Festivals and Events

The National Capital Commission opens its free Urbanism Lab season with a panel on the stories that shape the capital's identity, from Bytown's origins to today, touching on heritage, public art and cultural memory. Wednesday Nov 25, 2026: doors at 11:30 AM, panel 12:00 to 1:00 PM, then questions until 1:30 PM, at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society building. Free, registration required because space is limited.

A free festive day for the whole family during Quebec Intercultural Week: pick up a passport, visit the different villages and collect stamps for a small souvenir. The program includes the immersive dome show Dounia, a percussion show by Kattam, a magic show, intercultural Kahoot quizzes and a family DJ dance party, plus community resources and face painting. Sunday Nov 15, 2026, 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM at the Maison du Citoyen in Hull.

Each week the Lucy-Faris library in Aylmer screens a notable film from the National Film Board of Canada, followed by an open, friendly discussion. Expect documentaries and human stories from here and abroad. Thursdays Nov 12 to Dec 3, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Free, no registration needed.

Come play, laugh and meet people at the board game club of the Guy-Sanche library in the Maison de la culture de Gatineau. Each evening is a chance to try new games or revisit classics, and no experience is needed. Thursdays Nov 5 to Dec 3, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Free.

Therapeutic Paws of Canada offers free monthly therapy dog visits at the Rideau branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Drop in any time during the visit to relax and recharge in the company of Ruth the dog and her handler. Wednesdays Nov 18 and Dec 16, 2026, 3:00 to 4:00 PM.

Celebrate the winter solstice season at Colborne Lodge, the 1830s villa at the south end of High Park, by making a historic holiday scent sachet while museum staff share seasonal stories. This City of Toronto holiday program is free, from December 9, 2026 to January 3, 2027, during museum opening hours.

Meet new people, play games and socialize at the Cumberland branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Coffee, puzzles, board games and adult colouring books are available, or bring your own. Tuesdays and Thursdays from Nov 10 to Dec 17, 2026, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Free drop in program.

A free festive visit to Gibson House Museum, the 1850s farmhouse of surveyor David Gibson, now surrounded by the towers of North York Centre. Drop by for a historic kitchen demonstration, crafts and holiday charm. Free, from December 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027, during museum opening hours.

Step into the holiday season of the 1920s at Spadina Museum, a grand historic house beside Casa Loma, festively decorated for the season. This City of Toronto holiday program is free, from December 2, 2026 to January 3, 2027, during museum opening hours.

Two weeks of acclaimed new films from 28 European countries, one per country, screened in person at the Alliance Française Spadina Theatre. The in person festival is primarily free: line up for free seats on a first come basis, or pay $10 online for an optional reserved seat. November 12 to 26, 2026.

A free entry holiday market with 40 plus local vendors inside the Ralph Thornton Community Centre and an outdoor pop up next door at Glass House Garden Centre, plus shop the neighbourhood specials along Queen Street East. Enjoy free photos with Santa, carollers, free kids crafts, treats and henna, and a scavenger hunt. Sunday, November 29, 2026, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More than 25 holiday window displays by local artists in storefronts along Queen Street East between Davies Avenue and De Grassi Street, organised by the Riverside BIA. Stroll, vote for your favourites and enter the raffle, or join the free guided tour on November 29. Free to see from November 23, with the art up until at least December 31, 2026.