With the holidays behind us, and an exciting new year of possibilities ahead of us, it marks a great a time to explore the offerings of Waterloo Region. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend a weekend, a new hobby to fill your time, or even just a great local restaurant, let’s dive into a few our 2025 recommendations!
January Events
The holidays coming to an end doesn’t mean there isn’t still lots going on in Waterloo Region! Here’s some local events taking place this month:
Winterloo: This snow-themed festival returns, taking place on Saturday, January 25, between 12 – 5pm at the Waterloo Public Square. Free for all ages and run by Create Waterloo, the event offers indoor and outdoor winter activities, including ice carving, outdoor ice skating, hot food and drinks, and giant games.
Rock This Town – Encore: Interested in Kitchener-Waterloo’s history? This month, the Princess Twin Cinemas is screening the documentary, Rock This Town, which offers a history of rock music concerts in the KW from the 60’s and 70’s. The screening will be followed by a live Q & A from producer, Betty Anne Keller.
Skate Night Date Night: Enjoy skating in the Waterloo Public Square to a different musical theme every Wednesday of January and February. After skating, sip on a warm drink from the Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters or explore the local shops that make Uptown Waterloo so special.
Support your local teams: The dropping temperatures won’t stop our local teams from playing their hearts out! Attend one of many Kitchener Rangers or KW Titans games taking place at The Aud this winter.
St. Jacobs Market Food Tour: Experience a guided tour through Mennonite food, culture, and history, while tasting the food of local St. Jacobs Market vendors. Available every Thursday morning during the winter months, from 9:30am – 11:30am.
Works-In-Progress Mini Festival: Enjoy a sneak peek at new theatre pieces that are still in development. From staged readings, to workshop performances and behind-the-scenes set construction, see what goes into the development of four local theater performances at the Registry Theatre from January 16th – 18th.
Plus, there’s a number of live performers in the area this month!
- Abbamania: A re-creation of Abba live in concert, taking place at the Centre in the Square on Saturday, January 25th, in addition to a performance of Night Fever as the Bee Gees.
- Beyonsea and the Mothers: An all-new and original play, written by Teniele Warren, premiering at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts from January 29th – February 9th.
- Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party: Watch a wide cast of beloved Disney characters, from Moana to Buzz Lightyear, skate live at the Aud on January 30th and 31st, with additional shows continuing into early February.
- Dancing with the Stars: Live!: A live performance of the popular dance show at the Centre in the Square on January 31st.
Treat Yourself at a Local KW Gem
January is a great month to refresh and take stock of your physical and mental health. Whether it’s getting in touch with your body and its needs, or simply finding a great spot to relax and unwind, here are a couple of our favourite spots in the Region.
Azure Aqua Spa: Famous for its salt water floats, this Kitchener-based spa offers a number of relaxing treatments.
La Lola Tapas Bar: Authentic Spanish food and drinks in Downtown Kitchener. Don’t miss the handmade sangria!
Salt Secret: This Waterloo hidden gem is a Himalayan salt cave spa, which as the name suggests, offers a wide range of spa services and salt therapy within an actual cave made from Himalayan salt.
Republik Asian Eatery and Bar: An atmospheric restaurant offering a wide variety of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food.
Pure + Simple: A Waterloo spa, offering both classic and cutting-edge facial services.
Grand Trunk Saloon: An old-fashioned, saloon-style cocktail bar offering upscale drinks and food.
Fresh Poke: A trendy new spot offering ramen, sushi, bubble tea, and of course, traditional Hawaiian poke bowls.
Find a New Hobby in 2025
Looking to turn a new leaf and try something different? Check out a couple of local businesses that could offer your newest hobby!
Grand River Rocks: Rock climbing gym with locations in Kitchener and Waterloo. Push yourself to your limits by learning a new sport!
Afro Puppy Yoga: Looking for a unique yoga experience? Imagine a dozen puppies weaving around your legs during a class! Located in Kitchener, Afro Puppy Yoga offers classes all winter long.
Bingemans Kingpin Lounge: It’s never too late to get good at bowling! Bingemans offers a number of immersive, light-up lanes with interactive games.
Corner Studio: Pottery classes every week! Grab a friend, partner or child, and get crafty.
Waterloo Public Library Craft Workshops: Offering a different craft class most weeks, and a knitting/crocheting club every week, this is a great way to pick up a new hobby and get more in touch with your local community.
VR Escapism: A Waterloo-based virtual reality centre offering digital escape rooms and games.
The Culinary Studio cooking classes: Two Waterloo locals offering a wide variety of cooking classes every week. This month’s classes include Japanese tuna sushi bowls, triple cheese-baked polenta, lamb biryani, and homemade pasta!
Get Social With Us
A new year means new opportunities to discover and admire Waterloo Region. 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.
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