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Things to do in Ottawa on Christmas Day

People make their way through the falling snow in downtown Ottawa, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick People make their way through the falling snow in downtown Ottawa, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
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CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa on Christmas Day.

Movies

Cineplex locations in Ottawa will be open on Christmas Day. Check cineplex.com for tickets and hours.

Landmark Cinemas locations in Kanata and Orléans will also be open on Christmas Day. Check landmarkcinemas.com for show times.

Movies showing on Christmas Day include Mufasa: The Lion King, Wicked, Moana 2, Gladiator II, Kraven the Hunter, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, Nosferatu, A Complete Unknown, and Babygirl.

Restaurants

Some restaurants in Ottawa will be open on Christmas Day. 

You can book reservations on OpenTable for select restaurants that will be open, or you can call ahead. 

Outdoor skating rinks

You can go for a skate, weather permitting, on City of Ottawa outdoor rinks.

  • Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall
  • Lansdowne Park skating court
  • Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink at Canterbury
  • Ben Franklin Place skating rink

Magic of Lights

Celebrate the holidays with a drive through the Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks.

The holiday lights experience features your favourite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations.

The Magic of Lights is open on Christmas. For tickets and information, visit https://magicoflights.com/locations/ottawa-on/

Winter Lights Across Canada

Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau are lit up for the holidays.

Check out the Winter Lights Across Canada.

Several buildings and parks are illuminated for the holidays, including Confederation Park, the National War Memorial, Jacques-Cartier Park and the Supreme Court of Canada.

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