Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne will be transformed into a European-style Christmas Market this year. The first edition of the Ottawa Christmas Market will launch with the traditional lighting of the Lansdowne Christmas tree November 29, and continue Fridays through Sundays until December 22. It will all come alive under a canopy of thousands of Christmas lights, with vendors offering unique gift items, and seasonal food and drink from traditional market cabins. Live entertainment, a central bar, fire pits, Christmas trees and décor and spectacular lighting installations (ideal for Instagram!) will animate the site throughout its run. It promises to appeal to adults and families alike, with family-friendly activities during the day and fun for adults in the evening.

Inspired by European Christmas Markets that have been around for generations, the Ottawa Christmas Market is the brainchild of Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group and is being supported by a grant from Ottawa Tourism’s Tourism Development Fund. The Ottawa Farmer’s Christmas Market will be part of the excitement, with vendors inside the Aberdeen Pavilion each Sunday.