1) Christmas at the National Gallery: check out the gorgeous tree lighting ceremony at the Gallery on December 5th from 5-8pm. Cost: FREE!*

*(For something slightly over $25, visit the Gallery on December 8th for Family Sundays: a PJ party with Santa, face painting workshop, making a gingerbread house and a winter tour of seasonal artworks. PLUS, The Grinch showing on the big screen! Cost: kids under 11 are free; adult admission is $16)

2) Vintage Village of Lights at the Cumberland Museum: Go back in time to experience an old-fashioned Christmas. Cost: $19.75 for a family pass (2 adults and all of your children!)

3) Christmas Lights Across Canada (CLAC) will be launched with an official illumination ceremony on Wednesday December 4th, from 5:30 to 8:30pm at Confederation Park. Watch some amazing Canadian artists, grab a Beavertail and then head over to Parliament for the multimedia projection show. Cost: FREE!

4) Magical Winter Lightscapes projection show, a walk through Confederation Park and hot chocolate: If you miss the illumination ceremony in #3, you can still head downtown and see the lights! There will also be a beautiful winter lightscapes projection show playing all month long on Parliament Hill. It plays on loop every night from 5pm - 11pm throughout the Christmas Lights period. Cost: under $20 for 4 hot chocolates

5) The Ottawa Farmer's Market Christmas Market. Some delectable delights can be found at this central market in Ottawa. If heading down to Lansdowne isn't your thing, there are Christmas markets ALL over town including North Gower, Cumberland, and even one at the Canadian Museum of History! Cost: FREE, unless you spend a lot of money on gifts and treats - can't help you with that one :)

6) Sledding: there are hills all over the region, and here's a handy map on the City of Ottawa's website. I've heard Walter Baker Park has some great sledding!