Get pumped for the holidays in Kitchener! Our guide features all the exciting festive events and activities. Whether you're exploring Kitchener for the first time or rediscovering it, our guide has all the holiday essentials.
One highlight is the Christkindl Market, an enchanting experience that brings the timeless charm of a traditional German Christmas market to life. Marvel at the beautiful lights and seasonal decorations at Christmas Fantasy, and don't forget the nostalgic feel of Christmas in the Village, featuring carolers and holiday crafts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Kitchener
- Christmas Fantasy
- Christkindl Market
- Christmas in the Village (St. Jacobs)
- Waterloo Public Square Winter Wonderland (Waterloo)
- Christmas at Waterloo Central Railway (Waterloo)
- Holiday Lights Tour
- Festival of Trees (Cambridge)
- A Magical Christmas Market
- Christmas Concerts at Centre In The Square
- Victorian Christmas at Castle Kilbride (Baden)
See these and even more events listed below!
Kitchener Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lights Tour
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of elaborate residential light displays
Description:
Kitchener's Holiday Lights Tour illuminates the city with dazzling residential displays. This self-guided adventure takes you through neighborhoods where homeowners compete to create the most spectacular light shows. The tour highlights the community spirit of Kitchener, with many displays raising funds for local charities. As you drive or walk the route, you'll encounter animated scenes, synchronized music, and creative uses of technology. One stop on the tour features a recreation of Kitchener's historic clock tower, rendered entirely in twinkling lights.
Where: Kitchener | More Info: Holiday Lights Tour
Santa's Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats
Description:
Santa's Parade of Lights illuminates Waterloo's streets with a dazzling nighttime procession. This after-dark event features elaborately lit floats, creating a moving river of light through the city. The parade showcases Waterloo's innovative spirit, with many floats incorporating cutting-edge lighting technology. Local marching bands provide a lively soundtrack, their instruments adorned with twinkling lights. Spectators can participate in the "Glow Zone," decorating themselves with provided light-up accessories to become part of the illuminated spectacle.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Santa's Parade of Lights
Kitchener Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindl Market
What to Expect:
Authentic German Christmas market experience
Description:
Kitchener's Christkindl Market brings a slice of Germany to Canada. This traditional market, inspired by the city's German heritage, buzzes with activity. Wooden stalls line the streets, offering handcrafted gifts and delectable German treats. The market's centerpiece, a towering Christmas pyramid, pays homage to the Erzgebirge region's folk art. As you stroll through the market, the sound of carolers singing in German adds to the authentic atmosphere. Try your hand at making Lebkuchen, a traditional German Christmas cookie, in one of the interactive baking demonstrations.
Where: Kitchener | More Info: Christkindl Market
A Magical Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Night market with local artisans and performers
Description:
A Magical Christmas Market in Kitchener comes alive after dark. This evening event spotlights local artisans and performers, creating a vibrant nighttime atmosphere. The market's layout, inspired by European night bazaars, features winding paths lined with twinkling lights. Fire dancers and stilt walkers entertain crowds, while food trucks serve up innovative twists on holiday classics. The market emphasizes Kitchener's thriving arts scene, with a dedicated area for live music performances by local bands.
Where: Kitchener | More Info: A Magical Christmas Market
Kitchener City Hall Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Indoor market in historic city hall
Description:
Kitchener City Hall Holiday Market transforms the seat of local government into a bustling marketplace. Vendors set up shop in the building's grand rotunda and council chambers, offering a wide array of locally made gifts and treats. This event highlights the building's stunning architecture, with holiday decorations accentuating its historic features. The market emphasizes sustainability, with many vendors offering eco-friendly and upcycled products. Visitors can join a guided tour of City Hall, learning about its history and the inner workings of local government.
Where: Kitchener | More Info: Kitchener City Hall Holiday Market
Cambridge Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Riverside market with focus on local producers
Description:
Cambridge Christmas Market unfolds along the picturesque banks of the Grand River. This event puts the spotlight on local food producers, artisans, and craftspeople. The market's layout is inspired by the town's historic mill district, with stalls clustered around a central square. Visitors can watch demonstrations of traditional crafts like glassblowing and woodcarving. The event celebrates Cambridge's agricultural heritage, featuring a special section dedicated to local farms and their products.
Where: Cambridge | More Info: Cambridge Christmas Market
Kitchener Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at Waterloo Central Railway
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with Santa
Description:
Christmas at Waterloo Central Railway offers a journey through time on historic trains. Passengers board beautifully restored vintage railcars, decorated in period holiday style. The clickety-clack of wheels on tracks provides a soothing backdrop as the train winds through scenic countryside. This event celebrates the region's railway heritage, which played a crucial role in its development. During the ride, children can participate in a special "conductor's class," learning about train operations and railway history from costumed interpreters.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Christmas at Waterloo Central Railway
Christmas Concerts at Centre In The Square
What to Expect:
Diverse range of holiday musical performances
Description:
Christmas Concerts at Centre In The Square present a diverse array of holiday music. This series showcases everything from classical orchestras to contemporary pop artists, all with a festive twist. The venue's exceptional acoustics enhance every performance, allowing subtle nuances to shine. One unique offering is the "Global Carols" night, featuring holiday songs from around the world performed by local multicultural groups. This event celebrates Kitchener's musical heritage, which dates back to the 19th-century German choral societies.
Where: Kitchener | More Info: Christmas Concerts at Centre In The Square
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local twist on the classic ballet
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet in Kitchener offers a unique local interpretation of the beloved classic. This production incorporates elements of Kitchener's history and culture into the traditional story. The sets feature recognizable local landmarks, while some characters don costumes inspired by the region's diverse communities. Live orchestra music fills the theater, bringing Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life. Audience members can join a pre-show workshop to learn basic ballet moves, gaining a deeper appreciation for the performance they're about to witness.
Where: Kitchener | More Info: The Nutcracker Ballet
A Very Electric Christmas by Lightwire Theater
What to Expect:
Innovative light-based puppet show
Description:
A Very Electric Christmas by Lightwire Theater electrifies Kitchener with its innovative approach to storytelling. This unique show uses luminescent puppets to create a visually stunning narrative. The performers, dressed in black, disappear against the darkened stage, leaving only the glowing characters visible. This cutting-edge production showcases Kitchener's embrace of new artistic forms. Audience members can explore an interactive light art installation in the lobby, creating their own illuminated designs.
Where: Kitchener | More Info: A Very Electric Christmas by Lightwire Theater
Kitchener Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Fantasy
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday-themed displays and activities
Description:
Christmas Fantasy transforms Kitchener into a winter playground. This immersive experience features elaborate holiday-themed displays and hands-on activities. Visitors can craft their own ornaments in Santa's workshop, a nod to the city's rich manufacturing history. The air fills with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread as you explore the life-sized candy village. Kitchener's Christmas Fantasy stands out for its blend of traditional charm and modern interactive elements, offering a fresh take on holiday celebrations.
Where: Kitchener | More Info: Christmas Fantasy
Christmas in the Village
What to Expect:
Celebration of Mennonite heritage and traditions
Description:
Christmas in the Village in St. Jacobs showcases the area's rich Mennonite heritage. This unique celebration blends simple holiday traditions with the rustic charm of a 19th-century village. Horse-drawn sleigh rides transport visitors through snow-covered streets, while artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like quilting and blacksmithing. The village's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of natural decorations and locally sourced goods. You can participate in a candle-dipping workshop, learning an age-old skill that was essential to early settlers.
Where: St. Jacobs | More Info: Christmas in the Village
Waterloo Public Square Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Urban outdoor ice skating experience
Description:
Waterloo Public Square transforms into a vibrant winter hub. The centerpiece of this urban celebration is a spacious outdoor ice rink, inviting skaters of all ages to glide under the open sky. Surrounding the rink, local food vendors offer warming treats, their aromas wafting through the crisp air. This event highlights Waterloo's commitment to creating lively public spaces, even in the coldest months. Visitors can join impromptu ice hockey games, a nod to Canada's beloved national sport.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Waterloo Public Square Winter Wonderland
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Showcase of creatively decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
Cambridge's Festival of Trees showcases the creativity of local organizations and businesses. Each participant decorates a tree with a unique theme, resulting in a forest of imaginative designs. The event highlights the diverse community of Cambridge and its collaborative spirit. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, with proceeds benefiting local charities. One standout activity is the "Tree Treasure Hunt," where participants search for hidden ornaments that tell the story of Cambridge's history.
Where: Cambridge | More Info: Festival of Trees
Victorian Christmas at Castle Kilbride
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian-era Christmas experience
Description:
Victorian Christmas at Castle Kilbride transports visitors to the 19th century. This National Historic Site is adorned with authentic Victorian decorations, creating a vivid snapshot of holiday celebrations past. The air is filled with the scent of traditional mulled wine as you explore the lavishly decorated rooms. Costumed interpreters share stories of Victorian Christmas traditions, bringing history to life. Visitors can participate in a Victorian parlor game, experiencing firsthand the entertainment of the era.
Where: Baden | More Info: Victorian Christmas at Castle Kilbride
Dickens’ Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian-era Christmas village
Description:
Dickens' Christmas Village in Niagara-on-the-Lake recreates the world of Charles Dickens' beloved stories. This immersive experience transports visitors to 19th-century London, with cobblestone streets lined with gas lamps and period-costumed characters. The village showcases the region's rich theatrical tradition, with pop-up performances of scenes from Dickens' works. Visitors can participate in a Victorian letter-writing workshop, using quill pens and sealing wax to create authentic period correspondence.
Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake | More Info: Dickens’ Christmas Village
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