December is such a busy month, from holiday parties to final exams emotions are all over the place. Seriously, our emotions go from crazy stressed to immediate excitement for holiday parties and New Years Eve. In between all of the absolute madness you are also in search of things to do that aren't just seeing a movie or going to dinner. To make December even more crazy, it is also the last month of 2017, meaning if you want to do anything else this year, you have one final month to do it all.
If you're young, dumb, and broke looking for something free to do there are plenty of things to do this December that won't break your bank account. We all know how insanely expensive December can be and doing something free is always a treat. December is also the month for love, if you're in a relationship there are plenty of romantic things you can do during the holidays.
From holiday concerts to ballet performances the shows this December are all amazing. Seriously, if you love jazz music, Disney music, or plays then you will find a show that you will definitely enjoy. These concerts and shows are perfect for people that like to stay inside when it's cold. Now don't get me wrong, there are people out there that absolutely love the outdoors in the winter. If you're one of these people then outdoor activities are definitely all meant for you.
Free Activities
Romantic Dates
Outdoor Activities
Groupons/Getaways
Concerts/Shows
For Free Activities, Click "NEXT"
Christmas Lights Across Canada
Where: 111 Wellington Street // Downtown Ottawa
It all begins on December 7th, head to Parliament to kick off this holiday season. The lights will be on until January 7th 2018, so you have enough time to check them out at least once!
Lansdowne Christmas tree lighting
Where: 450 Queen Elizabeth Drive // Lansdowne
The Christamas tree lighting will happen on December 2nd, what better way to light up the holiday season?! Even if you miss the lighting, the huge tree at Lansdown is always on throughout December, so you won't miss seeing it.
Stroll through Tinseltown Christmas Emporium
Where: 1096 Somerset Street West // Hintonburg
If you LOVE everything and anything Christmas, you will adore everything about this shop. Even if you don't buy a single thing, it is still the perfect thing to do to get you in the holiday spirit!
National Gallery of Canada Tree Lighting
Where: 380 Sussex Drive // Downtown Ottawa
If standing outside in the cold to watch a tree lighting doesn't sound like something you would enjoy because of the cold, then watch a lighting indoors is perfect for you. At the National Gallery of Canada you can watch the annual tree lighting in complete warmth (yes, please).
Skate on the Sens Rink of Dreams
Where: 110 Laurier Avenue // Downtown Ottawa
Whether you're a pro at skating or just a starting out, skating is a super fun activity to do in the winter. The rink opens on December 2nd and is surrounded by glowing LED lights making the rink light up at night.
Drive down Taffy Lane
Where: Taffy Lane // Orleans
Stay inside your car with a heater and some hot chocolate while admiring the lights on Taffy Lane. Every year Taffy Lane decorates for the holidays. It is the perfect day to end your night and is super simple to do.
Go tobogganing at Green's Creek
Where: Greens Creek Drive // Gloucester
Once the snow is fully set on the ground, there's no better way to embrace it than to go sledding. This is a staple winter activity that every Canadian has to do at least once.
Take a wintery hike at Carbide Willson Ruins
Where: Chelsea // Québec
It's time to brave the cold. Work up the guts and head to Carbide Willson Ruins for a hike. This one is for the brave one's out there because I know for sure I won't be taking no hikes this December (indoor activities please and thanks).
Stroll through Confederation Park
Where: Laurier Avenue West // Downtown Ottawa
Admire the pretty Christmas lights at Confederation Park. Head here with a cup of warm coffee and sip away while talking about your plans for the holidays or your favourite childhood memory.
Visit the Bank of Canada Museum
Where: 30 Bank Street // Downtown Ottawa
This museum is free all the time and anytime. Head to the Bank of Canada Museum and learn about money, coins, and more! You don't just have to head here on a Thursday after 5pm, this museum is always free. It will be closed from December 24th to January 2nd, so don't miss your chance to visit!
For Romantic Dates, Click "NEXT"
Magic of Lights 2km drive
Where: 401 Corkstown Road // Wesley Clover Parks
Grab some Timmies, bring the aux cord, and take this 2km drive through amazing lights. The drive costs $25 each and is a super cute date idea. You two lovebirds will feel like you're in a romantic movie.
Indulge in Cacao 70 desserts
Where: 53 William Street // ByWard Market
Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate! Head to Cacao 70 for a yummy and sweet dessert with your bae. You two can share chocolate fondue or an unreal waffle and ice cream.
Lansdowne Christmas Market
Where: 450 Queen Elizabeth Drive // Lansdowne
Take a stroll hand in hand through the Lansdowne Christmas Market this holiday season. This is one of the most, if not the most, popular Christmas market in Ottawa. It happens more than once through the month starting on December 2nd continuing on the 3rd, 9th, 10th, and 23rd.
Go on a mission finding the 'Most Magical Christmas Lights in Ottawa'
Where: Everywhere!
Explore Ottawa's lights across the city. This map will guide you through all of Ottawa's most magical lights. You two will be gazing at the decorations while talking away the night.
Spend the night binge watching your favourite shows on Netflix
Where: Your house
Warm eachother up by snuggling while watching the new season of your favourite show. To make this better, it's free, warm, and super cute. You two can get through your favourite show and order in your best take out place.
Wine tasting at Vineyards Wine Bar Bistro
Where: 54 York Street // Downtown Ottawa
Go for a wine tasting date together and feel boujee AF. If you two love your wine, then a wine tasting date is right up your ally. Here you will be spinning and sipping on a variety of wines.
Dinner at Sidedoor
Where: 18 York Street // ByWard Market
Both of you can dress up for a super romantic date night. Their meals are inspired by street food of Souteast Asia. The restaurant has massive windows which make the room look fantastic.
613 Christmas Market
Where: 1125 Colonel By Drive // Carleton University
Spend your Sunday doing some Christmas shopping with your bae. Here you can grab some stocking stuffers, ornaments, or decorations for the house.
The Loft Board Game Lounge
Where: 14 Waller Street // Downtown Ottawa
Head to The Loft to battle against each other playing your favourite board games. This is a great way to escape the cold and still have a cute and romantic date night together.
Dinner at SOCIAL Restaurant & Lounge
Where: 537 Sussex Drive // Downtown Ottawa
Have an extremely fancy dinner date together at SOCIAL Restaurant and Lounge. Talk together while sipping on your the best wines and eating yummy fine-dining meals.
For Outdoor Activities, Click "NEXT"
Unwind at Nordik Spa-Nature
Where: 16 Chemin Nordik // Chelsea
This is a super relaxing activity you can do with your BFFs this December. With all of the stresses from work or final exams, there is no better way to relax than heading to a spa.
Check out Hog's Back Falls
Where: Hog's Back Park // Riverside
Embrace all of winters beauty by checking out Hog's Back Falls in the winter time. This falls is great for some winter Insta's or just some outdoor explorations.
Horseback riding at Captiva Farms
Where: 189 ch. de la Montagne // Wakefield
Do something completely out of the norm and explore the outdoors by going horseback riding. This is great for a day out with friends or a date with your bae. No matter who you go with you will leave with a ton of memories.
Sledding at Mooney's Bay Park
Where: 2960 Riverside Drive // Riverside
Sledding is so much fun in the winter time. Plus is completely free! This super fun activity is a must do whether you're an outdoorsy person or not. Mooney's Bay is beach by summer, sledding hill by winter.
Arbraska Laflèche activities
Where: 255 Route Principale // Val-des-Monts
How cool does that look?! (pun intended) Honestly, exploring these insane caves may be the only thing that will drag me out of my warm house into the cold. The crazy ice formations are something you have to see at least once in your life.
Skate on a 3km path at Patinage en Foret
Where: Lac-des-Loups // Quebec
This stunning winter wonderland skating path is 100% a must do this winter. Get ready to take a road trip North of Ottawa to Gatineau Park's 3km skating path. Admission is $12 and it is totally worth it!
Take a winter walk through Bruce Pit
Where: 175 Cedarview Road // Nepean
Calling all dog owners, if you haven't been to Bruce Pit with your pup yet then you have to go. It's a perfect place for your furry friends to run free and get to know other dog friends too.
Visit the Alight At Night outdoor light festival
Where: 13740 County Road 2 // Upper Canada Village
Alight at Night is Eastern Ontario's biggest outdoor light festival and you have to head here with your bae or BFFs. Upper Canada Village will create a magical winter wonderland that will get you in the festive spirit ASAP.
Escapade Eskimo
Where: 1378 Route 301 // Otter Lake
If you're looking for something to do that is completely out of your norm, I think you have found it! Head to Escapade Eskimo to check something insane off your bucket list. Escapade Eskimo is about an hour drive out of Ottawa and is worth trying.
Four Season Tent
Where: 33 Chemin Scott // Chelsea
How absolutely stunning does this four season tent look?! Spend the night at the Four Season Tents in Gatineau Park and you will completely fall in love with the outdoors. For just $97 per night the tents are available to rent and hold up to 4 people.
For Groupons/Getaways, Click "NEXT"
Get reduced prices on tickets to see the Ottawa Senators in any of their upcoming games this December.
Price: $27+
Plan a luxury staycation in a gorgeous condo located directly on the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa.
Price: $192/night
Bring out your inner child with jump passes to Ottawa's Sky Zone .
Price: $22
Take a tour of Broadhead Brewing Company and enjoy amazing tastings of local beers.
Price: $12
Take a weekend getaway this winter to this condo in Mont Tremblant perfect for a ski vacation.
Price: $180
Enjoy a cooking show by a skilled chef including a 3-course dinner for 2 or 4 people.
Price: $46
Drink cocktails and paint a beautiful nature scene with your best friends or S/O at local bars.
Price: $27.50
Take a photography workshop from Janice Street Photography & Design.
Price: $44
Take a road trip to stay in this charming 1860s home on the water in Kingston.
Price: $118/night
via @sarahfreemark
Take a tour and tasting of North 7 Distillery's local gin, vodka, rum and whiskey.
Price: $23
For Concerts/Shows, Click "NEXT"
Comedy shows at Absolute Comedy
Where: 412 Preston Street // Downtown Ottawa
If you're looking for something cheap and simple to do for a night out, Absolute Comedy shows will have you laughing the night away. Tickets range between $7-$18, so you're bound to not over-spend to watch one of these shows.
Diana Krall Turn Up The Quiet World Tour
Where: 1 Elgin Street // Downtown Ottawa
Diana Krall is a Grammy Award winning musician and she will be performing at the National Arts Centre this December 1st and 2nd. Diana Krall is a jazz singer and she is worth seeing if you are a lover of jazz music.
A Christmas Carol play
Where: 1 Elgin Street // Downtown Ottawa
A perfect show to watch this holiday season! A Christmas Carol is playing throughout the month of December so you have plenty of chances to head out and watch the show.
Pony Girl show
Where: 1 Elgin Street // Downtown Ottawa
If you're in search for a new pop-rock group that is not afraid to push the boundaries, then you should definitly listen to Pony Girl. This December they will be performing at the National Arts Centre.
Shen Yun - Experience a Divine Culture
Where: 1 Elgin Street // Downtown Ottawa
A pair of tickets to Shen Yun’s performances is a perfect gift for the holidays. The Shen Yun show will be shown on three days this December and you do not want to miss them. The show will take you through 5,000 years of Chinese civilization through beautiful music and dance.
Kenny G The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour 2017
Where: 1 Elgin Street // Downtown Ottawa
If you love jazz music and holiday music, you will love everything about Kenny G's show. Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G will be in Ottawa for one night in December and you won't want to miss his iconic performance.
Crystal Shawanda: Christmas Concert
Where: 1 Elgin Street // Downtown Ottawa
Head to the National Arts Centre to watch the amazing Crystal Shawanda perform your favourite Chritsmas songs. Juno-winning singer/songwriter combines traditional country and blues to create beautiful music.
Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish
Where: 1 Elgin Street // Downtown Ottawa
Calling all Disney lovers! This show is for YOU. From "Circle of Life" to "Let It Go", this show will perform all of your favourit Dinsey songs. Unleash your inner child and sing along to your childhood favourites.
The Chris Timms Comedy Cabaret
Where: 1 Elgin Street // Downtown Ottawa
If you like live music, stand-up comedy, and enjoying laughs with some friends then you should check out this comedy show. The show will be hosted by Chris Timms and comedians include Tim Riel, Ashley Krawchenko, Matt Watson and Pierre Brault.
Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet: Nutcracker
Where: 1 Elgin Street // Downtown Ottawa
Watch a stunning, elegant, and beautiful ballet performance of The Nutcracker. From stunning costumes to extravegant jumps this show will have you captivated from start to finish.
The Rockyview General Hospital is pictured in Calgary, Thursday, March 20, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
B.C. Green Leader Emily Lowan following a media availability in Victoria, B.C., on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kevin Light