Published on
December 19, 2025
The holiday season is the perfect time to create lasting memories with family and friends, and there’s no better place to do so than at the National Gallery of Canada (NGC). Open every day with special holiday hours (closed on December 25), the gallery offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in contemporary and historical artworks from around the world. These artworks, created by some of the most renowned artists, will transport you to different cultures and also allow for deep, personal reflection—perfect for a winter outing. You can stay warm in the iconic building on Sussex Drive while exploring a variety of thought-provoking exhibitions. From now until January 4, 2026, you can enjoy a colorful array of creative activities and artistic experiences that await you each day.
Special Offers for Families and Young Adults
For families looking to enjoy a cultural experience this holiday season, the Canada Strong Pass offers free admission for children aged 17 and under. Young adults aged 18 to 24 can also take advantage of a 50% discount on their tickets. This offer is valid until January 15, 2026, providing ample time for visitors to enjoy the gallery’s offerings during the festive season.
Engage with Art in Unique Ways
This season, the gallery has introduced a variety of ways to help you slow down, reflect, and get inspired. The exhibitions currently on display include Winter Count: Embracing the Cold, Camera and the City, and Sylvia Safdie: TERRA. These exhibitions invite visitors to contemplate both the historical significance of art and the innovative ways that contemporary artists express emotions, narratives, and visual stories.
Open Studio: For those looking to get hands-on with their creativity, the Open Studio offers an opportunity to play with colours, light, and transparency, while creating your own unique masterpieces. Guests can hang their artwork to add their personal touch to the gallery, making it an exciting and fun way to brighten up the long, dark days of winter.
Inspiration Space: The gallery also offers a peaceful place for visitors to relax and express their creativity. The Inspiration Space, filled with a variety of artistic activities, welcomes both children and adults looking for a creative outlet. It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours exploring your artistic side while staying cozy in the warmth of the gallery.
Guided Tours: To make the most of your visit, consider joining a guided tour of the gallery’s diverse collections. Knowledgeable guides will take you through the must-see artworks while also sharing interesting details about the gallery’s stunning architecture. These tours are an excellent way to learn more about the stories behind the artwork and the history of the building itself.
Spaghetti Chorus: A popular interactive experience, Spaghetti Chorus returns this season in the Scotiabank Great Hall. This unique installation allows you to transform your voice into music and light. It’s part of the Hello series by Daily tous les jours, and it emphasizes the connection between human speech and harmonics through a poetic messaging system. Visitors can engage with the exhibit until April 6, 2026, making it a perfect experience to enjoy during the winter months.
Drawing in the Galleries: If you prefer to connect with art in a more personal way, why not try your hand at drawing? Every day from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., the NGC offers free drawing materials at the Fred and Elizabeth Fountain Garden Court, allowing visitors to sketch the artworks that inspire them. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting, this is a wonderful way to interact with the exhibitions.
For more detailed information about the gallery’s full programming, visit gallery.ca.
Last-Minute Holiday Shopping
Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Give the gift of inspiration and creativity with a membership to the National Gallery of Canada. The membership includes unlimited access to the gallery’s collections and special exhibitions, along with discounts at the gallery’s boutique, workshops, activities, and summer camps. A membership offers a meaningful gift for any art lover or creative soul.
If you’re after a special holiday gift, the NGC Boutique and its online shopping platform offer a wide variety of options. Whether it’s jewellery, exhibition catalogues, art supplies, or smaller items like unique stocking fillers, there’s something to delight everyone on your list.
