If you’re looking for a new holiday experience in Ottawa to enjoy with the kids, you’ll want to add Glow Ottawa to your list. It’s happening at the EY Centre until January 4th, and we’ve gathered up all the information you need to know about this bright and jolly holiday experience for the entire family.
Here’s what you need to know before you go to Glow
Glow is an indoor illuminated Christmas experience welcoming visitors to explore the world (six countries are featured in the Glow Gardens) with lit-up structures, interactive light displays, and play areas for children.
The event takes place at the EY Centre and tickets can be purchased online in advance, or at the ticket office when you arrive. Tickets are sold in one-hour increments to determine your ‘entry’ time to help keep the crowds from getting out of hand and we appreciated this effort because there were very few line ups and the space didn’t feel overly crowded. However, because of this system, you may discover some hours have sold out before you even arrive, so we do recommend looking online for your tickets in advance.
Tickets are available for adults, seniors and children, although there is a family package (two adults, 3 children) that allows for some savings. Also, on certain evenings, you’ll enjoy a 20% off discount so check their calendar for when those events are happening!
When you arrive you’ll be taken into the food and drink area (a full-service bar is offered as well as snacks and meals like poutine and hamburgers). There are many picnic tables available for your family to grab their food and enjoy a bite. It won’t take your children long to ask to go play. There’s an animal pen (with pretend ride-on animals for the kids to bounce around on) and a giant magical castle play area with climbers and slides for creative and active play. These play areas are right at the edge of the picnic tables so if mom and dad are still finishing their drink, the kids can still play!
In this same area are glow swings for some chill time (yes, even adults will enjoy these!) The round swing changes colours as you swing about, making for a picture-perfect photo.
Lit-up creations are on display in the food and play area, but when you enter the gardens you’ll be transported into a magical setting. Through the gardens, you’ll travel around the world to six countries with light displays and special awe-inspiring details. Along your path, you’ll discover interactive displays like picture frames, walkways, glowing light pads, and hanging lights.
When you arrive, your kids can get a passport to travel around the world collecting stamps. The passports, when completed, can be traded in for prizes. Look for the passport booths as you walk around the different country areas; some can be tricky to find!
At the end of the garden area, kids under 12 will love having the opportunity to ride the mini train, sit in Santa’s sleigh, or meet Santa himself! This is a really unique alternative to your usual mall visit.
Kids will love being able to wander around the space exploring and interacting with the displays, and parents will enjoy having a festive indoor option that doesn’t require snow pants and the worry about frostbite.
Glow Ottawa is only in town until January 4th and some dates are already selling out. Grab your family tickets and brighten up your holiday season!
Tagged under: holidays,ottawa,what to do over the holidays in Ottawa
Category: events
