What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Dec. 3-5
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at activities and events happening in Ottawa, eastern Ontario and western Quebec this weekend.
RINK OF DREAMS
The Sens Rink of Dreams is now open at Ottawa City Hall.
The rink is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
OTTAWA SENATORS
The Ottawa Senators host the Colorado Avalanche Saturday night at Canadian Tire Centre. Game time is 7 p.m.
Just a reminder, all fans aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated to enter Canadian Tire Centre for Senators games this season.
For more information, visit www.nhl.com/senators/.
Courtesy: Andrea C.
HELP SANTA TOY PARADE
Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend.
The Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association presents the Help Santa Toy Parade on Saturday in downtown Ottawa.
The parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday at Ottawa City Hall on Laurier Avenue. It will travel west on Laurier to Bank Street, and then south on Bank Street to Fifth Avenue.
New toy donations can be dropped off at all City of Ottawa Fire Stations, while cash donations can be made at www.toyparade.ca.
SANTA CLAUS PARADES IN EASTERN ONTARIO
Santa Claus will visit Almonte, Arnprior, Clarence-Rockland, Hawkesbury, North Dundas, Pakenham, Perth, Petawawa, Renfrew and Richmond this weekend.
For more information, visit the CTV Ottawa Santa Claus parade list.
Santa Claus is shown in this undated file photo.
OC TRANSPO/LOBLAW CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVE
Shoppers are asked to help fill OC Transpo buses in support of the Ottawa Food Bank.
The 37th annual OC Transpo/Loblaw Christmas Food Drive is set for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
OC Transpo buses will be parked outside participating Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer and No Frills locations, with volunteers collecting food and cash donations.
All donations received will go directly to the Ottawa Food Bank, FAMSAC Food Cupboard, Stittsville Food Bank, and the Kanata Food Cupboard.
THE NUTCRACKER
Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents the Nutcracker this weekend at the National Arts Centre.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Nutcracker will immerse you into a fantastical world of extravagant sets and costumes. A joyful seasonal tradition for the whole family!
For more information, visit https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/29686.
MAGIC OF LIGHTS
Celebrate the Christmas and holiday season with the Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks.
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favourite holiday scenes and characters of the season.
Every ticket to Magic of Lights benefits CHEO.
The Magic of Lights runs until Jan 8.
For tickets, visit https://magicoflights.com/events/ottawa/.
OTTAWA CHRISTMAS MARKET
It's the second weekend for the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne.
Enjoy holiday entertainment, local flavours and some holiday shopping as thousands of lights and decorations twinkle and sparkle.
For more information, visit https://www.ottawachristmasmarket.com/.
LANSDOWNE CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Ottawa Farmers Market hosts the Christmas Market each Saturday and Sunday during the holiday season.
The Christmas Market features over 70 artisans and farmers, who produce their edible goods and intricate crafts within a 100 km distance of Ottawa.
The Christmas Market inside the Aberdeen Pavilion runs every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Dec. 19.
For more information, visit ottawafarmersmarket.ca.
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AT SAUNDERS FARM
Celebrate a Country Christmas at Saunders Farm with a drive-thru light and sound experience through its 180-year-old family farm and forest.
The Country Christmas Light and Sound Show runs from Saturday, Dec. 4 to Dec. 30.
Guests visiting Saunders Farm for the drive-thru experience only do not need to be vaccinated. All guests 13 years old and older must be fully vaccinated to visit the Farm Shop, CiderHouse and Christmas Tree lot.
For more information, visit https://saundersfarm.com/.
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE AT STANLEY'S OLDE MAPLE LANE FARM
Celebrate Christmas at Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm in Edwards, Ont.
Take a ride through the forest and visit the elves at their village. Play games, sing songs and maybe even meet a surprise visitor from the North Pole.
The Christmas Village begins Dec. 4.
For more information and tickets, visit https://stanleysfarm.com/family-fun/.
ENCHANTED HOLIDAY DRIVE
Enjoy the Enchanted Holiday Drive at Karters' Korner's track in Ottawa until Dec. 23.
The drive-thru experience showcases special effects, innovative lighting and fantastical production.
For tickets, visit https://www.enchantedottawa.ca/.
ALIGHT AT NIGHT AT UPPER CANADA VILLAGE
Alight at Night is billed as eastern Ontario's biggest outdoor light festival.
Lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees, and fences of Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ont. creating a one-of-a-kind magical backdrop for its annual Alight at Night Festival.
Alight at Night runs until Jan. 1
Visit uppercanadavillage.com for details and tickets.
A look at Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ont. (Nate Vandermeer/CTV News Ottawa)
WATSON'S MILL CHRISTMAS MARKET
It's the final weekend for the Watson's Mill Christmas Market in the Square.
For more information, visit https://watsonsmill.com/events/.
MUSEUMS
For more information, visit each museum's website.
- Museum of Nature will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Advance tickets required for all visitors)
- Canada Agriculture and Food Museum will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Advance tickets required for all visitors)
- Canada Science and Technology Museum will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Advance tickets required for all visitors)
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Advance tickets required for all visitors)
- Canadian War Museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Canadian Museum of History is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- National Gallery of Canada is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- The Diefenbunker is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
As of Dec. 1, all guests 12 and older must show proof of full vaccination to visit the Canadian Museum of Nature, Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Canadian War Museum, Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada.
OWLS RENDEZ-VOUS
Come face-to-face with live owls at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Don't miss this outdoor exhibition, created in partnership with Little Ray's Nature Centre. See owls and an eagle in their specially-designed habitat enclosures.
BYWARD MARKET AND PARKDALE MARKET
The ByWard Market and Parkdale Public Market are open daily.
For more information, visit www.ottawamarkets.ca.
PARC OMEGA
Parc Omega is open in Montebello, Que.
For more information, visit https://www.parcomega.ca/en/.
CARLETON RAVENS
The Carleton Ravens women's hockey team hosts Bishop's Friday night at Carleton.
The Carleton Ravens women's hockey team visits the University of Ottawa Sunday at 7 p.m. at the uOttawa Minto Sports Complex
For more information, visit goravens.ca.
UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA
The University of Ottawa women's volleyball team hosts UQAM Friday at Montpetit Hall.
The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees women's hockey team hosts Carleton Sunday at 7 p.m. at the uOttawa Minto Sports Complex.
For more information, visit teams.geegees.ca.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was "surprised" to hear it.
One man dead after shooting at Kitchener's 'A Better Tent City'
One man is dead after an afternoon shooting at 49 Ardelt Ave. in Kitchener.
Poilievre calls for asylum seeker cap, border plan as U.S. tariff threat looms
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded the federal government present a plan before Parliament to beef up border security as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose stiff tariffs on Canada.
Immigrants take to the streets to protest against the freezing of immigration programmes
In response to the freeze on immigration programmes announced by Ottawa, an organization that defends the rights of immigrants is organising a demonstration in front of the Montreal office of the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration early on Saturday afternoon.
'Moana 2' sails to a record US$221 million opening as Hollywood celebrates a moviegoing feast
'Moana 2' brought in a tidal wave of moviegoers over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, setting records with $221 million in ticket sales, according to estimates.
A man hid 5 treasure chests worth more than US$2 million across the United States. Here’s how to find them
Inside the chests, searchers can look forward to hopefully locating items such as rare Pokémon cards, shipwreck bounty, sports memorabilia, gold and precious medals.
Guilbeault disappointed as plastic treaty talks end with no deal
Canada's environment minister says he's disappointed that international negotiations over a treaty to end plastic pollution have ended without an agreement.
Shopping on Shein and Temu for holiday gifts? You're not the only one.
Welcome to the new online world of impulse buying, a place of guilty pleasures where the selection is vast, every day is Cyber Monday, and an instant dopamine hit that will have faded by the time your package arrives is always just a click away.
Bob Bryar, drummer for rock band My Chemical Romance, dead at 44
Bob Bryar, former drummer for the band My Chemical Romance, has died. He was reportedly 44.
Atlantic
-
Furry fashionistas turn Halifax street into Maritimes’ cutest runway
The annual pet parade, an adored holiday tradition, returned to Halifax on Saturday.
-
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was "surprised" to hear it.
-
Port Elgin, N.B., rallies behind woman's plan to light historic landmark at Christmas
Jackie Giles received overwhelming support when she asked her community to help her decorate the historic bridge in Port Elgin, N.B., for Christmas
Toronto
-
Why teens’ mental health may be more strained than you think heading into the holidays
While many people might think of the end of the year as a time to wind down one’s workload and take a break, a Toronto psychiatrist says young people may actually be carrying more stress than usual heading into the holiday season.
-
Toronto-based arts-grant provider says nearly $10M was stolen by 'cybercriminal intruder'
A Toronto-based non-profit that provides grants to musicians and others in the music industry says that nearly $10 million was stolen from its bank account by a 'cybercriminal' and then converted into cryptocurrency.
-
Auston Matthews picks up two assists in his return to the lineup as Maple Leafs top Lightning 5-3
Auston Matthews picked up a pair of assists in his return to the lineup and Joseph Woll stopped 38 shots as the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3 on Saturday night.
Montreal
-
Police investigating torched vehicles in Dollard-des-Ormeaux
Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating after three vehicles were torched on the same street in the city of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, on Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
-
Quebec forest industry already under pressure amid Trump tariff threat: Legault
Quebec's premier is raising concerns about the potential impact of the tariff proposed by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on the province's forest industry.
-
School of the Greats celebrates first graduates at local CEGEP
Saint-Laurent CEGEP celebrated its first School of the Greats graduating class on Saturday.
Northern Ontario
-
Saultites keep digging as the snow keeps falling
Snowfall in Sault Ste. Marie seemed to be delayed this year, but the cruel joke by Mother Nature saw a single dump make up for weeks of fall-like weather.
-
Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable right now, but solutions on the table in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting
During a surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News.
-
Man fined $10K for abandoning homemade barge in Lake Nipissing
A man from Lavigne, Ont., has been fined $10,000 for abandoning a homemade barge in Lake Nipissing.
Windsor
-
Transit Windsor offers reduced route service through Christmas holidays
If you’re a regular transit user, there are lots of alterations to service to be aware of as we approach the holiday season.
-
Three million grams of cereal collected to feed students in annual Cereal Box Challenge
The food collected will help support 33 breakfast and snack programs in the Greater Essex County District School Board.
-
Windsor Spitfires bring home a win from Owen Sound
After a loss in Guelph on Friday, the Spitfires arrived in Owen Sound hoping for a chance at redemption.
London
-
LTC to alter transit service over the holidays, and offer free New Year's rides
If you’re a regular transit user, alongside alterations to service during the holiday season, London Transit will also be offering free rides on New Year’s Eve.
-
Snow squall watch in effect for London and parts of Middlesex County
A snow squall watch is in effect for London, Parkhill and eastern Middlesex County today – with a large weather system dumping several feet of snow across the northern half of the region over the weekend.
-
'Outpour from community was overwhelming': Santa’s House lives on at Covent Garden Market
A year ago, the founder of the TLC Foundation and creator of ‘Santa’s House’ Leo Larizza had planned to shut it down after a decade, but it lives on.
Kitchener
-
developingdeveloping Emergency crews battle large fire at Kitchener townhouse complex
Waterloo Regional Police say Kingsway Drive is closed as emergency services respond to a fire at a townhouse complex.
-
One man dead after shooting at Kitchener's 'A Better Tent City'
One man is dead after an afternoon shooting at 49 Ardelt Ave. in Kitchener.
-
SIU invokes mandate after OPP-involved shooting on Highway 401 in Cambridge
Highway 401, through Kitchener, was brought to a standstill Friday due to a police-involved shooting.
Barrie
-
Muskoka reacts to major snowfall, Highway 11 still closed
From road closures, power outages, weather declarations and nonstop shovelling, Muskoka residents were faced with nearly a metre of persistent snowfall on Saturday.
-
Snow closes portion of Highway 11
OPP have closed a segment of Highway 11 in South Muskoka due to unsafe driving conditions caused by weather.
-
Muskoka declares significant weather event
The District Municipality of Muskoka has declared a significant weather event in response to the snow that continues to fall in the region.
Winnipeg
-
Woman arrested in Skywalk after wielding knife, threatening security: police
A Winnipeg woman is facing several charges after police said she threatened security at the Millenium Library downtown.
-
City shuts out province with 6-0 win in Winnipeg 150 hockey game
The provincial government opened the floodgates to the City of Winnipeg Saturday, falling 6-0 in a match-up 50 years in the making.
-
Winnipeg man charged after drugs, shotgun seized
A 32-year-old man has been charged with several weapon and drug-related offences by Winnipeg police.
Calgary
-
Auburn Bay residents brave the cold to hold a Parade of Lights
It was pretty cold Saturday night, but the hearts of those in a southeast Calgary neighbourhood warmed right up during a big annual celebration.
-
Calgary police seek arson suspect in bitcoin extortion case
Calgary police are looking for a suspect in an arson case, connected to an attempt to extort bitcoin from victims.
-
Hitmen run out of gas in the Hat as Tigers dominate 7-3
The Hitmen ran out of gas trying to extend their winning streak to six games Saturday night, dropping a 7-3 game to the Tigers in Medicine Hat.
Edmonton
-
Nugent-Hopkins has goal and assist, Skinner stops 27 shots as Oilers beat Avalanche 4-1
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and an assist, Stuart Skinner stopped 27 shots and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-1 on Saturday night.
-
Edmonton mayor to pitch tax reduction plan for 'immediate relief'
Edmonton's mayor is pitching a plan to lower property taxes.
-
Here's a list of items that will be GST/HST-free over the holidays
Canadians won't have to pay GST on a selection of items this holiday season, the prime minister vowed on Thursday.
Regina
-
Manz verdict still unknown as jury deliberations enter third day
The case of Regina chiropractor Ruben Manz sits in limbo as the court still awaits the jury's verdict Sunday morning.
-
Temperature records broken, tied following latest snowfall in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan received yet more snow as winter continues to ramp up on the prairies. With the increased precipitation, communities have recorded dipping temperatures – with a handful breaking or tying longstanding records.
-
Regina's LED volume wall leaving Sask. months after opening
Less than a year after an LED volume wall was introduced to the film world in Saskatchewan, the equipment is making its exit from the province.
Saskatoon
-
City crews battle overnight snowfall in Saskatoon
The City of Saskatoon crews are plowing and grading high traffic roads following overnight snowfall in the city.
-
Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage young girl with hug and kiss
A Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage and reassure a young girl when he hugged and kissed her during an encounter in 2023. He recounted the incident in his testimony at Saskatoon Provincial Court Friday.
-
One dead, two injured in Sask. highway collision
A 61-year-old man was killed and two others were taken to hospital following a collision between an SUV and a truck near Prince Albert on Friday night.
Vancouver
-
Vancouver police shoot carjacking suspect; IIO called in
A carjacking suspect was shot by Vancouver police early Sunday morning, prompting an investigation by the provincial watchdog.
-
Suspect sought after multiple vehicles vandalized in Mission: RCMP
Mounties in Mission are trying to identify a man suspected of going on a vehicle vandalizing spree last week.
-
Watch: Noisy throng of sea lions frolic near Jericho Beach
A large swarm of California sea lions have converged in the waters near Vancouver’s Jericho and Locarno beaches.
Vancouver Island
-
Yuletide festivities help kick off holiday season in Greater Victoria
Greater Victoria has a host of yuletide festivities this weekend for residents ready to kick off the holiday season.
-
Supreme Court clears way for B.C. to include other governments in opioid lawsuit
B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma says a Supreme Court of Canada victory has cleared a "pathway" for governments across the country to go after opioid makers and distributors for damages arising from the opioid crisis.
-
Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas
A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas.
Kelowna
-
Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas
A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas.
-
Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026
The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday.
-
545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down
Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day.
