New this year: From December 10 to January 3, the Christmas Village is setting up shop for the first time at the Canadian Museum of History. Under the open sky, along the banks of the Ottawa River, a dozen themed stations await visitors of all ages: a giant 10-story-tall Christmas tree, the Northern Train, the Cookie Factory, slides, an artisan market, and hot chocolate. Heated areas are dotted along the route, and admission is free for children 12 and under.

From December 4 to 6, two outdoor Christmas markets are hosting their final weekend. In Aylmer, Christmas in Old-Aylmer brings together vendors around the Cultural Center. In Montebello, the Montebello Christmas Market sets up the artisans and producers stalls in front of the village church. On Friday, December 4, at 7 p.m., L’Expédition will pay tribute to Les Cowboys Fringants during a free outdoor show, followed by Le Diable à 5 on Saturday.

On Saturday, December 12, from noon to 4 p.m., head to the Gatineau-Valley. The Féerie de Noël au Centre-Ville de Maniwaki transforms two downtown parking lots into a Christmas market, featuring local vendors, artisans, and producers.

To see all the dates leading up to Christmas, check out our Outaouais Christmas Market Calendar.

On Sunday, December 6, Noël : une tradition en chanson returns to the Salle Odyssée for two performances. Steph Carse, Annie Villeneuve, Étienne Drapeau, and Marie-Élaine Thibert, among others, will perform holiday classics. The same venue will host Tocadéo and their show Noël blanc on December 15. On December 19, the Grand Noël symphonique by the Gatineau Symphony Orchestra takes center stage, featuring tenor Steeve Michaud.

In a more intimate setting, the Cabaret La Basoche in Old Aylmer presents Jazz-Noisette by Jeunesses Musicales Canada that same Sunday afternoon. On December 17, Marco Calliari, Mamselle Ruiz, and Shauit will join voices there for La Tempête des Fêtes.

Across the river, the National Arts Centre returns to its traditional Handel’s Messiah on December 15 and 16 at Southam Hall. On December 18, Céleste Lévis sings Christmas in the Fourth Hall. For the complete schedule, Tout Culture lists all the shows in the region.

At the Fairmont Le Château Montebello, the restaurant Aux Chantignoles welcomes brunch lovers on Sundays, December 13 and 27, as well as on December 25 for Christmas brunch, reservations required. Other great morning dining spots are featured in our list of places to have brunch in the Outaouais.

On Jacques-Cartier Street, À la Dérive Brasserie Artisanale serves its house-brewed beers and a comforting menu made with local ingredients, right on the waterfront. At the entrance to Gatineau Park, Square Old Chelsea combines a pub, a distillery, and a cocktail bar. Nearby, at Lake Meech, the Adèle restaurant at Maison O’Brien celebrates the season with its Christmas tea, featuring refined treats and local ingredients. On Notre-Dame Street in Montebello, Souche-i blends Asian influences with local produce in a century-old house. Looking for a coffee break between errands? Our list of cafés in the Outaouais is sure to inspire you.

To end Christmas Eve on a high note, Maison Oddo in Gatineau is preparing its Yule logs. And if you’re still looking for something to put under the tree, the sweaters from the #Outaouaisfun Collection and our local gift guide are brimming with ideas.

At Nakkertok Nordic, snow cannons make it possible to hit the trails as early as mid-November, on a network of approximately 80 km. From December 18 to 21, the center hosts the Christmas Canne Cup, an FIS cross-country skiing competition that brings together athletes from Quebec, Canada, and around the world.

For your first outing, the Relais plein air at Gatineau Park, located at the entrance to the P2 parking lot, offers equipment rentals, including adaptive gear, introductory lessons, and guided tours. This winter, it’s expanding its program with more introductory lessons and inclusive, family-friendly activities. Once you have your gear, Gatineau Park offers more than 200 km of cross-country ski trails. 

In Petite Nation, the Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon is offering free fat bikes, cross-country skis, and snowshoes every morning this winter, from 9 a.m. to noon, in 1.5-hour sessions. Climb to the summit of Mont Grand-Pic, then blaze your own trail: off-trail skiing is encouraged there. In the Collines region, the Parc Régional de Champboisé in L’Ange-Gardien features cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails along the Lièvre River. Other trails await discovery in A Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing Paradise.

As for downhill skiing, the region’s resorts are kicking off their season. The Sommet Edelweiss, Camp Fortune, Mont Cascades, and the Centre Vorlage are all just a short distance from the city. Compare their slopes in our overview of the Outaouais ski resorts.

For tubing down the slopes, the Domaine de l’Ange-Gardien offers a lighted slope with a lift and eight slides, in addition to horse-drawn sleigh rides. In town, the Centre de plein air du Lac-Beauchamp is perfect for a spontaneous outing.

In Duhamel, the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon is known for the white-tailed deer you’ll often spot there. More spots await you in our top 5 sliding spots.

As soon as the ice allows, lace up your skates at skate in the forest at Lac-des-Loups. This frozen trail, stretching over 6 km, winds through the trees, with a heated cabin and bonfires along the way. From the Lac-Beauchamp ice rink to neighborhood rinks, be sure to check out the skating rinks in the Outaouais.

Want to zoom across the snow, pulled by dogs? Starting December 11, the Tanwen Pack in Lac-Simon will teach you how to drive your own four-dog team while following a guide. Also in Petite Nation, Gatineau Sled Dogs criss-crosses the Saint-Sixte River valley, and La Meute du Wendigo organizes outings by appointment at Lac-des-Plages. In the Pontiac, Escapade Huskimo takes visitors on dog-sled rides along the trails of Otter Lake. All the details are in our feature on dog sledding.

In the Gatineau Valley, the Véloroute des Draveurs turns into a snowmobile trail when winter arrives. Stop by the Auberge du Draveur in Maniwaki or extend your trip to the shores of Blue Sea Lake at the Mini Chalets Oasis Blue Sea. To plan your route, check out our guide to snowmobiling in the Outaouais. Looking for even more northern adventures, from ice fishing in Kenauk to winter camping in Davidson Forest? Check out our northern expeditions.

There are only a few weeks left to experience Napoleon – The Immersive Saga at the Canadian Museum of History. Running through January 10, this 30-minute virtual reality experience takes you from the Battle of Austerlitz to the emperor’s final days on Saint Helena. Younger visitors can explore the Canadian Children’s Museum, located in the same building. It’s a great way to start the day before heading to the Christmas Village at dusk.

Another indoor outing: free guided tours of the Parliament of Canada in Ottawa offer a behind-the-scenes look at the places where Canadian democracy is made.

Want a taste of summer right in the middle of December? At Place du Centre, at the Outaouais Tourism tourist information kiosk, L’Outaouais Express invites young and old alike to hop aboard a charming little train. This seven-minute immersive experience takes you through the region’s summer landscapes. It’s the perfect way to warm up while dreaming of your next getaways! The little train runs Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on December 25, 26, and January 1, when Place du Centre is closed.

In Montebello, Parc Omega is open year-round. Under the snow, the 12 km of trails traveled by car take on the feel of a northern safari, and the deer still come just as close to the vehicles. Bring your carrots!

Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, from December 27 to 30, the Festival des jeux de Gatineau celebrates its 10th edition at the Complexe Branchaud-Brière, featuring inflatable games up to 27 feet tall, rides, and activities for all ages. Hockey fans, meanwhile, can cheer on the Olympiques at the Slush Puppie Center. Get together with friends at Pärlé – Bistro ludique to dive into its vast game library, with quiz nights and musical bingo on the schedule. Want to get creative? On the morning of Sunday, December 13, Muraï Céramique will be at the Klimat Café in Wakefield for a ceramic painting workshop. You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind gift you won’t find anywhere else.

After a day in the cold, nothing beats alternating between hot baths, cold water, and relaxation. Our selection of spas where you can relax in the Outaouais will help you find the one that’s right for you. For a gentler break, the Relais plein air at Gatineau Park also offers yoga sessions, either outdoors or in its bright studio.

Winter is just getting started! To fill your calendar until spring, take on the challenge of our winter bucket list and its 100 activities. Outdoor enthusiasts will find more ideas for outings in our winter outdoor blog. Want to plan a getaway based on the region? Also explore winter in the Collines-de-L'Outaouais and winter in the Gatineau-Valley.

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For even more suggestions, check out the official Outaouais tourist guide for 2026–2027! Discover all the activities the region has to offer and plan your itinerary based on the area you want to explore.