While the presents have been opened and Christmas dinner is a memory, the festive spirit remains alive and well in the nation's capital. Over the weekend of December 27-28, 2025, families across Ottawa seized the opportunity to enjoy the extended holiday break with a variety of local outings and activities.
A City in Motion During the Holiday Lull
CTV News reporter Camille Wilson observed that despite the calendar moving past December 25th, Ottawa was far from quiet. Residents were out and about across the city, taking advantage of the time off work and school to engage in community events and seasonal fun. The period between Christmas and New Year's often provides a unique window for family bonding, and Ottawa's citizens were clearly making the most of it.
Beyond the Holiday Weekend: A National Snapshot
The activity in Ottawa contrasted with weather challenges elsewhere in the country. While local families enjoyed their outings, other regions grappled with significant winter conditions. A wintry Boxing Day brought snow, freezing rain, and extreme cold to many parts of Canada. Meanwhile, Southern California faced a new storm threatening more flooding, and a rare case was reported in northern Manitoba where a polar bear adopted a second cub.
On the sports front, Canadian pride was on display as the world junior hockey championship saw Canada edge out Latvia 2-1 in overtime, thanks to a goal from Hage. In Edmonton, an 'ethereal' ice castle opened for the season, offering another magical winter attraction.
The Holiday Spirit Extends to Community and Reflection
The broader news landscape during this period highlighted themes of community, resilience, and remembrance. From a Saskatchewan woman grateful for a Secret Santa who helped with a car repair bill to tributes for a northern Ontario family lost in a tragic crash, the end of the year prompted both gratitude and mourning. The passing of Annette Dionne, the last of the famed Dionne Quintuplets, at age 91, marked the end of a notable chapter in Canadian history.
As 2025 draws to a close, the scene in Ottawa—of families actively enjoying their time together—serves as a heartwarming reminder of the simple joys the holiday season can bring, even after the main event has passed. The collective activity underscores the value placed on community engagement and family time during this special time of year.
