UPDATED NOVEMBER 2023
The holidays are set to shine in Waterloo Region with these special light displays and events. It’s a perfect opportunity to bundle up, head outdoors, and get into the spirit of the season.
Light up your holiday nights with a visit to any (or all!) of these local displays.
Sparkles in St. Jacobs
The Village of St. Jacobs lights up for the holidays with Sparkles – its annual holiday shopping event that features thousands of twinkling lights and displays throughout the village. Sparkles also features live music – including Victorian carollers – the Fire Fighter Burn Barrels, and appearances from Santa! Sparkles kicks off the holiday season in the Village of St. Jacobs, and happens over 2 weekends in November (although the lights and displays remain throughout the holidays).
GIFT OF LIGHTS
Gift of Lights is a family-friendly drive-thru holiday light display with two tunnels and over 300 animated and static light displays!
Enjoy this holiday spectacle from the comfort of your own vehicle and tune into Gift of Lights Radio 103.3FM and sing along to the festive tunes! Gift of Lights opens Nov. 17, 2023 and continues thru January 6, 2024.
JINGLE BELL ROCK
Jingle Bell Rock is an interactive and immersive display that you can wander through from Nov. 17 to Jan. 6! It includes a 40 foot dancing tree illumination, spectacular walk-through light tunnels and amazing instagrammable light displays. There’s also Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen where the kids can decorate their own cookie, and open fire pits complete with s’mores!
WONDERS OF WINTER
Enjoy the sparkle of the lights and the excitement of the holiday season at Wonders of Winter in Waterloo Park November 25, 2023 to January 1, 2024. Stroll through over 100 colourful, fun displays designed with over 100,000 light bulbs!
There’s no cost to take in the light displays at this volunteer-run festival; however, donations are gratefully accepted.
OLD POST OFFICE LIGHT SHOW
Visual effects transform the Old Post Office in Cambridge every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night! Watch the 20 minute show from your vehicle, or while standing outside.
The special Holiday themed light show runs from November 12th, 2023 until Jan. 4, 2024.
WINTER ICE AND LIGHTS
Central Park in Cambridge will be illuminated with interactive light displays from Dec 1, 2023 to Jan 1, 2024. Take a walk through the interactive light displays in Central Park and make sure to capture that magical photo moment to share on social!
Winter Ice and Lights is part of Cambridge Winterfest – a series of seasonal community events.
15TH ANNUAL CHANUKAH IN THE SQUARE
The giant menorah returns to Uptown Waterloo to celebrate Chanukah, which begins this year on December 7th. This annual celebration with features latkes, sufganiyot, menorahs, candles, dreidels, dignitaries, and fireworks. Follow Chabad Waterloo on instagram for all the details.