This past week was the official start of the holiday season, with a lot of people celebrating First Advent, thus beginning the four weeks before Christmas. For us, we've always used it as an excuse to really 'kick off' the holiday season. Last year, we partnered with the Tourism Board of the Niagara Region for a fun trip to the picturesque town, and the year before that, we trekked to Quebec City to take in the German Christmas Market. And so this year, we decided to head to our nation's capital, Ottawa in Ontario, which is a quick four hour scenic drive from Toronto.
And we were so fortunate to have partnered with the iconic Hotel Fairmont Château Laurier for our visit, which proved to be the most festive address in Ottawa! Today, I am sharing just three reasons why it is definitely the most festive address in the capital.
FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA
Okay you already know how obsessed we are with the age old tradition of afternoon tea, enjoying it at The Savoy for Monika's milestone birthday, serving it at our own wedding, and squeezing it into our celebrations whenever we possibly can. So when we found out that the famous Zoe's was serving a festive tea, we knew we had to get a table. The atmosphere - with the grand ceilings and the festive music - mixed with the incomparable views of the Canadian Senate made for a beautifully indulgent afternoon.
TREES OF HOPE
Seeing beautifully decked out trees in every corner of the beautiful Fairmont Château Laurier definitely transforms anyone's mood. This amazing initiative is a 22 year old tradition which is in support of the children and youth at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario! The Trees of Hope are sponsored by local businesses, and each year, a different theme is assigned, this year being Healing Through Music and Winter Solstice. Locals can vote for their favourite tree, and a silent auction kicks off the unveiling. The hotel is aiming to raise over $100,000 this year, so it is truly an impactful endeavour. And the way these businesses decorate these trees?! Absolutely amazing - you can spend hours just getting lost in all the holiday magic.
BYWARD MARKET
Located literally minutes from the entrance of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is one of Ottawa's bussiest, buzziest, and most popular squares, the ByWard Market. It features a large hall with various booths, and also outdoor booths flanking the building. Here, we found fresh trees and wreaths, fresh baked goods, home-made meals, a French boulangerie and bakery, and the aromas of all the best Christmas baking. There was also hand-made cards and ornaments, so pretty much if you want to feel like you're in a Hallmark Christmas Movie, take a stroll through here literally anytime of the day or night.
The regal and charming city of Ottawa completely captured our hearts, and we are literally already planning our return to the nation's capital next summer. But in terms of kicking off our holiday festivities, Ottawa was absolutely perfect. And as always, any Fairmont property is always top notch in terms of service, standard of rooms, amenities, and overall feeling of being home.
in generous partnership with the
Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel
