What's on in the Outaouais November 29 to December 5
Christmas is getting closer, and the Outaouais is putting on its holiday sparkle. Your inner child will be delighted! Here are some of the festivities in the Outaouais this week.
Events and activities
CHRISTMAS IN OLD AYLMER
A beloved local tradition! The historic Old Aylmer neighbourhood is the perfect setting for Christmas magic. The Christmas market, featuring two dozen merchants, opens on November 29. On November 30, the Santa Claus Parade makes its way down Principale Street. Be sure to dress for the weather! Check out the holiday programming for lots of fun activities!
The Christmas Market takes place in Memorial Park, at the corner of Principale and Park Streets in the Old Aylmer sector of Gatineau.
Friday through Sunday from November 29 to December 8, 2019. The parade starts at 6 p.m. on November 30.
RENDEZ-VOUS BD
Celebrate the ninth art at the Maison du citoyen. At the 16th annual Rendez-vous BD, fans of comics and graphic novels can meet some of their favourite authors (including Emil Ferris, author of My Favorite Thing Is Monsters) and enjoy the latest best-sellers. Discover this fascinating world, one frame at a time!
Maison du citoyen, 25 Laurier Street, Gatineau
November 30 and December 1
AT THE RELAIS PLEIN AIR
Have you visited the Relais plein air recently? If not, you should check it out: there’s a fresh new feel to the building, located conveniently close to the entrance to Gatineau Park. Besides the equipment rental service, welcoming coffee shop and fireside sitting area, the Relais is organizing its first-ever Christmas market. Discover creations by local eco-artisans while enjoying a hot drink or delicious seasonal treats from the Café des Sentiers. Children can participate in craft workshops and mail their letter to Santa. Who knows? Maybe there’s a fast track from Gatineau Park to the North Pole!
Relais plein air, 397 De la Cité-des-Jeunes Blvd., Gatineau
December 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS across Canada
On December 4, celebrate the launch of Christmas Lights Across Canada in Confederation Park, as thousands of twinkling lights brighten the National Capital Region. On this special evening, there will be free BeaverTails pastries (while supplies last) and free performances by Damien Robitaille, Kiesza and Tomson Highway! The multimedia projection show on Parliament Hill continues nightly until January 7. Follow the lighting route and admire the illuminated sites all along Confederation Boulevard. Prepare to be dazzled!
Opening night: December 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Christmas Lights Across Canada runs from December 4 to January 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The Multimedia projection show is presented in a 15 minutes loop
TREE LIGHTING AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY
Are you sorry to have missed the tree lighting ceremony at the Canadian Museum of History? Cheer up: there’s another one at the National Gallery of Canada! Besides the tree lighting in the Scotiabank Great Hall, there’s fun in store for visitors of all ages, including making your own Christmas corsage and flower brooch, riding the VIA Rail Christmas Mini-Train on the outdoor Plaza, singing carols, and enjoying free hot chocolate and treats!
National Gallery of Canada, Scotiabank Great Hall, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
December 5 from 5 to 8 p.m.
As space is limited in the Scotiabank Great Hall, visitors will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Looking for more ideas? Consult the event calendar on our Facebook page!