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 Home for the Holidays with Community Events for Families. Read on to discover all the fun activities in the KW Region this season!

 

St. Jacobs Sparkles

Discover the unique shops and services St. Jacobs has to offer, The annuals St. Jacobs Sparkles event is on for holiday activities and shopping! From November 12th – 28th shop into the night amid thousands of twinkling lights in the village. Enjoy visits from Santa, live music, and Christmas carols.

Throughout the town, merchants throw open their doors and roll out the welcome mat. Some offer once-a-year savings and in-store promotions, and everywhere you go you’ll experience good old-fashioned cheer and a festive atmosphere. Plan your visit by checking out a list of merchants here, or by downloading their handy walking map. This event is sure to be enjoyed by the whole family!

 

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 20th from 10 a.m. until noon at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium and in Waterloo on November 27th from 10 a.m. until noon at RIM Park

 

Gift of Lights at Bingemans

Running from November 13th until January 9th 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!

Old Post Office Light Show

A winter-themed light show will premiere on November 18^th at the Old Post Office in Cambridge. You can see holiday-inspired visual effects illuminate the building every Thursday – Sunday night until the end of December. Shows with a musical soundtrack start at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and shows without music 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!

Christmas in Cambridge Festival

Just down the road from our hāvn community is the annual Winterfest running from December 1st 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 available online this year which means you can support local crafters, makers and artists right from the comfort of your own home. Starting November 22nd, you can browse through vendors to find unique gifts for all your loved ones this holiday season. There will also be a one-day outdoor in-person market on Saturday, December 11th from 9 am to 3 pm outside of Cambridge City Hall. Explore the 2021 vendor list here. 

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 27th to January 1st. While the event is free, cash donations are welcome and can be made at the barn near the nativity display!

Christkindl Market

Celebrate 25 years of Kitchener’s annual Christkindl Market! Participate in their 24-day online advent calendar to enjoy the market’s traditions and relive events from years past. While exploring their website, indulge in some online shopping for holiday gifts and treats – there are over 70 vendors to explore!

You can even purchase Christkindl in a Box which includes a bottle of gluhwein, a 25th-anniversary collectible mug, a wooden tree ornament, stollen fruit bread, german cookies, chocolates, a wooden nutcracker craft to decorate, and so much more!

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!