Festivity

 As mentioned yesterday, the Ottawa Christmas Market is based out of Lansdowne Park for several weeks, and I was there on opening night, when the big tree in front of the Aberdeen Pavilion hadn't yet been lit up. Inside, the farmers market was set up.

I wandered into the Christmas Market- a European style affair on the north side of the building.

Then I returned to where I'd been as the crowds below were growing, taking shots from one of the stadium staircases. Carolers were singing.

The tree was lit up, and I took this shot afterwards.

I came back another night. The Market has taken off in a big way and is busy.

The chalets have a mix of food, drink, and gifts, and I've been here several times. Each time I've stopped at a baker who specializes in warm pretzels. I recommend the pepperoni pizza pretzel.

There are lit ornaments here for photo ops, and a stage for musicians.

One of the places I've bought from is at right- Thor's Trinkets, an artist who specializes in beer mugs with a pop culture motif.

There's even an open bar here.

The chalets have shifted around to also be on the east side of the Aberdeen.

This shot includes one more of those oversized ornaments, with the skate rink in the distance.

One more shot from the Christmas Market.

And I conclude with these that I bought for myself. I've developed a habit for buying novelty socks in the last year or so. I don't really have tools, but the one on left made me laugh. And the one on the right is, well, as close as I'll ever have to Christmas clothing, and entirely appropriate for me.