This holiday season, come and have fun with your family at the Canadian Museum of History!
From November 21 to January 12, join us for a festive season full of engaging activities for all ages.
The Museum of History will be open throughout the holiday season, including on December 24 until 2 pm (Dec. 25: Closed).
At the Museum
Photo: Marie-Andrée Blais
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join us for the Museum’s 9th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 21 at 6 pm.
This year’s program includes the Carleton University Choir, a violinist, hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies, maple taffy on snow, face painting, ice sculpture, and the official countdown to the lighting of our spectacular tree. This annual tradition also kicks off the Museum’s Christmas Market.
Donate a non-perishable food item and be entered into a draw for a chance to press the button to illuminate the tree!
The Museum’s Christmas Market
An unmissable event in the region!
November 21 to 24, 2024
Open on Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 8 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm
Nearly 100 exhibitors await you in the majestic Grand Hall and the Panorama Café, inviting you to discover delightful products and unique handcrafted creations. The Museum’s Christmas Market — a must during the holiday season!
Museum Gift Shop
Would you rather shop from the comfort of home? Check out our online Gift Shop. Surprise your loved ones by offering them a meaningful gift, rich in heritage and culture. Get inspired by our exclusive collection of products showcasing Indigenous artists from across the country, unique creations by Canadian artisans, and more.
The Museum’s Gift Shop, online and at the Museum, offers a wide selection of unique products to put under the tree for everyone on your list!
Still looking for gift ideas? Offer a gift card, which can be used to purchase products from the Gift Shops, Museum tickets, or even a membership!
Activities
Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid
November 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Accessible at all times (interactive experience: from 8 am to 11:59 pm)
Waterfall Court (outside)
Topple the dominoes in a long cascade and watch them play a series of musical notes and form an illuminated arc of pastel hues.
Illuminating Curiosity: Explore the Wonders of Light and Glow!
November 22, 2024 to January 12, 2025
9:30 am to 4:30 pm, and until 6:30 pm on Thursdays
Canadian Children’s Museum: Kaleidoscope, Studio and Theatre
Shine a little light on winter’s darkness with light-themed activities!
Neon Creations: Glow-in-the-Dark Marble Painting
November 22, 2024 to January 12, 2025
9:30 am to 4:30 pm, and until 6:30 pm on Thursdays
Canadian Children’s Museum: Studio
Join us in the Studio for an unforgettable glow-in-the-dark marble-painting experience!
CINÉ+
Featuring stunning larger-than-life images, CINÉ+ takes you on an exciting journey into culture and history with a wide array of enlightening documentary films.
This holiday season, set off on an adventure on the CINÉ+ giant screen!
Watch Tiger Tiger, a feature documentary that celebrates the Bengal tiger as a majestic icon of the animal kingdom, and passionately advocates for its conservation.
Marvel at the stunning images of the most extreme continent on our planet with the BBC Earth documentary Antarctica. Even though Antarctica is thousands of miles away, what happens on this continent affects every single one of us.
Finally, attend one of the special presentations of The Wild Robot, which follows the journey of a robot that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island.
Access to CINÉ+ is included in your Museum admission fee.
November 21, 2024, to January 12, 2025
Come admire the Museum’s dazzling outdoor tree throughout the holiday season. Adorned with thousands of lights, the tree will illuminate the Museum’s Plaza until January 12, 2025.
Online
Have fun with gingerbread characters!
Colour gingerbread characters and make them into a garland.
During December, as the days get colder and the nights grow longer, we often turn to comfort foods. And who doesn’t love yummy desserts and tasty cookies? The prettiest cookies during the holidays, of course, are cute little gingerbread people.
