Ottawa Introduces New Winterlude 2026 Experiences: Lantern Grove and Capital City Bites

Ottawa Tourism is enhancing the Winterlude 2026 festivities with two exciting new additions designed to elevate the visitor experience: The Lantern Grove, an immersive light and sound installation, and Capital City Bites, an exclusive restaurant week celebration.

In collaboration with Immersive International, Optimal Show Experience, and Taste Ottawa, The Lantern Grove will transform Confederation Park into a magical wonderland of light, sound, and storytelling. Immersive International, a globally recognized creative design studio, recently established its North American headquarters in Ottawa. This dynamic new partnership brings cutting-edge technology to the capital, offering visitors an unforgettable experience.

From January 31 to February 6, 2026, visitors to The Lantern Grove will encounter sculptural light installations, animated projections, and an array of stunning visual displays. The installation is designed to immerse guests in a captivating world, with each corner of the park telling a unique part of the story. The animations, created by Immersive International, will bring the park to life each evening from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., making for a dazzling spectacle perfect for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

One of the main highlights of this attraction is a short film that will be screened on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in both English and French, ensuring the experience is accessible to a diverse audience. The film will further enhance the atmosphere, telling the story of Ottawa’s rich history and cultural significance through a stunning visual journey.

In addition to the Lantern Grove, Capital City Bites promises to be a mouth-watering addition to Winterlude’s lineup of events. Running alongside the lantern displays, from January 31 to February 6, 2026, Capital City Bites will offer Ottawa’s residents and tourists the opportunity to explore the city’s best culinary offerings. Over 35 restaurants across the city will participate in this restaurant week, offering specially curated prix fixe menus and exclusive deals available via a free digital pass.

Whether you’re a food lover looking to sample Ottawa’s vibrant dining scene or a visitor eager to enjoy winter activities with a warm meal afterward, Capital City Bites is sure to offer something for everyone. The free digital pass gives foodies access to some of the finest dining establishments Ottawa has to offer, with a range of cuisines to enjoy, from locally inspired dishes to international flavors.

Ottawa Tourism is confident that both The Lantern Grove and Capital City Bites will be significant draws for visitors in 2026, allowing them to experience the city’s winter magic in entirely new ways. Winterlude, traditionally one of the biggest winter festivals in the country, will be redefined through these immersive and interactive experiences, further cementing Ottawa as a must-visit destination during the colder months.

To take full advantage of both the light installation and restaurant week, visitors are encouraged to plan their trips early, as both events are expected to be popular throughout the week. Details and free registration for Capital City Bites are available through the Taste Ottawa website, providing all the information needed for a seamless and unforgettable winter experience in Ottawa.

With these new initiatives, Ottawa Tourism continues to reinforce its commitment to showcasing the city’s culture, innovation, and culinary excellence, providing visitors with more reasons to embrace the beauty and excitement of the Canadian winter. Whether you’re strolling through The Lantern Grove or savoring the diverse flavors of Capital City Bites, Ottawa promises to deliver an unforgettable Winterlude 2026.

“Winterlude is a central part of Ottawa’s winter offering and we are proud to be a partner in promoting and expanding it,” says Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “The Lantern Grove and Capital City Bites will add new dimensions to Winterlude, offering visitors and residents new opportunities to gather and experience the winter through light, sound and flavour.”  

“We’re thrilled to bring the Lantern Grove to life for Winterlude 2026 and share this magical experience with visitors of all ages,” says Jordan Foster, Head of Studio, North America of Immersive international. “Blending large-scale sculptural elements, immersive sound and lighting, and animated storytelling, the Lantern Grove creates a nostalgic winter world built around a fable focused on community and generosity. We’re grateful to Ottawa Tourism, the National Capital Commission, Canadian Heritage, and our partners at OSE for their collaboration. This project marks an exciting beginning for Immersive International in Ottawa, with many more experiences to come.” 

“Capital City Bites brings together Ottawa’s culinary community to showcase the city’s diverse food scene across many neighbourhoods,” says Steven Hellmann, Executive Director of Taste Ottawa. “It’s an invitation to everyone to explore the city and enjoy exceptional dining experiences during Winterlude, one of our city’s signature festivals.” 

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