ByWard Market Unveils Ottawa’s Tallest Christmas Tree at 48 Feet

The festive spirit in Ottawa has reached new heights as the ByWard Market has installed what is being touted as the tallest Christmas tree in the region. Standing at a remarkable 48 feet, the artificial tree now outshines the previous champion, a 40-foot tree located at Lansdowne Park, which held the title last year.

The tree, prominently situated in front of the Heritage Hall on George Street Plaza, is part of a broader initiative to enhance the holiday atmosphere in the ByWard Market. According to Victoria Williston, communications manager at the ByWard Market District Authority, “We went really strong with the beautification of the district this year to really brighten things up and enhance the experience for visitors.” The area showcases garland-wrapped lightposts, large wreaths adorning Heritage Hall, and two daily light shows that draw crowds.

Entertainment and Attractions Enhance the Holiday Experience

To further enrich the holiday experience, the ByWard Market is hosting a Saturday Christmas market in Heritage Hall, featuring local vendors, while roving carollers and horse-drawn wagon rides entertain visitors on weekends. This year’s festivities did experience a slight hiccup; the tree was delayed, missing its planned lighting ceremony on November 21. A natural tree from a local supplier was temporarily set up in its place during the ceremony, but once the towering tree arrived, it was relocated to a different area of Heritage Hall.

On the other side of the city, Lansdowne Park continues to attract visitors with the popular Ottawa Christmas Market. Established seven years ago, this market has grown significantly, featuring 60 vendors offering food, drinks, and gifts from charming cabins, enhanced by twinkling lights and live music in a tent. Thousands are expected to visit throughout December.

Other noteworthy contenders in Ottawa’s festive landscape include the Canadian Museum of History, which boasts a 46-foot tree by the Ottawa River, and a new 38-foot tree at the Bayshore Shopping Centre, part of a revamped holiday setting highlighting Canadian wildlife. St. Laurent Shopping Centre has also updated its Santa setup, creating a magical woodland landscape centered on a 25-foot tree.

Future Holiday Attractions Loom on the Horizon

No exploration of Ottawa’s Christmas offerings is complete without a visit to the Trees of Hope at the Fairmont Château Laurier. The 28th annual fundraiser hosted by the CHEO Foundation features 44 beautifully decorated trees, providing a dazzling experience and an opportunity for visitors to vote for their favorites.

Looking ahead, while the ByWard Market has secured the 48-foot tree for the next three years, it may need to prepare for fierce competition. A new Christmas attraction is set to debut at the Canadian Museum of History in 2026, projected to draw around 40,000 visitors. Funded by a $2 million investment from federal and provincial governments, the Gatineau Christmas Village will showcase an outdoor cinema, a miniature train, a cookie factory, a hot chocolate station, and a towering 92-foot Christmas tree.

Until then, the ByWard Market can celebrate its status as home to Ottawa’s tallest Christmas tree, drawing visitors eager to experience the magic of the holiday season.