An Alcoholics Anonymous event with Al-Anon participation
Christmas and New Year
OttawaAlkathon2026
Happy, Joyous, and Free
About the Alkathon
Not a glum lot
The basic purpose of the Alkathon is to provide a safe and sober environment for the new and still-suffering alcoholic over Christmas and New Year. But we are not a glum lot!
There are back-to-back AA meetings, plus speakers, music, food, games, and fellowship. Join fellow volunteers to help serve meals, greet newcomers, and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. And do not miss the New Year's Eve dance and celebration as we welcome the new year together in sobriety.
The Alkathon invites anyone with a desire to stop drinking, along with their families and friends. There is no cost and no registration to attend a meeting. We are funded entirely by seventh tradition contributions from members and groups.
Doors open for the Christmas Alkathon
- When
Christmas Alkathon: 12:00 p.m. Dec 24 to 12:00 p.m. Dec 25
New Year's Alkathon: 12:00 p.m. Dec 31 to 12:00 p.m. Jan 1
- Where
Bronson Centre
211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa
(Lisgar Street entrance)
Get involved
Three ways to take part
The Alkathon runs entirely on service, and every helping hand makes a difference.
Volunteer
From greeting members and making coffee to serving food or talking to newcomers, volunteers bring warmth, connection, and hope. Sign in with your email, pick the shifts that fit your schedule, and we send reminders before each one.
Host a meeting
AA home groups are invited to host one of the 30 meetings held throughout the Alkathon. Register your group for the meeting lottery. The draw date will be announced here and by email.
Contribute
We are self-supporting through our own contributions. Give by e-transfer, cheque, or cash, or bring food to help keep the Alkathon warm and welcoming for everyone.
This season
Two round-the-clock Alkathons
Noon to noon, twenty-four hours each. A meeting is always on, including overnight. Times are shown in Eastern Time.
Christmas Alkathon
2026Thu, Dec 24, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to Fri, Dec 25, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa
Twenty-four hours of continuous AA meetings, coffee, and food, from noon on Christmas Eve to noon on Christmas Day. Everyone is welcome. No one has to spend the holidays alone.
New Year's Alkathon
2026/2027Thu, Dec 31, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to Fri, Jan 1, 2027, 12:00 p.m.
Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa
Twenty-four hours of continuous AA meetings, coffee, and food, from noon on New Year's Eve to noon on New Year's Day. Everyone is welcome. Start the new year sober and among friends.
Where to find us
Bronson Centre
211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa. Lisgar Street entrance. Come for a meeting, a coffee, or to lend a hand. A safe and sober space for recovery, unity, and service through the holidays.
