Welcome back to our Social Series!
As the temperatures drop and snow looms in the forecast, it’s the perfect time to rediscover our community’s charm and enjoy exciting activities in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.. From romantic winter walks to cozy campfires with friends, this list of winter adventures will add some sparkle to your season.
Continue reading to learn more about things to do this month:
Hit the slopes on your skis (or tubes) at Chicopee
Picture the thrill of grabbing a group of friends and conquering the slopes together – the collective exhilaration as you navigate the twists and turns of the mountain, the shared sense of achievement as you reach the bottom, or the hilarity of witnessing your friends try to gracefully dismount a ski lift. You can make this winter one to remember with some epic wipeouts on the tubes or skiis! Chicopee Tube Park in Kitchener is a great place for family bonding, group experiences, and more! Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or learning a new winter sport. Chicopee offers lift tickets, lessons, special events, and group visits. They have food, rental equipment, and lockers available.
Click here to plan your visit today!
Enjoy a date night at Waterloo Public Square
Embark on a romantic winter escapade with your special someone at Waterloo Public Square. Glide hand in hand on the Square’s public ice rink, creating memories against the backdrop of twinkling lights and chilly air. Post-skate, be sure to stop by Beertown or the Piper Arms Pub for drinks.
Here is a list of outdoor skating rinks for you to visit in Waterloo.
Here is a list of outdoor skating rinks for you to visit in Kitchener.
Here is a list of outdoor skating rinks for you to visit in Cambridge.
If it’s too cold and you want to stay warm and cozy, swing by the Princess Theatre, because nothing says romance like shared popcorn and trying not to comment on the plot holes. Afterwards you can take a leisurely stroll past the nearby shops on King Street, exploring and discovering shared tastes. Cap off the night at The Olive Board Charcuterie and Wine Bar, where you can pretend to be wine connoisseurs while trying not to mispronounce “charcuterie.”
The Season of Holiday Events
December is one of our favourite months to explore and discover fun things to do – from indulging in traditional favourites and unique experience, or discovering one-of-a-kind and locally made gift ideas, there is always something for the whole family will enjoy!
Wonders of Winter in Waterloo is on November 25th – January 1st! Come out to see over 120 colourful and fun displays with over 100,000 light bulbs light up Waterloo Park. Plus, hot drinks and festive popcorn will be for sale at the Park Inn, Fridays and Saturday, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Winter Ice and Lights in Cambridge is from December 1st – January 1st! Take a walk through the beautiful light displays in Central Park in Preston during the month of December. Enjoy KW Huron Beavertails and special visits from Santa, Mrs. Clause and Willy Melt. While you’re there take a visit to all the shops along King Street for holiday gifts, food, and a fun day with friends and family. Don’t forget to also check out the Old Post Office Holiday Digital Light Show while you’re there!
Winter Artisan Market in Kitchener showcases a curated selection of some of the best artisan vendors in the Region. You won’t want to miss it, with one more market taking place Saturday, December 23rd from 7:00am – 2:00pm. This is a great way to finish off your holiday shopping while enjoying live music and sipping on a hot drink. Register for one of the festive cooking or crafting classes, gather with family and friends at the Market Piazza to enjoy s’mores over the fire, or enjoy some performances from local dance groups!
BONUS, KW Famous Holiday Pop-Up Shoppe is on November 22nd – December 30th in Downtown Kitchener and is featuring all things locally!
Bundle up around a campfire at Snyder’s Farm
Who said you can’t enjoy a fire in the winter? Find some friends, and take them to Snyder’s Farm, where the crackling fire is already ablaze upon your arrival. Each site is a cozy haven of comfort, boasting a private pod, ample firewood, a folding table, and plenty of chairs for everyone. Snyder’s (literally) sweetens the deal with an added s’mores kit for your group and plenty of other options for on-site dining, from hot dog roasting kits to warm pizzas. There’s also a “Sweets and Servings” bar, offering up the liquid courage you need to admit that you still can’t roast a perfect marshmallow. So, gather your friends and family, put on your warmest socks, and let Snyder’s Farm turn your winter campfire into a night you can’t forget.
Snowshoe through the Grand River Conservation Park
The best way to enjoy the KWC’s numerous surrounding trails is normally with a brisk hike on a nice day – but when those trails are buried under two feet of snow, what’s an adventurous Waterlooian to do? Strap on some snowshoes, of course! Both cross country skis and snowshoes are offered at numerous places in the KWC, including Laurel Creek, Pinehurst Lake, and Shade’s Mills. Just make sure you bundle up first!
Start a snowball fight
When snow blankets the country, there’s an unspoken invitation to take part in one of winter’s oldest pastimes —a snowball fight. The powdery ammunition beckons, and the joy of a well-placed snowball brings smiles to the faces of all ages. So assemble your snow troops, perfect your snowball-making skills, and prepare for some epic frozen combat in which no backyard has seen before. Just be careful not to hurt anyone!
Get Social With Us
The holiday season is a truly unique time of year to explore the sights and sounds of the Waterloo Region. This list of activities barely scratches the surface on all the area has to offer. If any of these caught your eye, or if you have other recommendations, be sure to let us know at @builtbyactiva on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured.
See what else is happening on our inspiration page to learn more about Activa!