ByWard Winter Market
2024
The outdoor market will take place for ten weeks from November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Although the market ends on January 5, events will continue until January 30, 2025, leading up to the Winterlude festival. The district, home to about 350 businesses, will provide a lively retail and cultural experience throughout winter, promoting economic growth and inclusion.
The ByWard Winter Market season will feature:
Weekly Choir Performances: Enjoy local choirs singing festive music to create a joyful atmosphere.
Horse and Carriage Rides: Experience charming horse-drawn rides that are great for families and couples.
Ice Rink Showcase: Watch demonstrations of curling, hockey, and figure skating to see various ways to enjoy the rink.
Free Skate: Test your skills and enjoy a glide on our synthetic ice rink. Rentals will be available on-site.
Local Vendors: Explore 14 local artisans and vendors selling unique gifts and seasonal treats, supporting the district’s economy.
The ByWard Winter Market season is made possible thanks to the support of Ottawa Tourism's Destination Development Fund
ByWard Winter Market
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This event will take place throughout the ByWard Market district, featuring a variety of attractions, including festive pageantry, vibrant lighting, and photo-worthy installations. The outdoor winter market itself will be located at the corner of ByWard Market Square and George Street, while the synthetic skating rink will be set up on William Street, between York Street and William Street.
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The outdoor market will be open from November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025, operating four days a week, Thursday through Sunday.
Operating Hours:
Thursday to Saturday from 12 PM to 8 PM
Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM
However, the fun doesn’t stop there! Each weekend between January 9th and 30th, the ByWard Market district will continue to offer outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy—from silent discos to rink demonstrations, the area will come alive!
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Experience the magic of winter in the ByWard Market district with a range of exciting attractions and activities!
Glide on the synthetic skating rink, complete with skate rentals, and warm up with Beavertails, hot chocolate, or hot apple cider from 1818 Farm and Cidery. Enjoy interactive fun with LED swings, lively daytime DJ parties, and enchanting choir performances and carollers. Don’t miss the silent discos, a festive clothing swap, and the vibrant night markets hosted by Minerva Ottawa.
The best part? It’s all FREE for everyone to enjoy this winter season!
Scroll down to see our full event calendar.
ByWard Synthetic Rink
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The rink is located in the historic ByWard Market district on William Street between York Street and George Street.
The rink is 88 feet long by 16 feet wide and is surrounded by 2 feet tall rink boards to ensure the safety of both on- and off-ice participants.
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The rink is operational between November 22 at 4 PM through Family Day during Winterlude in February.
The rink is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, except Christmas Day. The rink will be closed each evening using a protective cover. It will also be monitored by additional overnight security personnel.
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Glide effortlessly on our synthetic skating rink, made up of interlocking 4x8' panels that provide a seamless surface for skating. The specially designed PVC plastic mimics the sensation of skating on ice when paired with traditional ice skates.
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Only free recreational skating is allowed. No ice sports will be allowed by the public. However, the rink will be programmed by the ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) or third-party event organizers in partnership with BMDA for performances such as figure skating, curling or hockey demonstrations.
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Skate rentals will be available on location through Final Pass Skate Shop. Skatemates (assistance devices) will also be available on site for those learning to skate — big or small!
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The rink users will be required to read and/or sign a waiver for liability purposes before rink usage. Additionally, there will be physical signage next to the rink to inform users of proper usage.
Outdoor Market Vendors
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1818 Farm & Cidery
Family-owned and operated farm nourishing Carp, Kanata, and Stittsville, ON, with organically-grown vegetables and ciders.
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Canada Leaf Art
Gifts and souvenirs made in Canada.
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Chayana'k Crafts
A vibrant shop celebrating Ecuadorian culture, offering handcrafted arts and crafts that showcase traditional techniques and timeless beauty.
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Cherrish Art
Artist, illustrator, craft-makerand art teacher at the Ottawa School of Art.
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Figarve
Explore exquisite flavours like pistachio and maple syrup, walnut, cinnamon and maple syrup!
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Final Pass Skate Shop
Rent skates in all sizes and hit the rink! Skatemates and assistance devices are also available.
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Himalayers
Hand crafted Tibetan and Nepalese jewellery, cashmere and bamboo woven products for sale. 925 silver, semi precious stones, and artisan pieces.
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Lazuli
A stylish boutique specializing in luxurious fur clothing, elegant gloves, and exquisite jewelry to elevate your winter wardrobe.
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Makali Hot Sauce
The perfect gift for hot sauce lovers. Get your bottles today!
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Mediterranean Elegance and Beauty
A charming boutique offering handcrafted pottery and beautifully carved olive wood items, perfect for adding warmth and elegance to any space.
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Paw Platters
Gourmet custom barkuterie and meowcuterie boards made with single ingredient proteins and chews for your furry friends!
