Things to do in Ottawa this weekend – December 2-4, 2022

15^th Annual European Union Christmas Concert

When: Friday, December 2, 2022
Where: Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, 385 Sussex Drive
What time: Doors open at 7 pm. The concert begins at 7:30 pm
Admission: Free • Click here to reserve your seat

The Delegation of the European Union to Canada and the diplomatic missions of EU Member States are hosting an evening of European Christmas carols and songs featuring performances by the Ottawa Catholic School Board Choir, Ottawa Children's Choir, Ottawa Gay Men Chorus, Chorale Lyrica, Ottawa Four Seasons Brass Ensemble and guest performer soprano Solomia Chabursky. Music will be performed in 25 different European languages.

Photo: European Union to Canada

Ron Josol at Yuk Yuks

When: Friday, December 2nd, and Saturday, December 3, 2022
Where: Yuk Yuks Ottawa West, downstairs at Biagio's Italian Kitchen (1394 Richmond Rd)
What time: 7:30 pm, Friday, December 2nd. 7:30 pm or 10 pm
Admission: $25 • Click here to purchase tickets

Canadian-Filipino comedian Ron Josol stirs up the multi-cultural melting pot that mirrors life in most urban centres today. He presents hilarious scenarios and comments on our global society's inherent contradictions. Josol has performed worldwide for almost 20 years, making him one of the most sought-after comics today.

Photo: Yuk Yuks

Carp Christmas Market

When: Friday, December 2 & Saturday, December 3, 2022
Where: Carp Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Road
What time: 3 pm – 8 pm Friday; 8 am – 2 pm Saturday
Admission: Free

Head to the Carp Farmer’s Market Christmas Market for two days of pet-friendly, wheelchair-accessible holiday shopping from 100% local vendors. Santa Claus will be making a special appearance on both days! You can find him walking around the market from 6-7 pm on Friday and between 10-11 am & 12:30-1:30 pm on Saturday. Make sure to bring a non-perishable food donation for the West Carleton Food Access Centre Food Drive. 

Photo: Carp Farmer's Market

Sons of Scotland Pipe Band Ceilidh

When: Saturday, December 3, 2020
Where: Royal Canadian Legion Eastview, 294 Cyr Avenue
What time: 5 pm to 10:30 pm
Admission: $20 • Click here to purchase tickets

The Sons of Scotland will host their annual St. Andrew’s Day Ceilidh featuring a three-course buffet dinner, piping in of the haggis, silent auction, and door prize. Entertainment by the pipe band, local Highland dancers, and Johnny Vegas!

Photo: Sons of Scotland

2022 K-Pop Gala

When: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Rue Laurier Gatineau
What time: 7 pm– 9:30 pm
Admission: Free • Click here to register

The Korean Cultural Centre Canada is hosting the 2022 K-POP Gala at the Canadian Museum of History! Come cheer on the amazing teams and celebrate this incredible style of Korean pop singing.

Photo: KCC

Ottawa Christmas Market

When: Until December 23, 2022
Where: Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne
What time: Friday 5 pm – 10 pm; Saturday 10 am – 10 pm; Sunday 10 am – 8 pm
Admission: Free

Head to Aberdeen Square at Lansdowne to get into the holiday spirit with The Ottawa Christmas Market’s outdoor European-style market. With 35 vendors, it’s the perfect place for great food, warm drinks, traditional kiosks, and a festive atmosphere! The family-friendly and free event features seasonal food and beverages (including alcoholic options), local goods at vendor cabins, glittering displays, and live performances.

Jurassic Quest

When: Friday, December 2nd to Sunday, December 4, 2022
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive
What time: Friday: 9 am -8 pm, Saturday: 9 am -8 pm and Sunday: 9 am -5 pm
Admission: From $27.50 • Click here to purchase tickets

Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest, most popular dino event, with unique, exciting, and interactive experiences for the whole family. Appearing for the first time in Canada is the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit with ancient ocean dwellers, including the largest apex predator that ever existed — a 15-meter-long Megalodon that moves! Observe the herd of life-size animatronic dinosaurs, including Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, and T-Rex. Interact with the trainers and baby dinos and watch a live Raptor show. 

Photo: Jurassic Quest

The Big Game Ticket Giveaway Promotion

When: December 1-December 31, 2022
Where: Rideau Carleton Casino, 4837 Albion Rd S, Gloucester
What time: Open and Rockin’ 24/7
Admission: N/A • Click HERE to view full promotional details

Head to the Rideau Carleton Casino (RCR) now through December 31st for your chance to win a trip for two to ‘The Big Game’ – yes, the super-sized big football game in Arizona this February! Prize package valued at over $25,000 and includes $2,500 cash for both airfare and accommodations.

Start earning ballots now through December 31st for every $20 wagered while using your *Rock Star Rewards card. The Grand prize draw will take place after the ball drops on NYE at 1:15 am on January 1, 2023.

In addition, experience the thrill of Money Mania, with over $150,000 in total prizes to be won. Use your Rock Star Rewards card for a chance to be 1 of 20 DAILY winners selected to enter our “Money Machine” and keep what you catch in free-play prizes. Plus, every Saturday night, you could win $12,500 in cash now through December 31st.

• Free Parking
• Play Smart. Must be 19+.

*Signing up for a Rock Star Rewards card is easy and free, visit the RCR Rock Star Rewards Desk for details.

Caffe Italiano Brunch: Introducing Exquisite Brunch Classics with Italian Flair

When: Sunday, December 4, 2022 (plus December 18 & January 1, 2023)
Where: Caffe Italiano @ Rideau Carleton Casino (Enter through the gaming floor), 4837 Albion Rd S, Gloucester
What time: 11:30 am-2:30 pm
Admission: N/A – $55/5500 Rock Star Reward Points • Click HERE to view the full brunch menu and reserve a table.

Head to Caffe Italiano a the Rideau Carelton Casino for a refined dining experience featuring an exclusive five-course brunch menu that includes a complimentary mimosa or Caesar, starters, your choice of hand-selected main, a carving station, and one of our decadent homemade desserts.

• Free Parking
• Must be 19+
• Access through the main entrance of the casino and wheelchair accessible

Winter Lights Across Canada

When: Until January 8, 2023
Where: Parliament Hill, 111 Wellington Street
What time: Thursday to Monday from 5:30 pm to 11 pm (light show loops every 15 minutes)
Admission: Free

Live the nocturnal odyssey of luminous sparks that awaken during the Canadian winter solstice. Their mission: add light to winter evenings. With some help, they will travel across Canada’s many landscapes. Will they overcome the challenges along the way and achieve their important task? Catch the multimedia projection and, for a few moments, let the magic carry you away. An adventure that is sure to please young and old!

Photo: Government of Canada

Mayor’s 20th Annual Christmas Celebration

When: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West
What time: 2 pm – 5 pm
Admission: A donation to the Ottawa Food Bank

Celebrate the holiday season at Ottawa City Hall. The family-friendly festive event includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, a campfire for roasting marshmallows, hot chocolate, and live entertainment. Indulge in delicious BeaverTails for only $2, with all proceeds going directly to those in need.