Illustration of a harbour-side Christmas market on a pier with lit fishing boats bobbing beside the stalls (Ottawa's Chris Kringle Market)

Ottawa's Chris Kringle Market

Visitors can wander beneath a canopy of twinkling lights to explore cozy vendor huts and local boutiques filled with handmade gifts, ornaments, and seasonal treats. Guests can sip hot cocoa from commemorative market mugs while enjoying the holiday atmosphere. The event also hosts family-friendly activities, live entertainment, tree lighting ceremonies, and kids' crafts.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Hours

Opening weekend: Fri noon-8 pm; Sat 11 am-7 pm; Sun 11 am-4 pm. Dec. 4-20 weekends: Fri 4-8 pm; Sat 11 am-7 pm; Sun 11 am-4 pm.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Ottawa

Food & Drink

Visitors can enjoy hot cocoa served in a festive market mug, along with fresh holiday treats and specialty foods.

Going?

Location

W. Jackson Street Between LaSalle and Columbus Streets, Ottawa, IL 61350 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday shoppers

Vibe

Festive and cozy

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Plan a Saturday or Sunday visit for daytime browsing, because the market opens only in the late afternoon on most Fridays except opening day.
  • Get the market brochure before you go, since it lists every weekend's vendors and activities plus other holiday happenings around Ottawa.
  • Get a market mug so you can sip hot cocoa as you browse the vendor huts and downtown boutiques.
  • Dress warmly for an evening outdoors on Jackson Street, as you'll walk between open-air vendor huts under the lights.
  • Leave time to explore the downtown boutiques around the huts, since local shops are part of the market experience.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Opening Weekend, November 27–29, with longer hours on opening Friday.
  • Tree lighting ceremonies, holiday-themed workshops and kids' crafts on the market's events schedule.
  • Final Weekend, December 18–20.
  • Commemorative market mugs sold through the market shop, to be filled with hot cocoa.

Links & Contact

Run by Ottawa Chris Kringle Market

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to eat and drink?

Sip hot cocoa from a festive market mug and pick up holiday treats and specialty foods from the vendors.

What can I shop for?

Local artisans, crafters and small businesses sell handmade gifts, ornaments, festive decorations and one-of-a-kind finds from cozy vendor huts. The downtown boutiques are open as well.

Is it good for kids?

Yes. Along with the shopping, there are family-friendly events and activities, including tree lighting ceremonies, live entertainment, holiday-themed workshops and kids' crafts.

How do I know which vendors and activities are on each weekend?

The market's brochure lists every vendor and activity for each weekend. It also has a guide to holiday happenings around Ottawa.

How can I become a vendor?

Fill out the vendor application through the market's Become a Vendor page.

Browse Christmas in Normal

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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