The Ottawan Newsletter

Hello Ottawa

Today is a mini-OTTAWAN, the bite-sized edition we publish when we don’t have much to say. (Today, it’s really just the calendar, the poll, and One More Thing).

Our next mini-editions will be on Monday, December 29 and Tuesday, December 30. We’ll be back with regular service on Monday, January 5.

Until then, THE OTTAWAN – Martha, Darren, Wiggy the office cat, and Martha’s Mom’s Choosin’ Hat – wishes you a Merry Christmas.

🎄 Compendium of Christmas Festivity

Visit our 2026 OTTAWAN Compendium of Christmas Festivity to find that perfect gift.

– Martha and Darren

PLEASE SUPPORT THE OTTAWAN

the ottawan was launched in 2020 as the daily answer to the questions: What’s going on? What should I do? Where is somewhere good to eat?

Please consider joining the many other readers with a monthly, annual, or one-time donation to keep the ottawan on its mission.

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Membership levels

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✅ $20 mo / City that Fun Remembered

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✅ Or make a one-time donation

WHAT’S GOING ON AT CITY HALL

No more meetings this year

Meetings and agendas

THE DAILY POLL

What’s the best Christmas movie?

🔘 Other (in the comments)

Previously in ottawan polls:
We asked, ‘How many times have you used the Ottawa Public Library this year?’
- 6% Weekly
- 13% Monthly
- 25% A bunch of times
- 30% Never
- 26% Not physically but I use the online publications and videos all the time
Commentary

▪️ “Regular visitor at OPL and use a any of their services all the time.”

▪️ “Mostly audiobooks.”

▪️ “Honestly – several times per week. In person, ebooks and audiobooks.”

▪️ “I’m a voracious reader so use the library at least twice a month. I love the system for ordering books I want to read as I don't have the patience to roam the stacks.”

▪️ “I use the OPL Libby App to listen to audiobooks. It’s a daily listen.”

▪️ “Can’t say enough about the options the Ottawa Library offers. The personnel are wonderful too! I am there a few times a week.”

▪️ “E-books and online reservation of physical books are my go-tos.”

▪️ “Love their on-line system for reserving books and videos.”

▪️ “Just once. There wasn’t an option for once. I like the idea of libraries, but I don’t like them. Too quiet, wait times too long, checkout times too short.”

▪️ “When Costco decided to prioritize alcohol over book sales, I stopped buying so many books. I take a lot out of library now.”

▪️ “I love the library.”

▪️ “Don’t forget they lend devices too. I've got a thermal camera checked out just this week to look for drafts and cold spots.”

▪️ “Libraries are essential. Unfortunately the City’s made them few and far between, and they're closing the downtown location–claiming that Ādisōke will replace it, even though it’s not downtown. In Toronto, libraries are all over.”

▪️ “I am an avid user of the OPL through the Libby app. The selection is fabulous and for a voracious reader, it is a brilliant way to read all the latest and greatest books without breaking the bank (I am looking at you, overpriced Canadian publishers!!).”

▪️ “I haven't been there in a while, but used my subscription to access e-books on apps like Libby and CloudLibrary.”

▪️ “The public library is a jewel!”

▪️ “I use the ones in Gatineau.”

HISTORIC OTTAWA LOGO T-SHIRTS

Talisman Motor Inn T-Shirt

The Beachcomber Room tiki bar at the Talisman Motor Inn was where Ottawa swingers could be found in the early 60s

Help support the ottawan by buying one of our historic logo t-shirts.

Shop for t-shirts

THE ROLLING THREE DAY CALENDAR

Is there an event we should know about?
Please use our easy event submission form

✳️ Means change from previous edition

TUESDAY

✳️ Almanac’s new 50 Beech Street location is soft-launching today and tomorrow. Buy your fill of bread, baked goods, coffee, and freshly milled flour. (Little Italy)
Overflow Brewing will be open from 3:00 pm to 8:00pm, with Hoppy Hour specials available from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.(South Keys)
Give back while you celebrate the season: The annual Holiday and Anniversary Shaker at 10Fourteen will be collecting donations for CHEO. (Hintonburg)
It’s best to reserve your spot in advance for the Stray Dog Brewing Co Trivia Night. (Orléans)

Cinema

ByTowne Cinema: Klassik Kidz: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Trifole, Detour: Eyes Wide Shut, F*** My son!
Mayfair Theatre: Sentimental Value, Sense and Sensibility, Die Hard

Gigs

Rooty Naky & The Rootables. Night Oat
The Door Fundraiser with Seve Adamuykn Band, Crisis Party, Big Now, DJ Skid Vicious. House of TARG

CHRISTMAS EVE

It’ll be a Jazzy Christmas Eve as Doors Open for Music at Southminster presents the Mark Ferguson Quartet playing seasonal favourites. Noon at Southminster (Old Ottawa South).
Visit the ByWard Market between 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm for the daily Aurora Light Show on York St, and at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm on George St for the Daily light Show. (ByWard Market)
Check out the two million twinkling lights at Wesley Clover Parks. (Greenbelt)

Cinema

ByTowne Cinema: Yi Yi - 25th Anniversary Restoration
Mayfair Theatre: Sentimental Value, It’s A Wonderful Life

Gigs

The John Carroll Show Christmas Eve Show. The Laff
Christmas Eve (open noon to 5:00 pm). Irene’s Pub

CHRISTMAS DAY

🆓 Whether you need some breathing room after a full festive meal or you just want to get outside, a Winter Wander down Sparks Street is a feast for the eyes (SOPA)
Mountaingoat Yoga Centre presents a special Christmas Day Yuletide YIN to relax and unwind. (Barrhaven)
Connor’s Pub is hosting a DJ night from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am (Orléans)
Sledding hills and City-managed rinks will be open, weather permitting. Check the status at ottawa.ca

Cinema

ByTowne Cinema: Closed for the holidays
Mayfair Theatre: Closed for the holidays

Gigs

DJ Poundkey brings the tunes to The Laff from 9:00 pm.

JUST ANNOUNCED / NOW BOOKING

Almanac’s Sourdough Bread Workshops in January and February make an excellent last minute Christmas gift.

MADE IN CANADA DEALS OF THE DAY

The Made in Canada Endy Mattress is 20% off, and comes with a free Everyday Sleep Set.

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BUT, ONE MORE THING ...

Andrew King at Ottawa ReWind has been unearthing the history-forgotten villages and forts in the Ottawa area for years. But since he had done so much research, he wondered if artficial intelligence could take that information and create pictures of what such places as Roebuck Iroquois Village, Dollard’s palisaded fort, or Fort Levis may have looked.