Maksym KuzaievLast December, my parents decided to visit and spend the holiday season at my place. Little did they know that my house was the epitome of a workaholic’s abode—there’s not a single Christmas decoration in sight!
Shocked and slightly horrified, my mom immediately planned an all-out Christmas makeover. The next thing I knew, we were off on an epic shopping spree in Ottawa.
So now, if you find yourself in a similar festive fix or just want to spread some holiday magic, you’re in luck! Here, I’ve listed the Christmas shops in Ottawa that we went into and some other options that’ll turn any Grinch-y dwelling into a winter wonderland. Read on!
Tinseltown Christmas Emporium
– Media credit: tinseltownchristmas
Website: http://tinseltownchristmasemporium.com/
Address: 1096 Somerset St W.
Contact details: +1 613 680 7557
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 5 PM
Cost: ££
Tinseltown Christmas Emporium shelves are brimming with snow globes and glitter domes that will have even the most sceptical Scrooge cracking a smile. And if you’re a fan of countdowns, their array of Advent calendars and wreaths is for you.
For those who love decking the halls, Tinseltown has nativity sets, nutcrackers, festive signs, wall decor, and more. You can also pop in for some crackers and have a right laugh with their Stairwell Carollers CDs.
Honestly, the range is spectacular, and everything is so easy to find because the shelves are well organised by theme and colour.
| Pro tip: Don’t overlook their holiday puzzles and games. They’re the perfect addition for family gatherings and can keep everyone entertained while the turkey’s cooking! |
Christmas Decor Ottawa
– Media credit: christmasdecorottawa
Website: http://www.christmasdecorottawa.com/
Address: 1038 Belfast Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 317 2346
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: £££
Christmas Decor Ottawa specialises in custom Christmas lighting and decoration services. No need to stress over untangling strings of lights or balancing on ladders—they’ve got it all covered!
Their team offers everything from design consultation to installation. Not only do they handle the entire process, but they also provide a wide range of products.
From traditional warm white lights and multi-coloured LED extravaganzas to wreaths and animated displays, there’s something to suit every taste.
The best part? They provide ongoing maintenance throughout the season and a hassle-free takedown service once the holidays are over!
| Pro tip: Book early! Their slots fill up quickly, especially closer to the holidays. |
Michaels
– Media credit: michaelsstores
Website: https://locationsca.michaels.com/on/ottawa/3505
Address: Pinecrest Shopping Centre, 2685 Iris St.
Contact details: +1 613 726 7211
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Cost: £££
Michaels got a brilliant selection ranging from small, cosy tabletop ones to majestic 12-foot showstoppers. They’ve even got trees in various colours like classic green, pink, gold, and blue—and loads of them come pre-lit.
For those who love a good theme, they’ve got your Hanukkah and Kwanzaa festivities sorted too, with everything from menorahs to Kinara candle holders and vibrant home décor.
And let’s not forget the outdoor decor, including inflatables and twinkly yard lights. They make everything super easy to locate since the store is well laid out with designated sections for different types of decor and DIY supplies.
| Pro tip: Their wrapping supplies are bang on for making your gifts look extra special. |
Ottawa Valley Christmas Lights
– Media credit: ottawavalleychristmaslights
Website: http://www.ottawavalleychristmaslights.com/
Address: 166 Sunnyside Ave.
Contact details: +1 613 295 5323
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Friday – 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost: ££
Ottawa Valley are absolute Christmas wizards, and they offer a comprehensive service starting from design consultation all the way to the installation. Whether you’re hankering for traditional warm glows or a full-out LED spectacle, they can provide it.
If you want to go all out with an entire light show synced to music, they can sort you out. Plus, once your display is up, they provide maintenance throughout the season, so no worrying about any rogue bulb deciding to go out.
And when the holidays are over, they handle the takedown too—seamless, really.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to ask about their environmentally friendly lighting options. They’ve got energy-efficient LEDS that not only save a bit on your electricity bill but also help you do your part for the planet. |
Tanger Outlets Ottawa
– Media credit: andreialeifer
Website: https://www.tangeroutlet.com/ottawa
Address: 8555 Campeau Dr.
Contact details: +1 613 435 0850
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost: ££
Tanger Outlets is like a one-stop shop for snagging brilliant deals on a wide range of items. The outlet mall has got a cracking selection of stores, from high street favourites like Gap and Nike to designer labels such as Michael Kors and Coach.
It’s perfect for picking up Christmas presents, as well as lights, decorations, and wrapping supplies at fab prices. Plus, there are often holiday-specific deals and promotions to sweeten the pot.
Furthermore, there are several shops that offer customisation. And if you’re like me and leave things till the last minute, their convenient location and parking setup mean you’re in and out without the hassle.
| Pro tip: Always check the Tanger Outlets website for additional coupons and promo codes before you go. |
Carlingwood Shopping Centre
– Media credit: la_chula_ss
Website: http://www.carlingwood.com/
Address: 2121 Carling Ave.
Contact details: +1 613 725 1551
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Cost: £££
Carlingwood Shopping Centre has everything you need to have yourself a merry little Christmas. From clothing and shoes to electronics and home decor, they’ve got a lot.
The likes of Walmart, Hallmark, and Hudson’s Bay mean you can snag everything from the season’s top toys to posh beauty sets and Christmas cards. Oh, and don’t forget to swing by the craft stores, such as Michaels, for those DIY gifts and decorations.
Carlingwood also hosts Christmas pop-up shops, adding to the excitement. It’s a doddle to get your presents wrapped, too—several shops offer gift-wrapping services, sparing you from the dreaded last-minute scramble.
| Pro tip: Make sure to keep an eye out for their seasonal events; sometimes they have special guests and attractions that kids absolutely adore. |
CF Rideau Centre
– Media credit: coraliescloset
Website: https://shops.cadillacfairview.com/property/cf-rideau-centre
Address: 50 Rideau St.
Contact details: +1 613 236 6565
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Cost: £££
CF Rideau Centre is enormous, so you’re bound to find everything you need. If you’re looking to spoil someone special with a luxury gift, it’s home to some high-end brands like Nordstrom, Harry Rosen, and Tiffany & Co.
They’ve also got brilliant toy stores like The LEGO Store and great spots for home décor and kitchen gadgets too. Furthermore, many of these shops do gift wrapping, which can be a lifesaver.
Plus, the centre often runs holiday promotions and exclusive events. And if you need to rest your feet, there’s the new food hall to grab a bite.
| Pro tip: Remember to check out the CF SHOP card. It’s a versatile gift card that’s accepted at various retailers in the mall. |
Bayshore Shopping Centre
– Media credit: bayshoreottawa
Website: http://www.bayshoreshoppingcentre.com/
Address: 100 Bayshore Dr.
Contact details: +1 613 829 7491
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost: ££
Bayshore Shopping Centre boasts an impressive collection of specialty stores offering unique Christmas decor and gifts. You must check out stores like Indigo for books and Marshalls for those quirky stocking fillers and home decor.
The bonus of Bayshore is the ease of making your gifts look top-notch with their gift-wrapping services. You can pop into the customer service kiosk, and they’ll sort out all your gift-wrapping needs.
One thing you should definitely not miss at Bayshore is Santa’s Grotto, where custom photo sessions with Santa take place. It’s a bit of a tradition, really, and the kids are bound to love it.
| Pro tip: Parking can get a bit mad during peak hours, so come early in the day to avoid the hassle. |
St. Laurent Shopping Centre
– Media credit: stlaurentcentre
Website: https://shopstlaurent.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp_listing
Address: 1200 St. Laurent Blvd.
Contact details: +1 613 745 6858
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Cost: £££
St. Laurent Shopping Centre is not as hectic as some of the bigger malls, which is ace because you can actually take your time browsing. They’ve got a solid mix of high-street and boutique shops; think Winners and Sports Experts.
Their specialty Christmas pop-up stores are also great for checking out some unique handmade jewellery and bespoke Christmas decorations. Most of these stalls offer customisation and gift-wrapping services.
And when you’re done with the shopping and wrapping, just grab a bite to eat at the food court.
| Pro tip: Remember to check out the mall’s website or info screens for the latest on special events and workshops—wreath-making classes and other festive workshops add a bit of fun to your shopping trip. |
Billings Bridge Shopping Centre
– Media credit: billingsbridge
Website: http://www.billingsbridge.com/
Address: 2269 Riverside Dr.
Contact details: +1 613 733 2595
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Cost: £££
Billings Bridge Shopping Centre is less overwhelming and more like a community hub, where you can actually enjoy your shopping experience. You can walk into shops like Dollarama for budget-friendly decorations and The Body Shop for lovely scented gifts.
In addition, you can also find artisan stalls, local crafts, and seasonal pop-ups that offer everything from custom ornaments to personalised children’s books.
The centre also sets up gift-wrapping stations that benefit local charities—a great way to share the festive cheer while getting your shopping sorted.
| Pro tip: Try to visit on a weekday—it’s much quieter, and you’ll get through your shopping list in half the time without the weekend rush. |
