Embrace the holiday joy in Waterloo! Find all the community events in our guide. From Waterloo old-timers to newcomers, our guide showcases the best of the festive season.
One highlight is the Christkindl Market, a charming festival bringing traditional German Christmas cheer with delightful crafts, food, and entertainment. On another note, the quaint village atmosphere shines at St. Jacobs Sparkles, where twinkling lights and local shops offer unique holiday finds. And the Cambridge Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss with its array of vendors and festive decorations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Waterloo
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Twinkling Walks
- Uptown Waterloo Holiday Pop-Up Market
- Christmas Train Rides at Waterloo Central Railway
Waterloo Holiday Light Displays
Twinkling Walks
What to Expect:
Self-guided illuminated nature walks
Description:
Twinkling Walks in Waterloo offer a serene escape into nature, enhanced by carefully placed light installations. These self-guided trails wind through local parks and conservation areas, revealing artistic light displays that complement the natural surroundings. Visitors can download an interactive map to learn about local flora and fauna along the route. The walks highlight Waterloo's commitment to preserving green spaces within an urban environment.
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Waterloo Holiday Markets and Shopping
Uptown Waterloo Holiday Pop-Up Market
What to Expect:
Rotating selection of local artisans and makers
Description:
Uptown Waterloo's Holiday Pop-Up Market showcases a dynamic array of local talent, with vendors rotating throughout the season. This ever-changing marketplace offers a fresh shopping experience with each visit. Artisans demonstrate their crafts, allowing visitors to witness the creation process firsthand. The market reflects Waterloo's thriving entrepreneurial spirit, a legacy of its tech industry roots.
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Uptown Waterloo Holiday Pop-Up Market
Waterloo Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local interpretation of a classic ballet
Description:
Waterloo's rendition of The Nutcracker Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's timeless masterpiece to life with a local twist. The production features talented dancers from the region, showcasing homegrown artistry. Elaborate costumes and set designs transport the audience to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. You can attend a pre-show talk to learn about the ballet's history and its significance in holiday culture.
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Christmas Train Rides at Waterloo Central Railway
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with holiday entertainment
Description:
Christmas Train Rides at Waterloo Central Railway offer a journey through time on beautifully restored vintage railcars. The trip features onboard entertainment, including storytelling and caroling. Passengers can enjoy hot cocoa while taking in the winter scenery passing by the windows. You'll learn about the railway's pivotal role in the development of Waterloo Region during the ride.
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Christmas Train Rides at Waterloo Central Railway
Nearby Events
Christkindl Market (Kitchener)
What to Expect:
Authentic German Christmas market experience
Description:
Kitchener's Christkindl Market transports visitors to a traditional German Christmas celebration. Stroll through wooden stalls adorned with twinkling lights, offering handcrafted ornaments and authentic German delicacies. The air fills with the aroma of freshly baked strudel. You can participate in a lantern-making workshop, embracing a cherished German custom. Kitchener, formerly Berlin, has deep German roots dating back to its 19th-century settlers, making this market a genuine cultural experience.
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St. Jacobs Sparkles (St. Jacobs)
What to Expect:
Quaint village transformed into a holiday spectacle
Description:
St. Jacobs Sparkles illuminates the charming village with a dazzling display of lights and decorations. The event breathes life into the historic downtown, where local artisans showcase their crafts in festively decorated shops. Visitors can embark on a horse-drawn trolley ride through the twinkling streets. St. Jacobs, known for its Mennonite heritage, infuses this celebration with a unique blend of tradition and modern holiday cheer.
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Cambridge Christmas Market (Cambridge)
What to Expect:
European-style market in a historic setting
Description:
Cambridge Christmas Market unfolds in the picturesque setting of downtown Galt. Local vendors line the streets with booths offering artisanal gifts and seasonal treats. The event spotlights the city's architectural heritage, with the market nestled among stunning 19th-century limestone buildings. Visitors can join a guided historical tour to learn about Cambridge's rich past while enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
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Santa Claus Parade (Elmira)
What to Expect:
Small-town charm meets holiday spectacle
Description:
Elmira's Santa Claus Parade captures the essence of small-town holiday spirit with a grand procession of floats, marching bands, and community groups. The event transforms the quaint streets into a lively celebration, with locals and visitors alike lining the route. You can participate by bringing non-perishable food items to donate to local charities. Elmira, known for its Mennonite heritage, infuses the parade with unique cultural elements.
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Holiday Train (Cambridge)
What to Expect:
Festively decorated train spreading holiday cheer
Description:
Cambridge's Holiday Train rolls into town, dazzling onlookers with its vibrant light display. This traveling spectacle not only spreads joy but also raises awareness for food security issues. Live performances by Canadian musicians entertain the crowd from a converted boxcar stage. You can contribute to the cause by bringing non-perishable food items for local food banks. The event highlights the historical importance of railways in Cambridge's development.
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Elora Christmas Market (Elora)
What to Expect:
Market set in a picturesque limestone gorge
Description:
Elora's Christmas Market unfolds in the stunning natural setting of the Elora Gorge. Local artisans and food vendors set up shop against the backdrop of limestone cliffs and the rushing Grand River. The event celebrates the town's artistic community, with many booths featuring works by Elora's renowned painters and sculptors. Visitors can take a guided tour of the gorge to learn about its geological significance and local legends.
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Doon Heritage Village Christmas (Kitchener)
What to Expect:
Living history Christmas experience
Description:
Doon Heritage Village Christmas transports visitors to a 1914 rural Ontario holiday celebration. Costumed interpreters bring the past to life, demonstrating traditional crafts and customs. The air resonates with the sound of carolers singing period-appropriate songs. You can participate in hands-on activities like candle dipping or gingerbread decorating. This immersive experience showcases the evolution of holiday traditions in the Waterloo Region.
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Doon Heritage Village Christmas
St. Jacobs Farmers Market (St. Jacobs)
What to Expect:
Year-round market with special holiday offerings
Description:
St. Jacobs Farmers' Market embraces the holiday season with an expanded selection of local produce, crafts, and seasonal treats. The market, operating year-round, takes on a festive atmosphere with special holiday-themed stalls. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional food preparation techniques. The market's roots trace back to the area's agricultural heritage, showcasing the enduring importance of local farming in the region.
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Holiday Portraits (Cambridge (Wings of Paradise))
What to Expect:
Portraits with exotic butterflies in a tropical setting
Description:
Holiday Portraits at Wings of Paradise in Cambridge offer a unique twist on traditional family photos. Set against the backdrop of a lush indoor tropical garden, families pose with colorful, free-flying butterflies. The warm, humid environment provides a stark contrast to the winter chill outside. Visitors can learn about butterfly conservation efforts and the importance of preserving tropical ecosystems during their visit.
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Candyland in Central Park (Cambridge)
What to Expect:
Life-sized board game experience
Description:
Candyland in Central Park transforms Cambridge's green space into a life-sized version of the beloved board game. Visitors become game pieces, moving through a colorful landscape of oversized candy canes and gumdrops. The installation incorporates local landmarks into the game design, offering a playful tour of Cambridge's history. You can participate in candy-making workshops to learn about the science behind confectionery.
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Santa’s Village (Kitchener)
What to Expect:
Interactive North Pole experience
Description:
Santa's Village in Kitchener recreates the North Pole workshop experience. Elves guide visitors through various stations where they can help with toy-making, reindeer care, and present wrapping. The village incorporates cutting-edge technology to create immersive experiences, reflecting Kitchener's reputation as a tech hub. You can write a letter to Santa using vintage typewriters, connecting modern children with communication methods of the past.