by Alex Kinsella | December 2024
Winter is almost here, but don’t worry about those cold days and nights because there is a sleigh-load full of events to help you celebrate the holiday season in Waterloo Region. From exploring beautiful light displays to music and merry holiday markets and festivals, we’ve got a list (and we’ve checked it twice!) to keep you busy all month long.
Read on for our list of things to do this December – and check out our Holiday Road Trip video full of planning inspiration for your December visit to Waterloo Region!
Cambridge Winter Ice and Lights | December 1-30
Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with a self-guided stroll through the stunning light displays in Central Park, Cambridge. From now to January 1, enjoy installations lit nightly from 5 to 11 PM. You can see many from your car, but they’re best enjoyed up close and personal!
Gift of Lights | December 1 to January 4, 2025
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 while tuning into Gift of Lights Radio at 103.3 FM. A portion of sales from every car admission goes to the Grand River Hospital Foundation.
Pro Tip: There are also special Walk Only nights so you can see all of the installations up close, and wander through the displays at your own pace!
Merry & Bright | December 1–29
The Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs brings you Christmas cheer all month with Merry & Bright, a delightful new theatrical event from Drayton Entertainment. Audiences can gather with family and friends to enjoy their favourite holiday music, inspiring songs, and Broadway anthems, all with heartwarming stories and light-hearted humour.
KWLT Presents Romeo and Juliet: a cyberpunk story | December 1, 6, 7, and 8
Get ready to experience the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet as you’ve never seen it before! Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre invites you to step into a dystopian future where Shakespeare’s classic tragedy collides with a cyberpunk universe.
Kitchener Rangers vs. the Brantford Bulldogs – Teddy Bear Toss Night | December 3
Cheer on the Kitchener Rangers as they face off against the Brantford Bulldogs in an exciting OHL matchup! Be part of the 29th annual Teddy Bear Toss—bring a new teddy bear to the game and toss it onto the ice after the Rangers score their first goal, with all donations going to local charities for the holidays. Get your tickets online or at The Aud Box Office and join this heartwarming tradition!
Heart of the Holidays | December 5
Get country for Christmas as Boots and Hearts presents Heart of the Holidays at the Kitchener Auditorium. Celebrate the season with country favourites, including James Barker Band, Tyler Joe Miller, Shawn Austin, and The Western Swing Authority.
Christkindl Market | December 5—8
The annual Christkindl Market returns to downtown Kitchener for four days of shopping, food, and more. The European-inspired market features over 100 vendors and live entertainment for everyone in your family to enjoy. The market also has a licensed area running along King Street for drinks to warm you up while you shop!
Sounds of Christmas | December 5, 6, and 7
The 10th Annual Sounds of Christmas returns this holiday season, offering a joyful musical celebration in a variety of Christmas styles—from traditional favourites to country and gospel. You’ll enjoy harmony singing, lively instrumentals, and a mix of dance performances. Proceeds from the event support KidsAbility.
Music and Mistletoe | December 6 and 8
The KW Singers present their annual holiday concert—Music and Mistletoe. The choir has been performing for over 75 years, and this year’s concerts are your chance to experience this unique vocal group.
Christmas in the Cabin | December 6, 13, 19, and 20
The City of Waterloo Museum invites you to celebrate the holiday season with a nostalgic twist at Christmas in the Cabin in Waterloo Park. The past comes to life inside the cozy Log Cabin in Waterloo Park with a festive, family-friendly experience, including historic toys and games and traditional decorations.
KrampusKINDL 2024 | December 6, 7, and 8
Sometimes getting coal in your stocking is a good thing! The Art of My Pet Skeleton presents KrampusKINDL 2024 at 44 Gaukel in Downtown Kitchener. It’s an evening of strange beauty, dark delights, and unique gifts from amazing artists.
{dis}ABILITY Unleashed | December 7
Pat the Dog Theatre Creation and Pinch Cabaret are celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with {dis}ABILITY Unleashed. Presented at The Studio Theatre at Centre in the Square, the evening honours the diverse contributions of disabled individuals across disciplines in our community and features singer and songwriter CJ Janzen, comedian Ken Roche, dancer Siyobin Blanco, musicians Connor Wilde and Alex Keefe, and poet Emily Akerman.
Cosmic Winter Wonderland | December 7
Explore the wonders of the universe and embrace the magic of winter at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum! Enjoy captivating star shows from the Royal City Science Planetarium team, plus they have outdoor activities like snowshoeing (weather permitting), ice sculpture crafting, and winter family games. Warm up indoors with hot chocolate and enjoy access to the planetarium, museum, and all activities with your timed show ticket.
Holiday Magic at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market | December 7 and 14
Experience the magic of the season with two unforgettable events at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market! Join Santa Claus for an enchanting storytime, a creative cookie-decorating workshop, and the chance to capture the perfect photo with the man in red. Then, on December 7 and 14, help spread holiday cheer as The Grinch collects non-perishable food and toy donations for local charities—proving that Christmas is truly about giving from the heart.
Winter Artisan Market | December 7, 14, and 21
Celebrate the holiday season at the Winter Artisan Market at the Kitchener Market. Discover a curated collection of unique handmade goods from talented artisans, enjoy delicious local food and drinks, and take part in festive workshops like crafting and cooking classes. With live music, free games, a cozy piazza to sip hot beverages, and special visits from Santa on December 14 and 21, this family-friendly market has something for everyone!
Christmas in Space! A Holiday Cirque Spectacular | December 11
For the first time ever, Christmas in Space! is landing at Centre In The Square, bringing an extraordinary holiday experience like no other! This dazzling show features gravity-defying Trampwall Masters, mind-blowing contortionists, and the award-winning artistry of Lady Light Laser Girl. From zany comedians to illuminated Photon Krew dancers, the stellar lineup of talent delivers breathtaking stunts, laughter, and holiday magic. Don’t miss this unforgettable debut that’s sure to leave you in awe—get your tickets now!
The Debaters LIVE! | December 12
Get ready for a night of wit, humour, and lively debate as the hit CBC radio show The Debaters comes to Centre in the Square! Hosted by the hilarious Steve Patterson, a two-time Canada’s Best Male Stand-Up winner, this unique mix of stand-up, quiz show, and comedy competition pits comics against each other in laugh-out-loud debates. With five fresh debates and the live audience deciding the winners, it’s a must-see event that will also be taped for radio!
Ghosts of Christmas Past | December 13
Step into the shadows this holiday season with The Ghosts of Christmas Past, a candlelit tour exploring the darker side of the year’s longest night. Encounter eerie figures from Christmas lore, enjoy themed refreshments, and delve into the supernatural with tarot readings by astrologist Diana and a mini paranormal investigation led by celebrity investigator Hauntingly Krista. Perfect for thrill-seekers aged 16 and up, this unforgettable 60-minute experience promises chills, intrigue, and a hauntingly good time—if you dare!
St Jacobs Market Food Tour | December 12 and 19
Experience the flavours of the famous St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market on this guided food tour that explores Mennonite cuisine, market history, and the stories of the passionate vendors who bring it to life. Savour sweet, sour, salty, savoury, and spicy samples while learning about the traditions and expertise behind the region’s culinary treasures.
Emmanuel Concerts presents Julian Taylor | December 14
Toronto-based, award-winning independent singer-songwriter Julian Taylor is coming to Waterloo on December 14 at Emmanuel United Church. Taylor is known as one of Canada’s great troubadours, with three JUNO nominations, two Canadian Folk Music Awards, five Native American Music Award nominations, and a nomination for the Polaris Music Prize.
Christmas in the Gaslight District | December 7 & 14
The Gaslight District is pulling out all the stops for Christmas this year. Shop for some last-minute Christmas gifts from their awesome selection of vendors while enjoying holiday vibes and the Waterloo County Carollers. That’s not all! The Grinch will be making an appearance as the Gaslight District screens with all three versions of How The Grinch Stole Christmas starting at 11:30 am – starting with the 1966 animated film.
Pro Tip: While you’re at the Gaslight District, check out the Mistletoe Trail (look for the mistletoe hanging in the doorway of Tapestry Hall) and take a photo with your special someone!
KW Titans Basketball | December 14, 22, 27, and 29
Your Kitchener-Waterloo Titans welcome four of their Basketball Super League opponents to the Aud in December. On December 22, the Jamestown Jackals are not the only visitors. Santa will be making a special appearance at the game (we’re pretty sure Santa can dunk, too!)
Deck the Mall: Gingerbread Cottage Experience | December 16–20
During Deck the Mall, Conestoga Mall transforms into a whimsical gingerbread-themed camper. Bring your family to enjoy hot cocoa and decorate gingerbread cookies. The Gingerbread man himself might even make an appearance! Space is limited, so register today!
Rusty Nail Comedy at Den 1880 | December 20
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter as Rusty Nail Comedy returns to Den 1880 in uptown Waterloo with a powerhouse lineup of Canadian comics! Headliner Jean Paul brings his signature blend of Caribbean charm and Toronto wit, honed on stages around the globe and festivals like Just For Laughs and Halifax Comedy Fest. Sharing the spotlight is Jason Allen, whose sharp, rapid-fire humour has captivated audiences across North America.
Festive Feast on the Rails | December 23
All aboard for a holiday feast while riding on Waterloo Central Railway’s festively decorated heritage train! The journey takes you through a picturesque winter landscape paired with a three-course Christmas meal prepared by ChefD.
Noon Year 2025 | December 31
Kick off 2025 with a family-friendly celebration at THEMUSEUM’s Noon Year’s Eve Party! Enjoy a fun-filled morning of activities, including crafting New Year’s Wishing Wands, a dazzling Magic Show, and live music leading up to the big moment. At noon, count down to a festive balloon drop, “champagne” toast, and dance party to ring in the Noon Year in style
Cambridge Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Party | December 31
Ring in the New Year with an evening of free, family-friendly fun in Cambridge! Enjoy ice skating, a Turbo Max inflatable obstacle course, live entertainment from Team T & J, games, and more. With activities for all ages and a concession stand offering snacks, it’s the perfect way to welcome 2025 together!
New Year’s Eve in Waterloo | December 31
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Waterloo Public Square with a festive, family-friendly evening! Enjoy outdoor ice skating, fun activities, warm drinks, and dance the night away to tunes from a local DJ. This free event welcomes revellers of all ages to ring in the New Year in style!
The Big Ripper | December 31
Laugh your way into the New Year at The Big Ripper at The Registry Theatre. The lineup features Tyler Morrison, Tom O’Donnell, and Adam Hofstetter! Known from Crave TV, Sirius XM, and Roast Battles Canada, these boundary-pushing comics are ready to deliver a night of side-splitting humour you won’t forget.
New Year’s Eve in Kitchener | December 31
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with family, friends, and neighbours at Night of Legends, Kitchener’s ultimate year-end party! Enjoy a dazzling evening of music with tributes to Pink, Madonna, Taylor Swift, Mick Jagger, and Blondie, followed by a family countdown. Then, ring in 2025 with Canada’s top ABBA tribute band, AbbaMania!, as you skate under the stars, sip free hot chocolate and count down to midnight in legendary style.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop LIVE at the Gaslight District | December 31
Countdown to 2025 with hundreds of old and new friends at the Gaslight District. They’ll be streaming the countdown from Times Square and New York City ball drop on Waterloo Region’s largest outdoor screen.