The holidays bring sparkle to Ottawa’s West End, and for Ottawa locals, it offers a multitude of fun activities for family and friends. Accora Village residents will find there’s no shortage of things to do around Bayshore this season.
From glittering nights to local shops and our own annual light display, holiday camps and snowshoe rentals for snow-covered trails to explore, Ottawa’s West End has it all. Learn more about what Ottawa has to offer this holiday season, and how you can make the most out of living in Accora Village with proximity to the Ottawa River, Bayshore Shopping Centre and winter festivals.
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Evening Lights & Treats Near Home
Looking for cozy plans that combine holiday lighting, sweets and community fun? Let’s go over some local highlights to get you started:
- Light Up The Village (Nov 28, 2025; 6:00 PM): Accora Village’s annual holiday festival takes you on a journey through thousands of sparkling lights ornamenting our community with plenty of activities and events, while you’re keeping warm with a cup of hot chocolate.
- Enjoy carols by our music instructor, Ryan
- Have a meet and greet with Santa and his elves,
- Watch a fire and juggling performance by Skye the Guy!
- Drop a letter to Santa in our “Letters to Santa” mailbox inside the Accora Centre. Our Accora Elves will ensure he receives it! (Don’t forget to include a return address so he can write you back.)
- Magic of Lights Ottawa (Nov 21 2025 – Jan 3 2026): A drive-through holiday light experience at Wesley Clover Parks, just 10 minutes from Bayshore. Enjoy dazzling displays featuring over two million lights, with proceeds supporting CHEO. Stop by the “Holiday Pit Stop” for BeaverTails® and hot chocolate.
- Britannia Park: Explore the Christmas Tree Loop, created with community donations, for a heartwarming winter trail featuring twinkling lights.
Winter Fun Along the Ottawa River
Start your holiday adventures with outdoor fun that starts right at Accora Village’s doorstep.
- Ottawa River Pathway (Western Section): Perfect for winter strolls, snowshoeing, or casual cross-country skiing, accessible directly from the Bayshore area.
- Britannia Winter Trail: A community-driven groomed trail at Britannia Park, ideal for snowshoeing, skiing, or walking. Great for families and dog owners. We are proud to sponsor the maintenance of this trail each year!
- Ottawa West Winter Trail (OWWT): Near Corkstown Road in the Greenbelt, a short drive away and completely free. Offers well-groomed routes for skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-biking.
If cross-country skiing or snowshoeing will help keep you active during the winter, be sure to check out other local paths. You can also rent snowshoes from Accora Village, complimentary for the first three hours, then up to $20 for the weekend. Then warm up at a local cafe or at the Accora Centre lounge once you’re back.
Bayshore Shopping Centre: Indoor Holiday Cheer
For an alternative on colder days, take a quick eight-minute walk from Accora Village, and enjoy the warm and festive Bayshore Mall for all your shopping and holiday needs.
- Pics with Santa (Nov 15-Dec 24): Mix errands with festive experiences, including holiday pop-ups and opportunities to take pictures with Santa.
- Shop till you drop while enjoying the beautiful seasonal décor and extended shopping hours so that you can give back to your loved ones.
- Warm up with a nice coffee from Second Cup, Starbucks or Tim Hortons after you walk to the mall, or while you’re shopping.
Day Trips & Festivals a Short Drive Away
Plan a quick weekend getaway or a drive downtown to check out some of Ottawa’s iconic winter experiences.
- Winterlude 2025 (Jan 31 – Feb 17): One of Canada’s most famous winter festivals, check out historical ice sculptures, get your skate on, with a pair from Accora Village, and enjoy entertainment across downtown Ottawa and Gatineau. Easily accessible via Highways 416/417.
- Winter Lights Across Canada (Dec 8 – Jan 9): Parliament Hill and Confederation Boulevard light up nightly through January 7 — a scenic drive from Bayshore.
- Rideau Canal Skateway: Enjoy the world’s largest ice rink, a classic Ottawa outing that’s perfect with local cafés and BeaverTails® throughout the canal.
Once the Line 3 LRT extension opens in 2027, trips to these events will be even easier for residents of Accora Village.
Ontario Winter Getaways & 2025 Calendar Highlights
Note key destinations for planning weekend getaways during holidays such as Family Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- Mont Tremblant: A prime winter destination offering winter sports, an European-style pedestrian village, along with additional options including spas and casinos.
- Gatineau Park for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing,
- Calabogie is an excellent destination for a winter escape, offering breathtaking hiking trails and a variety of winter sports.
A Season of Possibilities
From sparkling lights to snowy trails, living in Accora Village means the holiday magic is always close to home. Step outside for riverside walks, festive fun, and quick drives to winter festivals. Share your photos or join upcoming Accora Centre celebrations to make this season truly memorable together.
Pair your outdoor fun with indoor warmth. Check out our local listings for winter fun that’s all within steps of home.
