If you are visiting Ottawa in winter, I would recommend you not to skip the Christmas market there. Itโs definitely an incredible experience to feel the festive vibes all around. And what could be better than Christmas? It brings in the joy of extended holidays, mouth-watering cakes, and lots of gifts.
I must share with you my experience of being there. Trust me, itโs all fun to explore the Lansdowne Market with your friends and family during the holiday season. We had a fun evening with live music and holiday cheers. I bought some gifts from local vendors. We also snapped our photos with Santa. And the food tour was delicious.
Nothing can be more precious than your kids smiling and enjoying. So, indulge with them in the festive vibes of this European-style Christmas Market in Ottawa to create memorable memories.
Pragya, Canada Hustle
Do you know this market has over 35 vendors offering holiday foods, drinks, handmade crafts, and other ingredients for holiday entertainment? We were so captivated by twinkly nights, astonishing tree-lighting ceremonies, and the delightful atmosphere there. Anyone who is in Ottawa can have this experience for free. Yeah! there is no charge for strolling in. You only pay for the things and services you buy.
I have prepared a list of fun things you will love to enjoy there:
1. You Can Attend a Live Artist Performance
What can be more enjoyable than attending the live show at Christmas? Yes, you can witness live performances by singers and songwriters, such as Tara Shannon, JW-Jones, and Erica Brighthill. Some choirs also offer live entertainment. Many people flock here to see and hear the entertainment, which is nothing but pure fun.
2. Walk around the Market
This is always my favourite pastime. Itโs a small market, still, you will find many attractive items there. You can buy festive lights, Decorations, various kinds of cheese, dairy products, vodka, coffee, chocolates, socks, and knitted products from local vendors. Premium vendors like Uptown Sox, The Thirst Responder, and Saunders Cider are also there. I am pretty sure they will not fail to amaze you.
3. Try the Various Food and Drink
You can find various cuisines from Jamaicanย and German to Indian. You can also explore festive food and drinks like mulled wine, hot chocolate, eggnog, bratwurst, and pretzel. I loved the Ecuadoorganic coffee. It has a premium taste and is possibly the best you can find here.ย You can also try gourmet cookies, Beaver tails, pancakes, and other foods here.
4. Visit Santa and His Village
Any Christmas market would be incomplete in the absence of Santa. So, this one has many functions involving him. We went to Santaโs village to take pictures & make crafts in Santaโs Workshop. You can meet Santa Claus with your beloved pet and take the phone with the family and your pet. You can also start your day with breakfast with Santa and have everything ready for the whole day in the region.
All the proceeds will go to the OSEG Foundation, which provides a chance for children and young people to learn, develop,ย and succeed in sports. You can buy tickets that give an opportunity for these children to meet Santa in a more comfortable environment and take photos with his autistic friends.
5. Have a Fun Time in Disco with Headphones
Iโll tell you about this rare event in the market. The night will be peaceful and silent for the entire neighbourhood, but if you participate in the quiet kitchen, you will be dancing and vibing with the festive beats and that too with headphones on. To attend, you must arrive early, among the first 200 people. Youโll get your headphones, and you can dance off the night away to a live DJ!
6. Do Ice Skating
Our experience would have been incomplete without the ice skating. And I highly recommend you also participate in it. You can join this ice skating at the Lansdowne ice rink in Aberdeen Pav. It is the best place to go, but make sure to arrive early, as it can get pretty swamped. You can dance and skate to the beats of a DJ with family and loved ones. Later, you can go to the nearby vendors and drink or eat hot food. But donโt miss it,ย though!
7. Have Some Good Food
Get a taste of Beavertails. Yes, it is a favourite pastry in Canada that has bananas, whipped cream, chocolate, or Oreos as a topping. You can have it with hot dogs or poutine. Such a mouthwatering dish it is! Next, try Eggnog, a chilled, sweet, and rich dairy beverage. You will taste cream, milk, egg yolks, and sugar whipped together with egg whites.
Overall, it was a warm and lively visit and we had fun all around. Do visit the market and enjoy the twinkling bright lights, food, drink, live entertainment, and various vendors. The coziness of the festive atmosphere can make you feel the holiday spirit. Take as many photos as you want of the scenic places and decorations. Have fun!!
We interviewed Alex Cornici, the Founder and CEO of The Traveler, about things that make visiting a Christmas market an unforgettable experience. Here is what he said:
โI believe a Christmas market is a different kind of experience because of all the senses it engages and all the unity it creates.
Tree-lined streets covered in twinkling lights and the scent of gingerbread and spiced apples in the air provide an even more magical touch to the whimsy of winter, which contributes to the camaraderie between the community.
What makes me happy are the Christmas markets, because where else does Christmas bring together as many people as the Christmas markets? Families, friends, and strangers from near and far come to this place to enjoy live bands, handmade crafts, and local food.
These markets are the heartbeat of our community, and communities come together to celebrate, socialize, and enjoy tradition. Walking through the holiday hustle and bustle of a German market with carolers and German artisans demonstrating their craft is the heartwarming part.
In addition, every Christmas market is reflective of the culture and traditions of that particular area, thus providing visitors a rare opportunity to see and experience a side of the region they might never get to see. From sampling German lebkuchen to sipping French vin chaud and Scandinavian glรถgg, the markets offer a gastronomic route through the holidays that heightens the experience. The diversity enhances the experience for the guest and also commemorates the universal joy of the holiday season with abundance.โ
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on August 12, 2024 by Saket
Wow, I never knew there were so much things to look and do, If I ever get a chance I am sure I would like to see and experience all this.