Grab the twinkle lights and some fresh baked goods and make yourself at home this holiday season. From getting involved in your community to spending time with loved ones at home, we have a series of blog posts coming at you to spark some holiday cheer! Let’s kick off our Home for the Holidays Series with Community Events for Families. Read on to discover all the fun activities in the KW Region this season!
Reverse Santa Claus Parade
The City of Kitchener and Waterloo are offering a fun twist to this year’s Santa Claus Parade – it’s reversed! This means parade floats will stay parked and you will be the one driving by in your car. Don’t worry, Canada Post staff will still be walking around to accept letters to Santa Claus. You can also bring donations of food and toys for the Christmas Toy Drive and the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. The reverse parades will be held in Kitchener on November 14th from 10 a.m. until noon at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium and in Waterloo on November 21st from 10 a.m. until noon at Grey Silo Golf Course.
Gift of Lights at Bingemans
Running from November 14th until January 3rd at Bingemans is an experience like no other. Featuring two light tunnels and over 300 animated and static light displays, the Gift of Lights is something you don’t want to miss! Enjoy this holiday spectacle from inside your own vehicle or attend a walk-only night so you can go at your own pace. With either option you are sure to see a beautiful array of twinkling lights!
Image source: ideaexchange.org
Old Post Office Light Show
A winter-themed light show will premiere on November 15th at the Old Post Office in Cambridge. You can see holiday-inspired visual effects illuminate the building every Thursday – Sunday night until December 27th. Shows with a musical soundtrack start at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and shows without sound start at 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Pack some hot chocolate and park your car in the lot across the street to enjoy this free and amazingly colourful display!
Image Source: cambridge.ca
Christmas in Cambridge Festival
Just down the road from our future Isherwood Avenue community is the annual Christmas in Cambridge Festival running from November 23rd until January 2nd. Make this award-winning festival part of your holiday tradition by visiting all 20 light installations around the city. The festival’s annual Christmas market will be moving online this year which means you can support local crafters, makers and artists right from the comfort of your own home. Starting November 23rd, you can browse through vendors to find unique gifts for all your loved ones this holiday season – start shopping!
Image Source: wondersofwinter.ca
Wonders of Winter
You can never see too many light displays! Take a stroll in Waterloo Park to see over 100 colourful and fun displays with over 100,000 light bulbs as part of the Wonders of Winter Light Festival. The lights are on from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm every evening from November 28th to January 1st. While the event is free, cash donations are welcome and can be made at the barn near the nativity display!
Image Source: Christkindl Market
Christkindl Market
Kitchener’s annual Christkindl Market is coming virtually to your home very soon! Participate in their 24-day online advent calendar to enjoy the market’s traditions and relive events from years past. While you’re there, indulge in some online shopping for holiday gifts and treats; you can even purchase a Christmas tree for curbside pick-up… how 2020 is that!
Get Social With Us
Although the holidays may be a little different this year, there are still so many great things happening in our community to celebrate the season. Do you plan on attending one of these events? Let us know! Follow and tag @builtbyactiva on Instagram or Facebook to share the fun!