A stone church goes quiet when the house lights drop and only the candles are left. Then the strings start, and the song turns out to be Queen, Coldplay or a Studio Ghibli theme you never expected to hear from a pew. It’s one of the few nights out in the city that works just as well for a first date, an anniversary or a birthday with friends.
This candle light Ottawa guide, updated for October 2026, covers 16 candlelit concerts we checked at Knox Church, First Baptist Church and La Nouvelle Scène, with dates, venues and starting ticket prices. Each Ottawa candle light concert here is a live instrumental performance of about an hour, so we focus on what’s playing, when and what it costs. Seating is sold by zone and advance booking is recommended for preferred sections, so plan ahead.
In This Guide
- Quick picks: candle light Ottawa concerts at a glance
- The best Candlelight concerts in Ottawa right now
- Tips for Ottawa candle light concerts worth knowing
- Frequently asked questions about candle light Ottawa concerts
- More Ottawa guides worth exploring
Quick picks: candle light Ottawa concerts at a glance
Need a quick pick? These five upcoming Candlelight concerts cover film scores, rock, Halloween and the holidays.
1. Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi
Hear Studio Ghibli film scores by candlelight at First Baptist Church on October 17, November 21 or December 20, from about $43.
2. Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Catch spooky classical and film music at Knox Church on October 24 or First Baptist on October 30, from about $32.
3. Candlelight: Tribute to Queen
Hear Queen’s anthems as instrumental arrangements at Knox Church from October 23, from about $36.
4. Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
See all four Vivaldi seasons performed live at First Baptist Church on November 6, December 12 or December 27, from about $39.
5. Candlelight: Christmas Classics
Hear holiday favourites at Knox Church on December 17, 18 or 19, from about $36.72.
The best Candlelight concerts in Ottawa right now
The quick picks cover the highlights. Below is every upcoming Candlelight concert in Ottawa we checked, in date order, with venue and price.
1. Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi
A candlelit instrumental tribute celebrates the film scores of Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi, known for his collaborations with Studio Ghibli. Performances run October 17, November 21 and December 20, 2026, with more dates in January 2027, inside First Baptist Church’s historic interior lit by LED candles. The roughly 60-minute programme is some of the most cinematic candle light music Ottawa offers, with tickets from about $43 and seating by zone.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Studio Ghibli film scores by candlelight
📍 Location: First Baptist Church Ottawa, Centretown, 140 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J4
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, date night, special occasion
2. Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Familiar Coldplay and Imagine Dragons songs are reinterpreted through live string arrangements in a candlelit historic church. Upcoming dates are October 17, November 7, December 12 and December 19, 2026, with more in early 2027, and tickets start around $37 depending on date and zone. This candlelight Coldplay programme runs about an hour, and late admission may be restricted, so arrive early.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Coldplay and Imagine Dragons on strings, from about $37
📍 Location: First Baptist Church Ottawa, Centretown, 140 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J4
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, group, birthday
3. Candlelight: Tribute to Queen
Queen’s stadium-rock anthems receive intimate classical arrangements inside Knox Church, surrounded by hundreds of illuminated candles. Performances fall on October 23, November 14, December 6 and December 11, 2026, with more in early 2027, from about $36. The church’s architecture and candlelit stage are a striking contrast with Queen’s arena-rock roots, and this candlelight tribute is within walking distance of downtown transit.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Arena-rock anthems in a candlelit church, from about $36
📍 Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, Centretown, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L7
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, group, date night
4. Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s rock catalogue is transformed into an intimate instrumental performance beneath candlelight at Knox Church. Two dates remain, October 23 and December 19, 2026, with tickets from about $36 depending on seating category. Shows last about an hour, and street parking near the church is limited, so use nearby paid lots or transit.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Fleetwood Mac by candlelight on October 23 and December 19
📍 Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, Centretown, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L7
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, anniversary, date night
5. Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Halloween-themed film music and eerie instrumental compositions are performed by candlelight inside Ottawa’s historic churches. This candlelight haunted evening plays Knox Church on October 24 and First Baptist Church on October 30, with early and late evening performances at both. Tickets run about $32 to $37, making it the cheapest candle light show Ottawa has this month.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: The lowest starting price in the series, about $32
📍 Location: Knox Presbyterian Church (October 24), Centretown, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L7
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, spooky, group
6. The Jazz Room: Tribute to Aretha Franklin
A live jazz and soul tribute celebrates Aretha Franklin at La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins, offering an intimate alternative to Ottawa’s Candlelight concerts. Set for October 24, 2026, this Fever show belongs to the Jazz Room series rather than Candlelight, so expect jazz and soul instead of candlelit strings. Admission starts at about $66.96, and the Lowertown theatre is within walking distance of ByWard Market restaurants.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: A jazz and soul tribute on October 24
📍 Location: La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins, Lowertown, 333 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1N 7M5
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, jazz, date night
7. Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
Vivaldi’s four violin concertos depicting spring, summer, autumn and winter are performed live in a church illuminated by candlelight. String musicians play one of the best-known works in the Baroque repertoire on November 6, December 12 and December 27, 2026, with more dates into February 2027. Tickets start around $39, and for anyone searching candle light orchestra Ottawa, this is the closest classical match in the series.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: The full Four Seasons, from about $39
📍 Location: First Baptist Church Ottawa, Centretown, 140 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J4
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, classical, special occasion
8. Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
Cinematic music associated with composer Hans Zimmer is recreated through live instrumental arrangements inside a candlelit church. Performances run November 7, December 19 and December 27, 2026, with more in January and February 2027, from about $39. Live musicians play arrangements of his film themes for about an hour, which makes it one of the best candlelight concerts for film-score fans.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Hans Zimmer film themes by candlelight
📍 Location: First Baptist Church Ottawa, Centretown, 140 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J4
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, cinematic, birthday
That’s the halfway mark. The second half moves through pop tributes, Canadian songwriters and the holiday programmes that close out the year.
9. Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s pop and country-influenced songs are adapted into classical instrumental arrangements inside the candlelit Knox Church. Knox Church hosts it November 13 and December 11, 2026, with tickets from about $35 to $38. It’s a quieter alternative to a pop concert, but the arrangements are instrumental, so expect to listen rather than sing along. Unlike Christmas Classics, which displays a 4.8 rating, the listing we checked shows no Taylor Swift reviews yet, so judge it by the format and venue.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Taylor Swift songs on strings, from about $35
📍 Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, Centretown, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L7
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, girls night, birthday
10. Candlelight: Tribute to ABBA
ABBA’s disco-era hits are reimagined through instrumental arrangements performed beneath candlelight at Knox Church. Dates are November 13, November 20 and December 5, 2026, with more in January 2027, and tickets run about $36 to $39. If you are hoping this ABBA Candlelight show includes Dancing Queen, check the programme on the booking page, since the listing doesn’t detail the setlist.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: ABBA’s disco hits by candlelight
📍 Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, Centretown, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L7
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, girls night, group
11. Candlelight: Tribute to Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s progressive-rock compositions are translated into instrumental arrangements within the historic interior of Knox Church. Performances are November 14 and December 5, 2026, plus a January 2027 date, from about $34 to $36. The candlelit setting puts the focus on melody and arrangement rather than the visual spectacle of the band’s own concerts.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Pink Floyd reimagined, from about $34
📍 Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, Centretown, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L7
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, group, special occasion
12. Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
Beatles songs are recreated through live instrumental arrangements inside Knox Church, combining familiar melodies with an intimate candlelit setting. Knox Church hosts it on November 20 and December 6, 2026, with tickets from about $36. Paid parking is available nearby, and public transit serves the surrounding area.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Beatles classics on November 20 and December 6
📍 Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, Centretown, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L7
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, anniversary, group
13. Candlelight: Tribute to Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen’s songwriting receives a candlelit instrumental tribute celebrating one of Canada’s most influential singer-songwriters. A single date is listed, November 21, 2026, at 8:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, with tickets from about $39. The subdued candlelit staging suits the repertoire, but confirm the programme and seating before booking.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: A one-night Cohen tribute on November 21
📍 Location: First Baptist Church Ottawa, Centretown, 140 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J4
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, anniversary, special occasion
14. Candlelight: Tribute to Fairuz
Songs associated with Lebanese singer Fairuz are reinterpreted through live instrumental arrangements in a candlelit Ottawa church. Fans searching for a tribute to Fairouz candle light concert Ottawa will find it at Knox Church on December 11, 2026, spelled Fairuz in the listing, with tickets from about $36. The arrangements are instrumental rather than a vocal tribute, and another December edition appears in listings, so confirm the exact date when booking.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Fairuz’s music on strings, December 11
📍 Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, Centretown, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L7
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, cultural, special occasion
15. Candlelight: Christmas Classics
Traditional Christmas music is performed live beneath candlelight inside Knox Church during the December holiday season. Fever lists December 17, 18 and 19, 2026, starting at 6:30 p.m. on December 17, with tickets from about $36.72 to $43.74. It carries a rating of about 4.8 out of 5 from 103 reviews and suits families as well as couples.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Rated about 4.8 out of 5, December 17 to 19
📍 Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, Centretown, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L7
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, family, holiday
16. Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Familiar Christmas carols receive live string arrangements in an intimate church setting surrounded by candlelight. Performances are December 17 at 8:30 p.m. and December 18 at 6:30 p.m., with admission from about $41.04 to $45.90. It is a separate programme from Christmas Classics, so you could book both at Knox on December 17 for a full night of candle light concerts in Ottawa.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Carols on strings, December 17 and 18
📍 Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, Centretown, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L7
⭐ Vibe: Indoor, holiday, couples
Tips for Ottawa candle light concerts worth knowing
Picking a programme is the fun part. These tips cover the practical side of the night.
Most dates are at two downtown churches, Knox Presbyterian on Lisgar Street and First Baptist on Laurier Avenue West, both close to transit with paid parking nearby. Late admission may be restricted, so arrive before the start time, and seating is assigned by zone rather than general admission. Photo rules aren’t detailed in the listings, so ask staff before taking a candlelight photo.
None of these listings include a meal, so for a candle light dinner Ottawa date, book a table nearby before or after the hour-long show. The Jazz Room’s Lowertown venue sits near ByWard Market restaurants. The listings don’t publish a dress code, so dress comfortably for a church setting and a cool evening.
Other upcoming Candlelight concerts include Céline Dion on November 28, Adele on November 28 and December 20, Michael Jackson on November 6 and December 20, and Shania on November 22. Justin Bieber and Metallica tributes follow on December 13, and Romantic Classics on February 13, 2027, is the Valentine’s pick. Past Fever Candlelight shows at the Gladstone Theatre and La Nouvelle Scène haven’t announced new dates.
Searching Candlelight Ottawa, Ottawa Candlelight or the common candelight typo leads to the series in this guide, and the same name appears in searches for a candlelight concert Toronto, candlelight concerts Toronto, Candlelight Toronto, candle light Toronto and candle lighting Toronto. Readers searching for Candlelight Montreal, candle light Montreal, Candlelight Quebec, Candlelight Sherbrooke, or a candlelight concert Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Halifax or Moncton listing should know those cities are not covered here. The same goes for a candlelight concert London, Ontario, Windsor, Kitchener, Guelph, Hamilton, Oakville or Mississauga search, since this guide sticks to Ottawa venues and dates.
These are live music performances of about 60 minutes in an intimate setting. Anyone expecting a full candlelight orchestra should note that the listings describe live string and instrumental musicians. Even so, the series keeps a steady stream of concerts Ottawa audiences can book from October through February.
Frequently asked questions about candle light Ottawa concerts
With the practical tips covered, these answers handle the questions asked most before booking.
Where are Candlelight concerts held in Ottawa? Most Candlelight concerts in Ottawa take place at Knox Presbyterian Church on Lisgar Street and First Baptist Church on Laurier Avenue West, both downtown. Past editions have also used La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins and the Gladstone Theatre, so check the venue on each listing. All candlelight concert locations and addresses are in the entries above.
How much do Candlelight concert tickets cost in Ottawa? Tickets start from about CA 32 for the Halloween programme and roughly CA34 to CA43 for for most tributes, with prices varying by date and seating zone. Christmas programmes at Knox Church, CA36.72 to CA66.96 and up, is the priciest. For any Fever Candlelight concert in Ottawa, CA$ prices for each show are in the entries above.
How long is a candle light Ottawa concert? Most Candlelight concerts in Ottawa last about 60 minutes. Late admission may be restricted, so arrive before the start time, and seating is assigned by ticket zone, as noted in the entries above.
What Candlelight concerts are on in Ottawa this Christmas? Candlelight: Christmas Classics runs December 17, 18 and 19 at Knox Church, and Christmas Carols on Strings runs December 17 and 18 at the same venue. December also brings Vivaldi, Hans Zimmer, Joe Hisaishi, Queen and other tributes, with dates listed in the entries above.
More Ottawa guides worth exploring
If a candlelit concert has you planning more evenings out, these guides pick up from there.
Indoor things to do in Ottawa: Warm plans for cold nights before or after a concert.
Things to do in Ottawa for visitors: Ideas for guests who want a memorable evening downtown.
Ottawa plans by budget, season and situation: Seasonal ideas sorted by spend and company.
Ottawa nightlife venues and ideas: Where to keep the night going after the candles go out.
Beautiful Ottawa restaurants: Dinner settings that match a candlelit night out.
From Halloween classics to Christmas carols, the candle light Ottawa calendar runs through February, and preferred seats go first. We update this guide as new dates are added, so bookmark it and check back before you book.
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