Holiday weddings maximize the celebration
December 3, 2025
There are countless ways to create a truly magical Christmas or Hanukkah wedding—and plenty of tips for pulling it off successfully!
Consider the location
Church weddings, cozy lodges, home weddings, and synagogues are all wonderful locations for creating that intimate, nostalgic feeling many people look for in holiday weddings. In Ottawa, we have lots of perfect venues for this, especially here at the Ottawa Wedding Chapel. Our chapel can be decorated in a variety of styles (candles, wreaths, garland, twinkling lights, etc.). We also decorate the entrance of the chapel.
Décor ideas
Faux candles, twinkling lights, plaid (Ralph Lauren Christmas vibes, anyone?), garland, and bows are all great traditional décor options for a Christmas-themed wedding
And what about a Hanukkah-themed wedding? Blue and silver (with a touch of gold if you like) create an elegant, traditional look. Star of David motifs or themed garland can also be perfect additions.
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Holiday food and dessert
This time of year, food is such a big part of our lives—so why not include traditional holiday meals and desserts to tie into your joyous occasion? Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, latkes, and sufganiyot—oh my! There are countless traditional dishes that are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Wedding cakes are also a great canvas for incorporating your theme. Try ribbons, edible poinsettias, a hanukkiah (menorah) topper, or even a touch of edible glitter.
Activity ideas
Alongside the traditional elements of your wedding, adding some fun holiday-themed activities can bring extra magic to your day. White-elephant gift exchanges, tree trimming, gingerbread decorating, dreidel games for guests, or even a menorah-lighting ceremony can all be lovely options.
If you want to be more adventurous, you could also plan short outdoor activities like looking at holiday lights—or even skating if you’re really feeling playful and young at heart!
Favour ideas
Favours are still a popular way for couples to thank guests for celebrating with them, and holiday-themed favours are even more fun to give out! For edible gifts, try holiday-shaped cookies (Christmas trees or Star of David shapes). For something longer-lasting, consider ornaments—either traditional or personalized with something meaningful about the couple—or even mini menorahs for guests to take home.
From Southern Bride
Wedding attire
This can be a wonderfully fun way to express yourself and really bring out that cozy holiday aesthetic! A red or red-accented wedding gown can be absolutely stunning, especially against white décor if you’re leaning into a winter-wonderland theme. Poinsettia hairpieces and bouquets can also be beautiful touches.
For a Hanukkah wedding, subtle accents like blue detailing or themed hairpieces can create a stunning look. Blue-and-white bouquets are another elegant option.
Those are just a few holiday-themed wedding ideas. There are so many ways to embrace this magical time of year while celebrating the joining of two people. Remember to check the weather—and enjoy this festive season!