Here’s to a fun start to 2026! Here’s what’s happening in the National Capital Region this winter
Photo: Courtesy National Capital Commission
What: Wizard of Oz, the 3D Experience
Where: Ottawa Family Cinema, Rideau Community Hub, 815 St-Laurent Blvd.
When: Saturday, Jan. 24
Why: See OZ comes to life – on the big screen, where it was meant to be seen – in this beautifully restored 3D version of one the most beloved family classics of all time. In this charming film based on the popular L. Frank Baum stories, Dorothy and her dog Toto are caught in a tornado’s path and somehow end up in the land of Oz. Here, Dorothy meets some memorable friends and foes in her journey to meet the Wizard of Oz who everyone says can help her return home and possibly grant her new friends their goals of a brain, heart and courage.
Website: familycinema.ca/shows/
What: Winter Market at Robert Plante Greenhouses
Where: Robert Plante Greenhouses, 4228 Navan Rd., Navan
When: Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why: The Annual Robert Plante Winter Market is a two-day indoor event featuring more than 150 local artisans, makers, and small businesses, all hosted inside lush tropical greenhouses for a warm and inviting escape from the winter chill. Visitors can shop handmade goods, décor, art, treats, and unique creations while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this community-loved market. This market offers one of Ottawa’s most distinctive winter shopping experiences.
Website: robertplantegreenhouses.com/event-details/3rd-annual-robert-plante-winter-market-2026-01-24-09-00
What: Trend Arlington Winter Carnival
Where: Trend Arlington Community Association, 50 Bellman Dr.
When: Sunday, Jan. 25
Why: Join the fun at the Trend Arlington Winter Carnival. This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the season and connect with the community.
Website: trendarlington.ca/events/tacas-annual-winter-carnival
What: Ottawa Charge games
Where: TD Place
When: Upcoming home games include Wednesday, Jan. 28 (Ottawa v. Seattle), Saturday, Feb. 28 (Ottawa v. Boston), Wednesday, March 4 (Ottawa v. Seattle) and Wednesday, March 11 (Ottawa v. Montreal)
Why: Ottawa’s professional women’s ice hockey team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, the Ottawa Charge is known for its community focus and representation of Ottawa’s motto, “Advance.”
Website: thepwhl.com/en/teams/ottawa-charge
What: Dance Theatre of Harlem
Where: National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St.
When: Thursday, Jan. 29 and Friday, Jan. 30, 8 p.m.
Why: Dance Theatre of Harlem is a singular presence in the ballet world, presenting and touring a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century. The multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics – neoclassical works by George Balanchine and Artistic Director, Robert Garland – as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet and honour founder Arthur Mitchell’s belief that ballet belongs to everyone. For over 56 years, the company has been committed to the message of empowerment through the arts for all. In this specially curated program, the elegance, virtuosity, and technical prowess of the 18-member company are on full display. Joined for the first half and for the first time by the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the crowd-pleasing evening brings together an impressive range of movement and musical expressions and includes work by the incomparable William Forsythe.
Website: nac-cna.ca/en/event/38358
What: Winterlude 2026
Where: Two official Winterlude sites include Confederation Park and Jacques-Cartier Park
When: Friday, Jan. 30 to Monday, Feb. 16
Why: With its ice sculptures, snow slides, ferris wheel, live music and many free outdoor winter activities, Canada’s Capital Region’s winter festival is the best way to enjoy the Canadian winter with family or friends. Experience a unique outdoor adventure at Confederation Park in Ottawa and the north section of Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau.
Website: canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winterlude.html
What: The Rink of Dreams
Where: Ottawa City Hall
When: The Rink of Dreams operates annually from December through to the end of March. The hours are as follows: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Why: The Rink of Dreams is a 12,500-square-foot outdoor refrigerated ice surface which serves as a community gathering place for both residents of the National Capital Region and tourists visiting the city.
Website: ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/programs-and-public-spaces-ottawa-city-hall/rink-dreams
What: Fête Frissons 2026
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, upper lobby
When: Sunday, Feb. 8
Why: Held at the Shenkman Arts Centre and sponsored by the Heart of Orléans BIA and Articipate, this free, bilingual, all-ages event is open to all with performances, artmaking, workshops and storytelling.
Website: shenkmanarts.ca/en/fete-frissons-2026
What: Family Skating
Where: Various City of Ottawa locations
When: This Winter
Why: Drop-in skating happens at various City of Ottawa locations. Reservations requirements for drop-in programs are different at each arena. Where required, visitors are encouraged to reserve a space up to two days in advance. In-person walk-in reservations will be accepted when space allows. Schedules and reservation links can be found on the facility pages. Children aged 10 and under must wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet at all indoor arenas to be allowed on the ice.
Website: ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/skating/drop-skating/drop-skating
What: Toddler Mornings
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery Studio, 10 Daly Ave.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 4, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Why: Toddlers and their parents and caregivers can explore creative play with a variety of free activities at Toddler Mornings at the Ottawa Art Gallery Studio on the first Wednesday of every month. The event is best for children aged 0 to 4 years old, but all are welcome.
Website: oaggao.ca/learn/activities-and-public-programs/kids-and-family-programs/toddler-mornings/
What: Greely Winter Carnival
When: Thursday, Feb. 5 to Sunday, Feb. 8
Where: Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Dr., Greely
Why: Celebrate the winter season at the Greely Winter Carnival. This community event has something for everyone, featuring activities including bingo, breakfast, an enchanting magic show and scenic sleigh rides. With the exact schedule to come soon, guests can enjoy a comedy show, family brunch, and a variety of outdoor entertainment for all ages. Bundle up and join in the fun at this vibrant celebration and create unforgettable winter memories with friends and neighbours.
Website: greelycommunity.ca/
What: Ottawa Parent & Child Expo
Where: Nepean Sportsplex
When: Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why: Brought to you by Ottawa’s parenting magazine, Parenting Times, the Ottawa Parent & Child Expo is the capital’s longest running parenting and kids’ expo – and one of the best values for fun, learning, new products, services, and entertainment for families. The event features play areas, activities, and learning zones, local parenting exhibitors and free mainstage entertainment. Be sure to arrive early to be one of 1,500 families per day to pick up a free show bag.
Website: parentandchildexpo.ca/
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