Ottawa is one of the finest cities in Canada to spend your winter break. Overflowing with world renowned recreational events such as Winterlude, the area also hosts a wealth of other celebrations which lend diversity and fun to this seasonal wonderland. Grab yourself a scarf and some gloves, call up the family, and make plans to attend one of these five winter events.
Christmas Lights Across Canada
Since 1985, this extensive celebration has been transforming the National Capital Region into a shimmering skyline of holiday cheer. Over sixty different sites highlight the event’s main route, which traces a path up Confederation Boulevard. There are additional displays throughout the Gatineau as well, giving you even more ways to enjoy the holiday fun.
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm
Located just outside the city, your holiday visit to Stanley’s farm begins with an introduction to your specially assigned elf escort – who will guide your family on a journey though the forest, on a quest to discover a secret elf village. Visit the Candy Cane Daycare, meet the Chief Elf Officer, and be sure to save some time to meet the reindeer-in-training!
New Years Street Party
Capture all the fun and frenzy of an epic New Years Eve with your very own Times Square experience… except this one takes place on Sparks Street. That’s where you’ll find a free outdoor concert, and a New Years countdown which ends in a dazzling display of light when the hour of midnight strikes. The show starts at 8pm.
Ottawa International Jazz Festival
Starting at the end of January, attendees of the Ottawa Jazz Festival fill the streets and nightclubs of the city with incredible energy, amazing music, and a whole lot of good cheer. The largest festival of its kind in eastern Ontario, this outstanding celebration has drawn as many as 300,000 in years past. Seniors communities in Ottawa will definitely appreciate the festival’s legendary line-up of musicians – with a history of performances from top-tier jazz artists like Branford Marsalis and Herbie Hancock.
The Winterman Marathon
On February 13th, a crowd will be gathering at the Canadian War Museum. This is the starting point of the 2013 Winterman Marathon, a family-friendly event that offers a variety of distances and running options to accommodate every runner’s needs. You can select from a 3KM, 5KM, 10KM, half-marathon, or marathon-distance course. All participants who finish will receive a medal, t-shirt, certificate, and an official time to commemorate the occasion.
Josh Byer is an author, blogger, and copywriter residing in Vancouver, BC. His article appears courtesy of SeniorsZen.com, a complimentary retirement resource for Canadian seniors.