Last updated: November 11, 2024
See the key highlights of the festive season in Waterloo. Our guide has all the essential holiday events. For Waterloo aficionados and curious cats, our guide is your ticket to festive adventures.
One of the beloved events this season is the St. Jacobs Sparkles, where visitors can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with lights and local crafts. Plus, the First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons invites guests to step back in time and experience the holiday traditions of the 17th century. And the River Lights Winter Festival is something you definitely don’t want to miss, showcasing enchanting light displays along the scenic waterfront. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Community-driven light displays and festive activities.
Cambridge's Winterfest is a month-long celebration featuring a variety of events for all ages, including light displays, volunteer opportunities, and community engagement.
Where: Cambridge | More Info: River Lights Winter Festival
Features a large-scale light display with live seasonal entertainment.
A stunning display of illuminated festive scenes set against the wintry backdrop of Kitchener. Visitors can stroll through winding paths lined with captivating light arrangements, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for families and friends. Along with the light displays, the event features lively entertainment, including performances and seasonal music that adds to the spirit of the season.
Where: Kitchener | More Info: Gift of Lights & Jingle Bell Rock
Holiday shopping with extended hours and festive entertainment.
St. Jacobs Sparkles is an annual holiday shopping event featuring thousands of twinkling lights, unique shops, and festive entertainment. Enjoy extended hours at local stores, meet Santa, and experience live music and carollers throughout the village.
Where: St. Jacobs | More Info: St. Jacobs Sparkles
Traditional European market with unique gifts and live music.
Christkindl Market is an annual holiday market in downtown Kitchener, featuring traditional European sights, sounds, and smells. Enjoy unique gift ideas, delicious food, live music, and activities for kids.
Where: Kitchener | More Info: Christkindl Market
Themed train cars with festive entertainment.
Join Waterloo Central Railway for holiday train rides through the wintery Waterloo countryside, featuring festive carols, a seated visual scavenger hunt, and visits from Santa. Enjoy different themed cars and Christmas song lyrics.
Where: St. Jacobs | More Info: Holiday Train Rides with Waterloo Central Railway
Adults-only holiday train ride with festive entertainment.
Join Santa for a unique holiday experience aboard the Waterloo Central Railway's Santa's Nightcap, a 19+ train ride featuring one alcoholic beverage and a snack from Santa, plus a take-home treat. Enjoy festive carols and a visit from Santa as you travel through the wintery Waterloo countryside.
Where: St. Jacobs | More Info: Santa’s Christmas Caboose
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
The Nutcrackers of Castle Kilbride is a captivating holiday performance featuring a classic ballet with elaborate sets and costumes, set in the historic Castle Kilbride.
Where: Baden | More Info: The Nutcrackers of Castle Kilbride
Costumed guide tour with festive treats.
Enjoy a yuletide tour of the 1877 mansion with a costumed guide, followed by treats like cranberry-white chocolate scone and shortbread cookie paired with gingerbread house fruit tea.
Where: Baden | More Info: Sugarplum Tea and Tour
Acclaimed vocalists performing holiday music with emotional depth.
The Tenors bring their unique blend of classical and contemporary music to the stage in their "Christmas With The Tenors Tour," featuring timeless holiday classics and original compositions.
Where: Kitchener | More Info: The Tenors Christmas With The Tenors Tour
Live classical music in a candlelit setting.
Candlelight Concerts feature live classical music performances in a candlelit setting, offering a unique experience with a wide variety of themes and genres.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Candlelight Concerts
Intimate holiday concert with live music and entertainment.
Tom Nagy Christmas Experience is a highly anticipated holiday event featuring live music and entertainment at The Jazz Room in Waterloo. The show promises an intimate and memorable evening with Tom Nagy and his band, offering a unique blend of music and atmosphere.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Tom Nagy Christmas Experience
Holiday celebration in a historic mansion with themed decorations and costumes.
Celebrate the holiday season at Castle Kilbride, where the halls and rooms are beautifully decorated with trees, ribbon, and garland. The elegant rooms sparkle, and costumes from the Fabled exhibit add to the festivities.
Where: Baden | More Info: Christmas at the Castle
Heritage train ride with festive entertainment.
Join Santa on a heritage train ride through the wintery Waterloo countryside, enjoying festive carols and a seated visual scavenger hunt while visiting Santa.
Where: St. Jacobs | More Info: Santa’s Countryside Ride
Miniature village with intricate details inspired by Dickens novels.
Herner’s Victorian Village is a miniature village inspired by Dickens novels, featuring tiny homes, shops, and British landmarks in intricate detail.
Where: Baden | More Info: Herner’s Victorian Village
Holiday celebration in a historic mansion with Victorian-era decorations and themed costumes.
Celebrate the holiday season at Castle Kilbride with beautifully decorated rooms, elegant trees, and costumes from the Fabled exhibit. Enjoy a self-guided tour with costumed staff and local entertainment.
Where: Baden | More Info: A Merry Victorian Christmas
Stress-free Santa visit tailored to children's sensory needs.
Sensory-Friendly Santa is an event designed to meet the social, emotional, and sensory needs of children, providing a stress-free experience for those who may find traditional Santa visits overwhelming.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Sensory-Friendly Santa
High-stakes bingo with exclusive toys and gifts.
Join the Caledonia Agricultural Society and Mary Poppins Cooperative Preschool for a wildly fun fundraiser featuring 10 games of bingo with prizes including an Xbox Series X, Kids Ride-On Vehicle, Bouncy Castle, and Barbie Dream House. Each ticket includes three cards, and extra cards can be purchased for additional chances to win. Raffle tickets are also available for more amazing gifts like a Nintendo Switch and Apple iPad. Specialty beverages are available at the bar all evening long.
Where: Caledonia | More Info: Christmas Toy Bingo
