Welcome to our December Social Series!
As the holidays creep closer and closer, and the temperature drops lower and lower, there’s no better time to find fun activites going on in the Waterloo Region. Whether you’re looking for holiday markets, a night of entertainment, or just the best places to go tobogganing – we’ve got you covered with our full blog breaking down our favourite local events and spots.
Let’s dive into our favourite things to do in the area this month!
The Season of Holiday Events
With the holidays just around the corner, the Waterloo Region is abuzz with fun holidays-themed events and activities. Here’s some highlights that we’re looking forward to:
Cambridge Winterfest: The City of Cambridge’s holiday festival offers a a number of events throughout the season, including:
- Winter Ice and Lights: Enjoy a walk through Cambridge Central Park’s light display – some can be viewed while driving past, while others are best enjoyed on foot.
- Phile Kline’s Unsilent Night: A modern twist on caroling, guests will walk through downtown Cambridge and enjoy interactive lights while the music of Phil Kline plays over speaker stations on the route.
- Music and Lights in the Village: Gather in Hespeler Village to celebrate the season with tree lighting, musical entertainment, crafts, and other festive activities.
- Cambridge Christmas Market: Over 100 local vendors will fill four floors of City Hall and the Cambridge Centre for the Arts on December 14th and December 15th.
- New Year’s Eve Party: Ring in the New Year with the City of Cambridge in the Hespeler Arena. Activities will include ice skating, an inflatable obstacle course, live entertainment, and concessions.
In Christmas in Space! A Holiday Cirque Spectacular: A holiday-themed circus travelling around Canada performing shows stops in Kitchener on December 11th! Acrobatics, light shows, contortionists, and dancing all join together in this sci-fi themed Christmas performance.
Holiday Stars on Ice: Enjoy some of Canada’s most talented figure skaters perform a festive edition of their Stars on Ice show. Taking place on December 18th at the Aud.
Elvis’ Wonderful World of Christmas: Graceland Edition: A performance of classic Elvis Presley songs and holiday favourites by the tribute stylist, Steve Michaels, at the The Center in the Square’s Main Theatre on December 20th.
Winter Solstice Feast: A Winter Solstice Feast and community potluck taking place in Willow River Park on December 20th. The event is free, but donations are encouraged!
Let It Be Christmas: A free concert retelling the Nativity Story through the music of the Beatles, taking place at the Highview Community Church on December 23rd and 24th.
The Nutcracker: A classic holiday ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s well-loved score on December 28th at the Centre in the Square.
There’s no such thing as “too many” holiday markets!
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!
Winter Artisan Market: The City of Kitchener is hosting a Winter Artisan Market every Saturday until December 21. Over 25 artisans, live music, vendors and other activites will be available in this market found under the stars.
Christmas in the Gaslight District : Tackle your shopping in the Cambridge District Square with some extra entertainment. On December 14, the district will be hosting a number of events to get shoppers into the holiday spirit. Here’s what you can expect:
- 8 vendor huts in the square for you to browse
- A free outdoor screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 11:30am
- Local Christmas carolers strolling through the district from 12:00 – 3:00pm
- A visit from the Grinch himself from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM – don’t miss your chance for a photo!
- Free craft workshop at Santa’s Workshop (Rego Team’s office) from 12:00 – 4:00pm
Christkindl Market: An annual holiday market in downtown Kitchener celebrating a tradition dating back to 1500’s Germany. Enjoy over 50 vendors from across the Waterloo Region from December 5th to 8th.
Holiday Indigenous Art Market: A local Indigenous-led market supporting Indigenous creators from across Southwestern Ontario. Taking place on December 14th and 15th at 200 King Street W, Kitchener.
Royal Canadian Legion, Waterloo Christmas Market: Local vendors populate the Waterloo Royal Canadian Legion to sell holiday-themed gifts and treats, taking place December 8.
Things to do:
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 fire is ablaze upon your arrival. Each site boasts 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!
Snowshoe through the Grand River Conservation Park: Strap on some snowshoes and enjoy one of the Region’s best hiking trails! 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!
Hit the slopes on your skis (or tubes) at Chicopee: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or learning a new winter sport at Chicopee, which offers lift tickets, lessons, special events, and group visits. They have food, rental equipment, and lockers available!
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!