Festivales y eventos

On weekends from November to early January, Todmorden Mills lights up the Don Valley with seasonal lights, hands on crafts in the Brewery Building and festively decorated historic houses. It is free, with free tours at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov 7, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An informal talk between writer Derek McCormack and artist Micah Lexier about where art and literature meet, including their joint projects City of Letters and I Am The Coin. It is hosted by the Ottawa Public Library at the NAC. Wednesday Nov 25, 2026, 7 pm (about 90 minutes) in the Azrieli Studio. Free, with registration on the NAC page.

For the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Propeller Dance takes over the NAC with a punky, colourful flash mob set to Spasticus Autisticus, choreographed by Elizabeth Winkelaar. After the final beat it turns into a dance party and everyone is invited to join in. Thursday Dec 3, 2026, 12 pm to 1 pm in Peter A. Herrndorf Place. Free, no tickets required.

A free storytelling session in pyjamas at Quebec's Parliament Building, where storyteller Pierre Leclerc tells "Le petit oiseau de glace". It is part of the National Assembly's free family activities, in French. Saturday, December 19, 2026; check the time on the Assembly's visitor page before you go.

A free exhibition at the National Assembly about Quebec's maritime regions and their people, part of the Assembly's fall program of free activities. It runs until February 13, 2027 in the Parliament Building. Visits to the Parliament are free but must be booked online or on site.

Free holiday festivities between Christmas and New Year's in the heart of Old Québec, at Place D'Youville, Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville and the City Hall gardens. Admission is free. It runs daily from December 27 to 31, 2026, from 2 PM to 9 PM.

Old Québec turns into a European style Christmas village, with wooden chalets spread over six sites including Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, Place d'Armes, Rue Sainte-Anne and Place D'Youville. Entry is free; you only pay if you buy food or crafts. It runs November 19 to December 23, 2026: Thursday to Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM, then December 21 and 22 from 11 AM to 9 PM and December 23 from 11 AM to 8 PM.

A free exhibition of 30 photographs looking at poverty in Quebec, shown at the National Assembly as part of its free public program. It runs from November 16, 2026 to January 16, 2027 at the Parliament Building. Admission is free; plan your visit through the Assembly's visitor reservation.

A free family day at Quebec's Parliament Building with a visit from Santa, a discovery rally through the building, and felt ornament crafts led by the Maison des métiers d'art de Québec. It is part of the National Assembly's program of free activities. Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

A festive Filipino Christmas celebration at the National Arts Centre, hosted with the Philippine Centre Canada. Browse gifts and treats from local Filipino businesses and artisans, learn how to make a parol (the traditional star lantern) and enjoy Filipino Christmas carols. It takes place Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 9 am to 4 pm in Peter A. Herrndorf Place. Entry is free with no tickets needed.

The 9th annual Adàwàning market brings together Métis, Inuit and First Nations women makers at the National Arts Centre, with beadwork, jewellery, paintings, sculptures, mittens, moccasins and more. It is a great chance to meet the artists and find meaningful holiday gifts. It runs Saturday December 5 and Sunday December 6, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm each day. Entry is free with no tickets needed.

The 8th annual HoliYay Craft Market fills the National Arts Centre's Atrium O'Brien with handmade goods from local artists, makers and creators, just in time for holiday shopping. It is a cozy indoor spot to browse on Sunday, November 22, 2026, from 11 am to 5 pm. Entry is free and no tickets are needed; you only pay for what you choose to buy.