Welcome back to our Social Series! As the season begins to change from fall to winter and the holidays approach, there’s no better time to explore the Kitchener-Waterloo area and its fantastic local festivities. Whether you’re touring the local markets or satiating a sweet tooth, this list of things to do in Kitchener-Waterloo this November will surely get you in the holiday spirit. Continue reading to learn more about things to do this holiday season!

 

Enjoy a festive holiday market

St. Jacobs Village Sparkles is on November 14th-17th and November 21st-24th! Come out to see the village transform into a winter wonderland with a large amount of activities, shopping options, and more!

Willibald Holiday Market, is hosting its annual Winter Market on the farm this year on November 9th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm! Shop 20+ local and small businesses while sipping on something nice from the pasture bar. P.S., The gingerbread gin hot apple ciders will be in attendance!!

Coolest Christmas Market Get in the holiday spirit at the Coolest Christmas Market on November 23rd & 24th at THEMUESUM in Kitchener. Shop from local artisans, enjoy festive drinks, and receive a $5 shopping coupon included with each ticket purchase. Tickets are $8 online or $12 at the door, with a $15 two-day pass available. Kids and students with a student card enter free!

Holiday Sip n’ Shop annual market is back at the St. Jacob’s Market District on Friday, November 22nd and Friday, November 29th from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm! You won’t want to miss it. This is a great way to get started on your holiday shopping while enjoying live music and sipping on a hot drink.

KCA Christmas Market is on November 23rd from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm and is featuring over a hundred local vendors from the Bloomingdale area.

 

Wave to Santa (or a hundred of them) during the KW Santa Claus Parade

For fans of parades, be sure to check out the Kitchener-Waterloo’s annual Santa Claus parade on November 16th. You won’t just see the float featuring the big man himself – you’ll also get to wave to the hundreds of jolly runners passing by in the Santa Pur-suit! This yearly run raises money for the YMCA of Three Rivers, and acts as truly unique way to open the town’s Santa Claus parade.

Attend a local play

For lovers of the performing arts, there is no shortage of theatrical productions to enjoy this month in Kitchener-Waterloo.

• Check out the Elmira Theatre Company’s upcoming performance in November from the 8th – 17th about a flirty, warm-hearted comedy about love, bees, and turkeys – The Birds and the Bees. 
• In the Dangerous neon lit streets, two young lovers, from fiercely rival corporate families, rely on the aid of Holy AI in an attempt to elope introduces The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet: a cyberpunk story as performed by the Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre from November 22nd to December 8th.
• If you’ve never experienced the magic of a panto, now’s the perfect time! St. Jacobs Country Playhouse presents A Christmas Carol like you’ve never seen it before—a lively, laugh-filled twist on the classic tale that promises fun for all ages. Don’t miss this unforgettable holiday tradition, running from November 28th to January 5th! Grab your tickets today and be part of the greatest Christmas story ever told, with a panto twist!

 

Root for the Kitchener Rangers during a local OHL game

Hockey fans will want to keep an eye on the Kitchener Rangers‘ home schedule for the month of November, as they will face off against the Sudbury, Wolves ,the Saginaw Spirit, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, the Peterborough Petes, the London Knights and the Owen Sound Attack this month at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.

 

Enjoy delicious local chocolates

It’s hard to beat the combination of chocolate and the holiday season. For those with a stubborn sweet tooth, check out Reid’s Candy and Nut Shop. The local chocolaterie offers an impressive assortment of festive packages – including an advent calendar featuring downtown Galt at night.

In addition to Reid’s, be sure to visit Esta Chocolates for signature holiday boxes of chocolate truffles, chocolate stocking stuffers, and once again, custom advent calendars.

Be awed by the Gift of Lights Festival

Gift of Lights & Jingle Rock festival is one you won’t want to miss! Experience the magic and wonder of the Region’s most spectacular and dazzling light displays this holiday season! Visit Bingemans from  November 22nd – January 4th, 2025.

Fun fact: this is the Region’s biggest and brightest light display!

 

Go out for a Date Night in Waterloo Region

For a memorable date night in Waterloo Region, you can enjoy a variety of options. Puddicombe House in New Hamburg offers elegant dining in a historical setting, while 271West in Kitchener serves handmade Italian dishes. The Foundry Tavern in Cambridge provides sophisticated ambiance and shareable plates, perfect for a cozy evening. For a scenic drive, head to Willibald Farm in Ayr for locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine and unique cocktails. Each spot offers a delightful mix of charm, ambiance, and delicious food.

Get Social With Us

The holiday season is a truly unique time of year to explore the sights and sounds 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, be sure to let us know on @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!