So New York City is a bit out of your budget range – but why not catch the train and make your way to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city – a city that comes alive during New Year’s Eve to celebrate the new year and Canada. Find out more: Where are Canadians and Americans are Spending New Year’s this Year?
New Year’s in Ottawa: Family Friendly, Romantic, Dancing, Luxury and Entertainment Events all over the City!
Whether it be a romantic dinner for two, a night out on the town with friends and family, or joining in the party with fellow hockey enthusiasts, Ottawa has just the ticket to start the New Year off in a fun and enjoyable way. Here are just a few suggestions of some of Ottawa’s great New Year’s events and celebrations. For more suggestions or to book your trip to Ottawa, go to: www.ottawatourism.ca.
Family Friendly Events/Celebrations in Ottawa
Looking for a Free Outdoor party? The 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship takes place in Ottawa from December 26 to January 5. On December 31, at 7:30 p.m., Team Canada and Team U.S.A. are playing each other. People who can’t get out to SBP Arena for the game will be able to watch it outdoors on four giant TV screens at the Samsung Stage, located on the Rideau Canal Skateway next to the National Arts Centre. There will be post-game musical concerts by the Amanda Rheaume Band (approximately 10:00-10:45 p.m.) and Finger Eleven (11:15 p.m.-two minutes before midnight and again at 12:15) and a pyrotechnic display at midnight. Best part? It’s free! Remember to dress warmly!
For young hockey teams and fans, the Hard Rock Café is one of the ByWard Market’s most happening places and for New Year’s Eve, it’s welcoming all the hockey players in town for the Bell Capital Cup with the promise of a team-friendly celebration for party-goers of all ages. For more information, please visit: www.hardrock.com/ottawa.
Let’s Get Romantic in Downtown Ottawa this New Year’s
Santé Restaurant and Art Gallery, at 45 Rideau Street, 2nd floor is cosmopolitan yet casual with a fabulous holiday view of Ottawa’s famous Rideau and Sussex streetscapes. Join the New Year’s Eve Party which includes a special 5-course gourmet dinner, vintage wines, champagne, party favours and gifts from Holtz Spa. For more information, please visit: www.santerestaurant.com.
For a Romantic View, the Westin Ottawa offers comfort and tranquility on the edge of the ByWard Market in downtown Ottawa. The hotel’s Daly’s Restaurant serves contemporary cuisine in a great location overlooking the historic Rideau Canal. Daly’s has a New Year’s Eve special for $80 per person. For more information, please visit: www.westin.com/ottawa.
A taste of Paris can be found at the Métropolitain Brasserie, at 700 Sussex Drive at the corner of Rideau Street, is offering an elegant four-course meal on with wine pairings. Make reservations or get more information here: www.metropolitainbrasserie.com.
Power party! Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar is THE place for power lunches in Ottawa. People go for the martinis and stay for the steak. On New Year’s Eve, there will be three sittings for dinner, starting at 5 p.m. Go to www.hyssteakhouse.com/hys-ottawa.html for more information.
Party central. The Empire Grill is one of the classic spots for nightlife in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. For New Year’s Eve, they are offering an elegant four-course meal with optional wine pairings, followed by dancing in the Manhattan Room. Go to: www.empiregrill.com for more information.
Festive at the Fairmont. Ottawa’s Fairmont Château Laurier, located in the heart of the city between Parliament and the ByWard Market, is the grand dame of Ottawa hotels. Start the New Year at Wilfrid’s with a delectable five-course meal designed by the executive chef and his brigade. Live entertainment, dancing and a midnight toast follow. For more information or to book your stay, please visit: www.fairmont.com/laurier.
Other Locations for Fun, Dancing and Luxury in Ottawa this New Year’s
Go for luxury. Would you like to enjoy a fabulous New Year’s Eve dinner at a four-diamond restaurant? Perspectives restaurant at Brookstreet, 525 Legget Drive in Kanata, is offering two choices: a five-course meal with sittings between 4 and 6 p.m., and an eight-course meal, accompanied by the jazz vocals of Jozée Devoua, with an 8 p.m. sitting. There’s a stay-the-night package available, too. Go to: www.brookstreet.ca/festive for more.
Let’s dance, my dear! The Hampton Inn Ottawa, at 100 Coventry Road, is conveniently located next to the Queensway at the Vanier Parkway. This year their New Year’s party starts with cocktails at 5 p.m., then moves on to a seven-course dinner and dancing to the sound of Quality Entertainment’s Dance Party Band. For more information, please visit: www.hamptoninnottawa.com/newYearTicket.asp.
Shows, Parties and Performances in Ottawa this New Year’s
Dinner and a show.The Casino du Lac-Leamy is a major entertainment complex in Gatineau, minutes from downtown Ottawa. In addition to the casino there are restaurants and a theatre. The Casino has dinner show packages available on December 31; they include cocktails, a meal, wine, and admission to the Rock Story Show at the Théâtre du Casino. For more information, please visit: www.casino-du-lac-leamy.com.
Charity bash for a good cause. New Year’s Eve in Ottawa is a December 31 charity bash at the Crowne Plaza Ottawa. Money raised at the event goes to LiveWorkPlay, an organization supporting people living with intellectual disabilities. The music is supplied by Sticks ‘n Stones, a group that specialized in danceable rock tunes. For more information, please visit: www.newyearseveinottawa.com.
Ian Tamblyn. The National Arts Centre is the city’s most prestigious centre for the performing arts. On New Year’s Eve, famed folk singer Ian Tamblyn will present an evening of music, with special guests Margaret Feuerstack and Dave Johnstone. The event is sponsored by the Ottawa Folk Festival. There’ll be champagne and cake at midnight. For more information, please visit: www.nac-cna.ca.
A killer evening. Eddie May’s murder mystery dinners have long been part of the Ottawa nightlife scene. The finale of their Christmas show, Psych-HO-HO-HO, takes place on December 31 in the Velvet Room at Scarlett’s Dinner Theatre in the ByWard Market. You get a four-course dinner, the show, and dance party. For more information, please visit: www.eddiemay.com.
Bond, James Bond! Head over to Suite 34, on Clarence Street in the ByWard Market, iorganizing its fifth annual James Bond New Year’s party. Come for martinis in your best James Bond costume. For more information, please visit: www.ottawavenues.com.
Have a Texas New Year’s at the Lone Star Texas Grill, at 1211 Lemieux Street near the St. Laurent Shopping Centre, is having a New Year’s bash. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and country singer DW James will be performing. For more information, please visit: www.lonestartexasgrill.com.
For all the events, restaurant listings, maps, hotel packages and more, check out www.ottawatourism.ca It is your user-friendly source for everything that is going on in Ottawa.