive during the winter months with activities and events. From ice skating on the largest skating rink in the world, the Rideau Canal, to exploring the stunning Gatineau Park on cross-country skis or snowshoes, there’s plenty to do.

How do you get around Ottawa in winter?

Getting around Ottawa is easy in the winter. The city has excellent public transportation systems, including the OC Transpo bus and the O-Train/STO Train. You can purchase tickets and day passes on buses or at select locations.

Wrap-up: Ottawa in December

There are so many things to do in Ottawa during winter, and December is a great time to visit.

So, if you’re trying to decide where to travel in December, I can guarantee that Ottawa will make for a memorable Canadian winter escape! There’s a huge variety of winter activities to try, events to attend, local markets to check out, and festive christmas lights everywhere!

But the most unforgettable experience for almost every visitor is ice skating on the Rideau Canal! No matter what you put on your itinerary, make sure you book your accommodation early so you don’t end up paying for overpriced hotel rooms! Here’s my guide to the best places to stay in Ottawa from a local’s point of view!

Ottawa Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?

100% YES! — There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.

💧Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?

Yes – ish — While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle. (Read more)

🚙💨 Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?

Yes — Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.

📲 Do I need to know French in Ottawa?

Nope! — The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. (Read more)

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?

For Ottawa hotels, Booking is the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

✈️ What’s the best site to buy Ottawa flights?

For finding cheap Ottawa flights, I recommend Skyscanner. You can even set a price alert to find out when flights are on sale.

🎫 Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?

Likely Not — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.

📍 Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec. It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto. You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.