WINTER MARKET EVENTS
Winter Market Launch & Tree Lighting
✨🎄 Get ready to kick off the holiday season at our Tree Lighting Event & ByWard Winter Market Launch on Nov 22nd!
Start the evening off at the artisans market by Minerva Ottawa on the pedestrian section of William St, between George and York Streets. ❄️🛍️ Then, join us at 5:30 PM on George Street Plaza for a magical tree lighting! 🎉
Enjoy FREE Beavertails & hot chocolate (while supplies last), live tunes from the Salvation Army Brass Band (4 PM - 5 PM) and Dickens Carolers (5:30 PM - 7:30 PM). 🎶
This an accessible, outdoor event. Free to attend but shopping is encouraged.
The Capital Chordettes & Horse Drawn Carriage Rides by Cundell Stables
Today’s Events:
12 PM to 2 PM: The Capital Chordettes
Ring in the festive season with the joyful melodies of this amazing choir! Join us at the ByWard Winter Market for cozy vibes and enchanting acappella performances. This incredible group of women brings magic to every note—come for the choir, stay for the holiday cheer.
2 PM to 4 PM: Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides by Cundell Stables
Experience the magic of winter with a FREE horse and carriage ride through the ByWard Market! Cozy up and enjoy a leisurely ride through Ottawa’s historic district, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the charm of the season all around.
Chef Ric's Soup on the Plaza
On the final Tuesday of every month, members of the ByWard Market team, in collaboration with culinary students from Chef Ric's Food Service Training Program, serve warm soup to the community outside the Heritage Hall.
This is a free, accessible event.
HOT 89.9: Race to Christmas
For one week, DJ Race will invite listeners to enter for a chance to win access to this exciting event! Then, on the afternoon of November 30th, qualifiers will gather at the ByWard Winter Market, where four names will be drawn. Each lucky contestant will select a gift from the pile—three are empty, but one holds $1,000 in cash!
No one will leave empty-handed, though! Every qualifier will receive a Christmas tree worth $100, courtesy of the ByWard Market District Authority.
Join us from 12 PM to 4 PM as HOT 89.9 fills the plaza with winter tunes, so you can dance, shop, and enjoy the ByWard Winter Market festivities!
Capital Chordettes Choir
Ring in the festive season with the joyful melodies of this amazing choir!
Join us at the ByWard Winter Market for cozy vibes and enchanting a cappella performances. This incredible group of women brings magic to every note—come for the choir, stay for the holiday cheer!
All My Favourite Things Artisan Market Series by Minerva Ottawa with Choir Performances by Northern Stars Chorus & Pop Shop All Stars
Today’s Events:
11 AM to 5 PM: Minerva Market
Join us for a vibrant showcase of local artisans, crafters, and creators. Shop outdoors at the tented booths along the pedestrian section of William St, between George and York Streets. Then, head upstairs to Gallery 55 to meet more merrymakers.
12 PM to 2 PM: Northern Stars Chorus
Join us for a magical afternoon with the Northern Stars Chorus, serenading you amidst the twinkling lights and cozy charm of ByWard Winter Market.
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM: Pop Shop All Stars
Get ready to sing and dance! Join us at the ByWard Winter Market for a magical performance by the dynamic Pop Shop All Stars! These talented kids will light up the stage with infectious energy and joyful tunes.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides by Cundell Stables
Discover the enchanting winter wonderland of the ByWard Market district! Enjoy a FREE horse and carriage ride through Ottawa’s historic district, where sparkling lights and festive décor set the perfect holiday mood. Don’t forget to browse our outdoor winter market for special treasures and finish your visit with a cozy meal at one of the area’s top restaurants.
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides by Cundell Stables
Experience the magic of winter with a free horse and carriage ride through the ByWard Market! Cozy up and enjoy a leisurely ride through Ottawa’s historic district, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the charm of the season all around.
All My Favourite Things Artisan Market Series by Minerva Ottawa & Salvation Army Proclamation with a performance by the Northern Stars Chorus
Today’s Events:
11 AM to 5 PM: Minerva Market
Join us for a vibrant showcase of local artisans, crafters, and creators. Shop outdoors at the tented booths along the pedestrian section of William St, between George and York Streets. Then, head upstairs to Gallery 55 to meet more merrymakers. Don’t miss out on this delightful blend of vendors amidst the backdrop of the ByWard Winter Market activities!
12 PM to 2 PM: The Northern Star Chorus
Join us for a magical afternoon as you’re serenaded amidst the twinkling lights and cozy charm of ByWard Winter Market. Grab your hot cocoa, gather your friends, and let the festive ambiance envelop you! Grab your hot cocoa, gather your friends, and join us for some fun!
12 PM to 4 PM: Salvation Army Proclamation
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe will proclaim December 16 to 20 as Salvation Army Week in the City Of Ottawa, bringing awareness to the final week of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign, raising funds to support individuals and families in our community. Join the Salvation Army and Mayor Sutcliffe on George St. Plaza for festive music, free hot chocolate, and Christmas joy!
Adorit or Swap It!
You're invited to a fabulous winter event dedicated to refreshing your wardrobe while making a positive impact! Join us at the "Adorit or Swap It!" winter clothing swap in partnership with Adorit Boutique.
Bring your gently loved clothing, jewelry, footwear & accessories to exchange for tickets that unlock new treasures! Donations can be dropped off at Adorit Boutique at 153 York St during their opening hours, or at Gallery 55 on December 15th.
You'll get one ticket per item donated, and then you can swap those tickets for new items that you absolutely ADORE!
Free Soup on the Plaza
Members of the ByWard Market team, in collaboration with culinary students from Chef Ric's Food Service Training Program, serve warm soup to the community outside the Heritage Hall.
Make sure to grab a cup of soup and warm up your holiday shopping experience.!
This is a free event courtesy of the ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA).
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides by Cundell Stables
Experience the magic of winter with a free horse and carriage ride through the ByWard Market! Cozy up and enjoy a leisurely ride through Ottawa’s historic district, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the charm of the season all around.
Perfect for families, couples, and friends looking to soak in the winter wonderland atmosphere. Join us for a memorable journey and let the holiday spirit sweep you away!
All My Favourite Things Artisan Market Series by Minerva Ottawa with performances by Hypatia's Voice & Pop Shop Allstars
Today’s Events:
11 AM to 5 PM: Minerva Market
Join us for a vibrant showcase of local artisans, crafters, and creators. Shop outdoors at the tented booths along the pedestrian section of William St, between George and York Streets. Then, head upstairs to Gallery 55 to meet more merrymakers. Don’t miss out on this delightful blend of vendors amidst the backdrop of the ByWard Winter Market activities!
2 PM to 4 PM: Hypatia’s Voice
Calling all music lovers! Join us as Hypatia’s Voice, a talented choir of sopranos and altos, fills the heart of downtown with their stunning harmonies at the inaugural ByWard Winter Market!
4 PM to 6 PM: Pop Shop Allstars
Get ready to sing and dance! Join us at the ByWard Winter Market for a magical performance by the dynamic Pop Shop All Stars! These talented kids will light up the stage with their infectious energy and joyful tunes
Don’t miss out on this delightful blend of vendors amidst the backdrop of the ByWard Winter Market activities!
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides by Cundell Stables
Step into the holiday spirit with a free horse and carriage ride in the heart of the ByWard Market! Admire the twinkling lights and seasonal decorations as you journey through Ottawa’s historic district. While you’re here, shop at our outdoor winter market for unique finds and savor a warm meal at one of the district’s fantastic restaurants.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides by Cundell Stables
Make the ByWard Market district your winter destination! Take a FREE horse and carriage ride through the historic streets, where sparkling lights and festive décor set a magical scene. Browse the outdoor winter market for gifts and enjoy the cozy charm of a meal at one of the area’s renowned restaurants.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides by Cundell Stables
Celebrate the season with a FREE horse and carriage ride in the ByWard Market district! Let the twinkling lights and holiday decorations guide you through Ottawa’s storied district. Afterward, explore the outdoor winter market for one-of-a-kind finds and indulge in a meal at a nearby restaurant.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides by Cundell Stables
Experience winter charm in the ByWard Market district! Hop on a FREE horse and carriage ride to enjoy Ottawa’s historic district decked out in lights and festive décor. Discover hidden treasures at the outdoor winter market and treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the area’s cozy restaurants.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides by Cundell Stables
This winter, visit the ByWard Market district for a magical outing! Take a FREE horse and carriage ride through the historic area, illuminated with sparkling lights and seasonal decorations. Explore the outdoor winter market for special finds, then warm up with a meal at one of the neighborhood’s inviting restaurants.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides by Cundell Stables
Create unforgettable winter memories in the ByWard Market district! Enjoy a FREE horse and carriage ride through Ottawa’s historic area, aglow with festive lights and holiday cheer. Shop for unique treasures at the outdoor winter market, then unwind with a delightful meal at one of the area’s top-notch restaurants.