The first dusting of snow has layered a white film across Canada’s capital region and many are looking forward to the holiday season. Ottawa is one of the prettiest cities in Canada in which to spend the holidays – from beautiful lights adorning buildings and trees to the many different concerts, plays and musical events – there is a little something for everyone.

Starting December 6th and staying on (at night) until January 7th, our beautiful city glows with hundreds of thousands of multicoloured lights during the holiday season. Each year the festivities begin with an illumination ceremony in early December. Christmas Lights across Canada, the lights in Ottawa–Gatineau glow each evening from 4:30 pm to 2 am. Touring around the city seeing all of the lights is a must for visitors and residents alike. Be sure to head up to Parliament Hill to see the lights on our Parliament Buildings. For more information visit Canada’s Capital website.

On Saturday’s and Sunday’s from December 1st to the 16th, you can enjoy the caroling in the Byward Market while you shop for the perfect gift for that special someone. Bring the kids and take in a free wagon ride around the oldest and most vibrant neighbourhood in Ottawa. Stop in at the Beavertails stand at the corner of George St. and William St. for an Ottawa delicacy and a hot chocolate.

If finding unique hand-crafted items is top on your list, then be sure to visit the Christmas Marketplace at the Museum of Civilization on Friday’s through Sundays from December 8th – 16th or visit the Originals Ottawa Christmas Craft Sale from December 6th – 16th at the Ernst & Young Centre – a tradition in Ottawa. Later in December, the many concerts start at the National Arts Centre with Handel’s Messiah – December 18 & 19, Holly Cole Christmas – December 18 and Canadian Brass Christmas – December 21 to name a few.

If you are heading to Ottawa during the holiday season, take a look at our shopping package which includes a gift card to the Rideau Centre and discount coupons for many of their retailers. Or if you just need to get away, there is always our Escape the In-Laws package. For more information, visit our specials page.

November is sometimes a bleak and dreary month, the transition between the beautiful colours of fall that decorate our region and the wintery landscape of December with a blanket of white snow and twinkling holiday lights adorning our buildings and homes.
So Hotel Indigo Ottawa was set with a conundrum – how can we make November special to our guests and neighbours? It was easy – Movember! Now the hotel can’t grow a mustache or beard but we can support those who do.

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As the month of September comes to end, the children are back to school, Parliament is once again sitting and the leaves are changing color, we begin to think of Halloween. Ottawa always has lots of things going on during October to celebrate this haunting season.

Where is the best place to be scared? There are plenty!

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Summer is almost over and the kids are back to school. It seems like just yesterday that we were anticipating all of the activities that take place in Ottawa during July and August. The month of September is also a great time to visit the Capital as there are still many things to do and see. And let’s face it, touring around without the humidity is a good thing!

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A “must do” for both locals and tourists during the summer months is attending the Mosaika Sound and Light show which takes place on Parliament Hill every evening after sunset. Mosaika is the story (with lots of history) of Canada. It is an indepth narrative set against the spectacular backdrop of Parliament Hill. The show will take you on an incredible journey of sound and light, as it explores Canada’s physical, historical and cultural landscapes. This year the show includes new content about hockey and a spectacular finale.

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