It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… at Lansdowne.

The Lansdowne Christmas Market officially launched Friday (December 2) night as the Ottawa Children’s Choir helped to open the festive season serenading shoppers and visitors with Christmas carols including ‘O Christmas Tree’ as the Greatest Christmas Tree in Ottawa was lit by Mayor Watson.

The Lansdowne Christmas Market featuring the Ottawa Farmers’ Marketing is open for the first three weekends of December in partnership with the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group and the City of Ottawa. The Markets are open Fridays from 3-8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

“I’m looking forward to seeing visitors from all over the city at the Lansdowne Christmas Market,” said Capital Ward Councillor David Chernushenko. “The next three weekends at Lansdowne will lift our holiday spirits and provide us with a great opportunity to pick-up some unique, locally made presents. I’ll be looking for a bicycle seat warmer.”

The Markets will feature live music inside the Aberdeen Pavilion on Friday evenings and during the day on Saturdays and Sundays, the Ottawa Farmers’ Market is featuring over 100 local food growers, vendors and artisans to help get visitors into the holiday spirit with some uniquely Ottawa presents.

What is Christmas without the big man himself … Santa will also be at Lansdowne along with horse and buggy rides and ample children and family activities for everyone to enjoy.

The Shops at Lansdowne are also ready to welcome everyone this holiday season whether it is to find that special gift, feed your holiday appetite or to celebrate the festive season with co-workers, friends and family.