What's on in the Outaouais December 20 to January 9
Where to spend New Year’s Eve? What to do on a snowy day? Whom to invite along to admire the Christmas lights? Pyjamas or ball gown? Our suggestions of activities in the Outaouais should answer at least some of your questions!
Note: The next What’s on in the Outaouais will be posted on January 10.
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR
Are you looking for THE New Year’s Eve party? Here are a few places that will give you a warm and festive welcome.
Le Rituel
A glamorous and festive atmosphere, elegant appetizers, live music by Samantha Neves, four-course gourmet meal, DJ in the evening, bubbles at midnight, and more. Book now—seating is limited!
967 Montée Dalton, Gatineau
December 31 starting at 6 p.m.
$112.24 (tax and tip included)
For ages 18+.
Casino du Lac-Leamy
At the Casino’s Bar 7, two bands (playing tunes you’ll recognize, we promise) will have you singing and dancing all night.
1 Du Casino Blvd., Gatineau
December 31 starting at 7:30 p.m.
Admission free
Designated drivers get free non-alcoholic beer and soft drinks.
Chelsea Pub
The tradition continues, with lively and irresistible music provided by the Irish Bastards Band and talented DJs.
Chelsea Pub, 238 Old Chelsea Road, Chelsea
December 31 starting at 9 p.m.
$60. Includes live music by the Irish Bastards in the pub space, two DJs in the new space, and bubbles and poutine bar at midnight.
Gatineau Playground Festival
WHAT’S ON FROM DECEMBER 20 TO JANUARY 9
Christmas Lights Across Canada
A classic in Canada’s Capital Region. Every night at 5:30 p.m., Parliament Hill comes alive with a dazzling multimedia show projected on the Peace Tower. Follow the adventures of Grizzli, Fox and Snowman on their quest for light through imaginary landscapes. Then, follow the lighting route and admire the thousands of dazzling holiday lights that brighten Confederation Boulevard, Canada’s ceremonial route.
December 4, 2019 to January 7, 2020
Old-fashioned Christmas party at the Rabaska
Things will be jumping in the Valley! Enjoy a one-of-a-kind evening with several talented music artists, including Steve Veilleux from Kaïn and Justin Lagacé, from the TV show La Voix.
85 Principale Street N., Maniwaki
December 23 from 9 p.m. to midnight
40. Tickets available at the Auberge du Draveur reception desk.
Gatineau Playground Festival
If you’ve got energy to burn, the Gatineau Playground Festival is the event for you, with two dozen inflatable structures, sports areas, free skating and entertainment. When you’re all worn out, you can relax and watch a movie. A total experience!
Branchaud-Brière Complex, 499 Labrosse Blvd., Gatineau
December 27–30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Adults (age 16+) $11. Ages 4 to 15: $23. Ages 2 & 3: $16. Four-day family pack (2 adults and 2 children under 16): $51
Festival of Lights
In the Pontiac, celebrate the closing night of the Festival of Lights with the Brauwerk Hoffman brewery! Enjoy a glass of German craft beer and admire the thousands of twinkling lights lining the trails at Coulonge Falls.
Coulonge Falls Park, 100 Promenade du Parc des Chutes, Mansfield-et-Pontefract
December 28 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Adults $10, children $6, family of 4 $30.
New Year’s Party at the Museum
If you’re up for it after the New Year’s Eve celebrations, kick off the new year with a family outing to the Canadian Museum of History, where you can explore musical traditions from around the world. Celebrate the start of 2020 in the Grand Hall with performances of the musical The Beginnings of Bing Bang by Jeunesse Musicales Canada. Get hands-on with percussion instruments from around the world, and make your own maracas to take home.
Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
January 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Performance at 12 noon (in French) and 2 p.m. (in English).
Free with Museum admission.
Relais Plein Air
FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS
Go snow tubing! At Montagnes Noires Park, the Domaine de l’Ange-Gardien, Sommet Edelweiss, or Lac Beauchamp Park.
Try some offbeat winter activities: see the stalagmites in the Laflèche Cave at Arbraska, discover the joy of Hok skiing at the Air-Eau-Bois outdoor recreation centre, and scale the dizzying 48-foot climbing tower at Kenauk Nature.
Take off your skis and snowshoes and warm up with a nice hot chocolate at the Relais Plein Air in Gatineau Park, in the yurt at Biscotti, or by the imposing six-sided fireplace at the Fairmont Le Château Montebello.
Looking for more ideas for winter fun? Check out our suggestions for indoor family activities, our bucket list for the best winter ever or our Facebook page!
We wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season!
