The annual Christmas market represents one of the redeeming events of Ottawa’s harsh, snowy winter season. Your car might have almost slipped off the road on the way there, and your toes may feel like they’re no longer attached to your feet, but the city does look good in white.
Each year, Lansdowne’s Aberdeen Plaza transforms into a cozy holiday scene complete with glittering lights and the smell of hot cocoa. The stage is set for Ottawa’s roots, blues, country and folk musicians to perform holiday tunes and originals.
JW Jones and the HOROJO Trio
Award-winning blues guitarist / singer JW Jones can’t stay away from the stage. The 2020 International Blues Challenge winner performs over 250 shows per year across North America and Europe. Called “a frequent resident of Billboard’s Top 10 blues charts and a roots radio favourite” by Nick Krewen, JW is known for his energetic performances and his collaboration with blues musicians like Buddy Guy. As if he’s not busy enough, he’ll be performing at next weekend’s market solo and as part of the HOROJO Trio with drummer Jamie Holmes and keyboardist Jeff Rogers.
Sam Stone
Sam has performed her original blues and country-inspired music at Bluesfest, City Folk and other venues and festivals in Ottawa. The 2025 Capital Music Awards Songwriter of the Year nominee is inspired by country lyrics and soulful melodies. She’s toured across the country as a harmony vocalist with Americana folk group Jessica Pearson and the East Wind, this year’s performing artist of the year winner at the Ontario Folk Music awards.
Elizabeth Royall
Alternative folk singer-songwriter Elizabeth performs her nostalgic blend of folk and rock at intimate venues, cozy coffeehouses and festivals in Ottawa. The 2023 SOCAN Young Canadian Songwriter Award winner’s music explores themes of mental health and is inspired by the sounds of the 1970s. Elizabeth was also chosen to be part of SOCAN’s Incubator for Creative Entrepreneurship program, designed to help build skills to establish a sustainable career in music.
Charles Cleyn
Indie folk songwriter Charles Cleyn combines electronic pop elements with guitar and strings in his self-produced music. Since leaving the corporate tech world to pursue a career in performing and teaching music, Charles has performed across Canada and Europe and shared his music production knowledge on his blog and YouTube channel. He also writes music about the Canadian experience in folk band The Privateers.
Cameron Carson
The 17-year-old guitarist / singer-songwriter has been on stage since his childhood, performing in dance and theatre and as a musician. Carson plays guitar and harmonica in his indie pop and folk performances. He’s on stage whenever he can be, including at festivals like the Kingston Buskers Rendezvous and Arnprior Summer End Showcase and opening for Nick Carter of The Backstreet Boys. Inspired by folk genre-benders like Noah Kahan, he released his debut EP, Here We Go, in October.
The Christmas market is open on weekends in December as well as Dec. 30 and 31.
