There is nothing better than homes illuminated with vibrant lights, seasonal wreaths, and trees covered in snow that create the most magical atmosphere! That’s right, the holiday season is here, and the Waterloo Region is in full swing with plenty of events to get you feeling merry and bright!
We want to help you plan your outings this holiday season with Waterloo Region’s best holiday markets, events and activities!
Explore Holiday Markets
KWFamous Holiday Pop-up Shoppe
KWFamous is hosting a Holiday Pop-up Shoppe in Downtown Kitchener from November 30th – December 30th. Explore 80+ local vendors and discover unique gifts for friends, family, or yourself. Attend this special event and take holiday photos, all while supporting local artists in the community.
Store hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 8pm
Saturday – Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
Address:
165 King Street West, Kitchener (across from City Hall)
To view vendors, click here.
To view Jingle Bar, click here.
To view creative holiday workshops, click here.
Discover holiday events and activities in KWC
November 12 – December 31: Gifts of Lights Bingemans
Running from November 12 until December 31 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. You will surely see a beautiful array of twinkling lights with either option!
November 16 – January 8: Christmas at the Castle
The table is set, the trees are trimmed, and the warmth and charm will kindle your holiday spirit. Step back in time and visit Castle Kilbride National Historic Site from November 16th – January 8th! Visit a home built in 1877, and see the lavish décor adorned in festive attire. This exhibit is inspired by real-life locations from the stories of Charles Dickens, and the enchanting miniature village features over 130 Christmas-themed buildings and figurines. This is the most wonderful time of year to take your family on a tour inside Castle Kilbride and soak in the beauty of this historic building in Baden, Ontario.
November 24 – December 29: Old Post Office Holiday Digital Light Show
A winter-themed light show will premiere on November 24 – December 29 at the Old Post Office in Cambridge. Experience holiday-inspired visual effects illuminate the building every Thursday – Sunday night until the end of December. Shows with a musical soundtrack start at 7pm and 7:30pm, and shows without music start at 8pm and 8:30pm. Pack some hot chocolate and park your car in the lot across the street to enjoy this free and amazingly colourful display!
November 26 – January 1: Wonders of Winter
You can never see too many light displays! Take a stroll in Waterloo Park to see over 100 colourful fun displays with 100,000 light bulbs as part of the Wonders of Winter Light Festival. The lights are on from 5pm to 10:30pm every evening from November 26 – January 1.
New Year’s Eve events
We want to help you ring in the New Year with some fun events in the Waterloo Region!
Dinner and Comedy New Years’ Eve Bash
Abe Erb Brewing Company in Waterloo is hosting a 3-course dinner with comedic entertainment to enter the new year! Come out on Saturday, December 31st from 6pm – 2am and enjoy a night of fun, filled with laughs and delicious food served by Chef Mike De Jonge. The comedy show will start at 10 pm and will star four comedians to have you laughing your socks off.
Boston Pizza Kingpin New Year’s Eve Party
Come out and enjoy a fun-filled evening with live performances by The Relative Minors at Kingpin Cambridge. Starting at 2pm, there will be children’s face painting and to end the night at 8pm there will be a kid-friendly countdown to the new year that will include noisemakers, hats, and tons of FUN!
New Year’s Eve Party Hespeler Memorial Arena
Hespeler Arena is ringing in the new year early with an evening packed with free activities for all ages on and off the ice on December 31st from 4pm – 8pm. Enjoy skating, a Stunt Ventriloquist by the daredevil Tom Holland, a circus show by the spectacular Jonathan Seglins, and a Turbo Max inflatable obstacle course for a day of fun the whole family will enjoy!
Enjoy Ice Skating
There is nothing better for getting into the festive spirit than heading to an ice skating rink during the holiday season! Luckily there are plenty of indoor and outdoor rinks in the Waterloo Region to visit. Here are the best places to go ice skating this holiday season with your friends and family!
Indoor rinks:
- Don McLaren Arena
- Lions Arena
- Activa Sportsplex
- Waterloo Memorial Complex
- RIM Park
- Galt Arena
- Dickson Arena
- Karl Homuth
- Hespeler Arena
Outdoor rinks:
Victoria Park Ice Rink – Kitchener
Get Social With Us
There are 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!