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Winter in the Capital can feel like the perfect time to hibernate—but Ottawa's events in January are the perfect cure for your winter blues. From the World Juniors of Hockey to magical concerts and the free geeky fun of Ottawa Comiccon: Winter Edition, there’s no reason to stay cooped up.
List Updated Dec 30, 2024
January in Ottawa might be the coldest month, but the events are so good they’ll make you forget your windshield scraper exists.
Whether it’s the intense hockey action at the World Juniors or the chance to geek out for free at Ottawa ComicCon Winter Edition, there’s no shortage of reasons to fire up the car starter and come out of hiberation. Toss in some yoga in a glass garden and Lord of the Rings music performed live by an orchestra, and suddenly winter isn’t so bad.
It’s like Ottawa took one look at the snow and said, “Let’s distract them with awesome stuff.” And you know what? It works. Let’s break down the best 2025 January events in Ottawa.
2025 IIHF World Junior Championship: The Final Games
Hockey Action So Intense, You'll Forget It's -20 Outside
The world’s best junior hockey players are hitting the ice in Ottawa this January for the ultimate showdown. It’s a preview of future NHL stars, where dreams are made, gold is won, and losing teams get to practice their polite Canadian apologies. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the vibes, these games are a guaranteed hat trick of excitement.
Quarterfinals
Date: January 2, 2025 Times & Venues:
12:00 PM EST at TD Place Arena
2:30 PM EST at Canadian Tire Centre
5:00 PM EST at TD Place Arena
7:30 PM EST at Canadian Tire Centre
The top eight teams face off in sudden-death matchups. Winners advance; losers skate home.
Semifinals
Date: January 4, 2025 Times & Venue:
3:30 PM EST at Canadian Tire Centre
7:30 PM EST at Canadian Tire Centre
Four teams battle for a spot in the championship game. The stakes? Higher than a Zamboni on stilts.
Bronze Medal Game
Date: January 5, 2025 Time & Venue:
3:30 PM EST at Canadian Tire Centre
The semifinal runners-up compete for third place.
Gold Medal Game
Date: January 5, 2025Time & Venue:
7:30 PM EST at Canadian Tire Centre
The final showdown for World Junior Hockey supremacy. Winner takes gold.
Final Symphony: Music from FINAL FANTASY
An Epic Gaming Soundtrack Comes to Life
Get ready to hear your favorite FINAL FANTASY music like you’ve never heard it before—live and epic with a full orchestra. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a level-up for your ears. Featuring breathtaking arrangements of music by Nobuo Uematsu and Masashi Hamauzu, this is the ultimate nostalgia trip for fans of the legendary video game series. Even if you’ve never played, you’ll leave saying, “I don’t know what a Chocobo is, but I love it.”
Details:
A symphonic journey through the FINAL FANTASY universe
Performed by the NAC Orchestra in one of Ottawa's most stunning venues
Perfect for gamers, music lovers, and anyone who’s ever hummed One-Winged Angel in the shower
Date: January 10 and 11, 2025, at 8:00 PM
Location: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre, Ottawa
Ticket Prices: Starting at $31
Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan Live in Ottawa
Two Comedy Giants Take the Stage at the Canadian Tire Center
What’s the deal with Ottawa in January? Oh, just Jerry Seinfeld coming to town! The star of the iconic sitcom Seinfeld is teaming up with comedy powerhouse Jim Gaffigan for a night of stand-up you won’t forget. Whether you’re a fan of Jerry’s legendary musings on nothing or Jim’s hilarious takes on food, this show will have you laughing harder than Kramer bursting through a door.
Details:
Jerry Seinfeld brings his razor-sharp observational humor, taking everyday moments and turning them into comedic gold.
Relive the Seinfeld nostalgia as Jerry riffs on the quirks of modern life.
Jim Gaffigan adds his signature charm, tackling everything from bacon to parenting.
Date: January 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Location: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa
Ticket Prices: Tickets start at $79.
Yoga Under the Stars
Find Your Zen in a Tropical Paradise Without Leaving Ottawa
Imagine stretching into serenity surrounded by lush greenery, sparkling waterfalls, and the glow of starlight—all from the comfort of a stunning glass-enclosed retreat. Yoga Under the Stars at Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory offers a truly magical yoga experience. This isn't just yoga; it's a mini vacation for your mind, body, and soul.
Details:
A tranquil Yin Yoga session focusing on deep relaxation and mindful movement.
Set in a breathtaking indoor garden with tropical plants, flowing waterfalls, and the peaceful ambiance of a glass-enclosed conservatory.
Perfect for all levels, from beginner to advanced yogis—because everyone deserves to feel this zen.
Dates:
January 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM
January 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM
Location: Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory, 2710 March Road, Ottawa
Ticket Prices: $61.68 per session.
Lord of the Rings in Concert: The Fellowship of the Ring
Epic Music, a Big Screen, and No Orcs to Distract You
One does not simply walk into TD Place without a ticket to this! Relive the magic of The Fellowship of the Ring with a full symphony orchestra bringing Howard Shore's iconic score to life. With the movie projected on a giant screen, you'll feel like you're right there in Middle-Earth.
Details:
Watch The Fellowship of the Ring while a live orchestra and choir perform the unforgettable score.
Immerse yourself in the sweeping landscapes, intense battles, and emotional moments of this fantasy classic.
Perfect for fans of Tolkien, epic music, and anyone who enjoys a good "You shall not pass!" moment.
Date: January 18, 2025, at 7:00PM
Location: TD Place, Ottawa
Ticket Prices: Starting at $96.48
Ottawa Comiccon: Winter Edition 2025
Geek Out This Winter—And It’s Free!
Ottawa Comiccon is back with a special Winter Edition, and this time, admission won’t cost you a single gold coin from your treasure hoard. Whether you’re into comics, anime, sci-fi, or just want to break out your best cosplay, this is the perfect event to kick off 2025.
Details:
A cozy winter gathering for fans of all things geek culture.
Shop from local and regional vendors offering collectibles, comics, and unique merchandise.
Meet artists and creators from your favorite fandoms.
Free admission makes it the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family or your fellowship of friends.
Dates: January 25–26, 2025
Location: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, Ontario K1V 2N6
Ticket Prices: Free admission!
So there you go—our picks for the best January events in Ottawa is stacking the fun higher than a snowbank at the end of your driveway.
From hobbits to hockey and Jerry Seinfeld to Comiccon, this city knows how to make the cold months feel warm... or at least really entertaining.
These events might not melt the ice, but they’ll definitely melt the monotony of winter. So grab your coat, your friends, and maybe a cosplay cape, and make this January one to remember. Just don’t forget where you parked—snowbanks have a way of hiding things.
