Santa and his whole team are waiting for you by the river for an unforgettable holiday evening. Of course, there's no obligation. But the magic of Christmas depends on you, after all.
Every night at 6:30 p.m., the 10-storey Grand Tree waits for your voices to light it up.
To ensure that your visit to the Village is enjoyable, we limit the number of visitors on site. So it's a great idea to buy your tickets in advance.
The admission ticket gives you access to most of the village. Some attractions are subject to an additional fee.
Santa is lucky enough to set up his Village along the banks of the Ottawa River, thanks to the warm welcome from the Canadian Museum of History. With its iconic architecture, enchanting setting, and the stories that come to life within its spaces, the Museum is the perfect place to gather and create unforgettable memories.
Before immersing yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Christmas Village, explore the exhibitions and stories that have shaped Canada. And because the magic extends throughout the site, the Canadian Children's Museum will remain open later, until 7 p.m. on Christmas Village opening evenings.
To make your visit easier, the Village offers four paid parking areas just a short walk from the site:
Otherwise, we encourage you to take public transit. All the information you need is available right here.
Getting here
Protecting the magic of the holidays is a special job. But there are people right here in our community with even more important missions. This is the perfect opportunity to support them however we can.
For every ticket sold, $1 will be shared between the Maison Papillon Enfants et Familles and the Centre de pédiatrie sociale de Gatineau. It’s a small way to lend a hand to organizations that make a huge difference.
Have a question? You’ll likely find a clear answer in our FAQ section. That’s part of the magic too.
See the FAQThe Village is open from Thursday, December 10, 2026, to Sunday, January 3, 2027, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, we stay open until 10 p.m.
The Village is closed on December 14, 15, and 16, as well as December 25. You can find the full schedule on the homepage.
Admission is free for kids 12 and under. For everyone else, general admission is $19.95 plus tax.
A package including admission to the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian Children's Museum is also available starting at $36.95 plus tax.
General admission gives you access to the Village and most of its attractions.
Bubbles & Bites requires an additional ticket, as does the Holiday Concert held inside the Museum.
A package including admission to the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian Children’s Museum is also available. And because the magic extends throughout the site, the Canadian Children's Museum will remain open later, until 7 p.m. on Christmas Village evenings.
We limit the number of visitors to keep the evening enjoyable for everyone. Buying your tickets in advance is the best way to guarantee entry at your preferred time.
Except for the Gourmet Pavilion, the fun happens outdoors, so bundle up!
Heated areas are available throughout the Village to keep you cozy between attractions.
Outside food and beverages are not permitted on site. But don’t worry, plenty of delicious discoveries await you at the Village!
Whether you’re craving something sweet at the Chocolate Foyer, a hearty meal at the Gourmet Pavilion, a variety of tasty treats at the Market of Wonders, or a selection of local products in the cozy atmosphere of Bubbles & Bites overlooking the river, there’s something for everyone!
On December 31 at 8 p.m., a spectacular fireworks show presented by the Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy will light up the heart of the Village to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
Yes, paid parking is available at the Canadian Museum of History. It’s the closest option to the Village.
Public and street parking are also nearby, and the area is well-served by public transit. You can find all the details on our Getting here page.
Yes, all main pathways are accessible. Accessible washrooms are available both outdoors on the Village grounds and inside the Museum, next to the Gourmet Pavilion.
No need to wait for your visit to the Village to add a little magic to your holiday season. The Society has put together a few playlists to accompany your preparations and festivities.
The Secret Society of the North would like to thank our valued partners, without whom the Christmas Village would be nothing more than a legend.
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