City of Ottawa - At your museum - October 2025

 

Family-friendly Halloween fun

A weekend filled with Halloween fun awaits at Billings Estate National Historic Site and Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Activities are best suited for families with children ages 10 and under. Advance registration is required. Halloween Heist at Billing Estate National Historic Site October 25 and 26 from 10 am to 4 pm Mischief is afoot at Billings Estate National Historic Site. A thief has been sneaking treats from our candy vault, and we need some clever kid sleuths to help us crack the case! Special guest: The Zoo Crew. Halloween Hijinks at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum October 25 and 26 from 10 am to 4 pm Pumpkins have taken over the museum! From the scavenger hunt to the witch’s cauldron and beyond, we’ve put a pumpkin twist on all our favourite kid-friendly games and hands-on activities. Special guests: Luciano Lu - stilt walker; Chris Pilsworth - magician; Jacky - airbrush temporary tattoo artist; Ottawa Fire Services.

Alone in the Dark

The Haunted Walk is back at Billings Estate National Historic Site and Cumberland Heritage Village! Participate in spine-tingling paranormal experiments and see what happens at the museums after all the lights go out. Ages 16+. Advance registration is required.

Christmas Tea reservations open on November 5

Enjoy the festive décor and a seasonal three-tier tea menu at Billings Estate National Historic Site. Mark your calendar. The online reservation request form will be available on ottawa.ca/billingsestate beginning Wednesday, November 5 at 10 am. Seatings for the Christmas Tea will be offered at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm on December 13, 14, 20 and 21. Reservations and advance payment are required. We anticipate interest will exceed capacity for this program. Once reservations are full, a waitlist will be maintained. Follow Billings Estate on Facebook for updates.

Make your own holiday cards

Limited spaces remain for the Introduction to Printmaking workshop on November 1 at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Learn the basics of linocut printmaking and create six greeting cards—just in time for the holiday season! Ages 16+. Advance registration is required.

Weekend Crafters

Kids and their families are invited to get crafty with drop-in activities inspired by local history. Explore the exhibitions at Nepean Museum and Fairfields Heritage House through a craft and themed scavenger hunt. Nepean Museum November 16 from 1 pm to 4 pm December 21 from 1 pm to 4 pm Fairfields Heritage House November 23 from 1 pm to 4 pm

Save the dates

Vintage Village of Lights Cumberland Heritage Village Museum November 28 to December 21 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings Retro Christmas Nepean Museum December 6 and 7 from 10 am to 4 pm

Find your perfect event venue

Did you know that the City of Ottawa Museums and Historic Sites are available as venues for weddings, special events and professional photography sessions? Learn more about rental opportunities online or visit our booth at the Ottawa Wedding Show (November 1 and 2). Rental Search Tool Available locations: Billings Estate National Historic Site (primarily outdoor venue) Cumberland Heritage Village Museum (indoor and outdoor venue options) Fairfields Heritage House (outdoor venue) Pinhey’s Point Historic Site (outdoor venue)

Stay tuned

Follow us on social media to make sure you don’t miss a single announcement. Billings Estate National Historic Site (or @billingsestatemuseum on Instagram) Cumberland Heritage Village Museum (or @cumberlandmuseum on Instagram) Fairfields Heritage House Nepean Museum Pinhey’s Point Historic Site (or @pinheyspoint on Instagram)