by Alex Kinsella | November 2025
December is here, and Waterloo Region is ready to sparkle. From festive markets and holiday concerts to big-ticket arena shows and community celebrations, there’s no shortage of ways to make the season bright. Whether you’re knocking out your gift list, planning a night out with friends, or looking for family-friendly fun, this month’s lineup is packed with music, magic, and memorable moments across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and the townships.
Here’s what’s happening across the Region this December.
December Events
One Love One World Canadians for Jamaica | December 4
Come together for a night of local music and support a powerful cause at the One Love One World benefit concert. Featuring an exciting lineup of regional artists, including Elm Street, Holy Asylum, The Bulletproof Brothers Band, Bartek M and The X-Pats, and headliner Killer Chaos, this event raises funds for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica.
Shawn Desman Live at Centre in the Square | December 4
Catch one of Canada’s most iconic pop and R&B artists as Shawn Desman takes the stage at Centre in the Square! With a Platinum-selling album, five Platinum singles, and awards from the JUNOs and MMVAs, Desman helped shape a generation of music. Following his major comeback and the release of Top 10 hits like “Maniac” and “Body” featuring Jamie Fine, he returns with a show that proves his staying power is as strong as ever.
Christkindl Market | December 4–7
Wilkommen to the Christkindl Market, Kitchener’s beloved annual holiday tradition! Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a classic European market right in downtown Kitchener. Shop from over 90 artisan vendors, enjoy tasty treats at the outdoor food market, and soak up the warm Christmas ambience with live entertainment and outdoor skating. With a licensed area on King Street, ice sculptures, and the fun KidsKindl zone for families, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season. Admission is free!
Castle by Candlelight Evening Tour | December 4 and 11
Warm yourself in the glow of Castle Kilbride and imagine yourself as a guest of the Livingston family Christmas in 1895. This self-guided tour features costumed staff throughout the rooms and live entertainment by Local Vocals, followed by shortbread and warm apple cider.
Phil Klein’s Unsilent Night | December 5
This modern twist on caroling is held in more than 26 cities around the world, and Cambridge is proud to have the largest attendance of all host cities. All ages will enjoy walking through downtown Cambridge to take in the interactive light installations and live LED performers who will be along the route. The music of Phil Kline will be played through speaker stations on the route.
Cambridge Holiday Market | December 5–7
The award-winning Cambridge Holiday Market returns to City Hall for three days of festive shopping! This local favourite features almost 60 local artisans, crafters, and makers filling three floors with unique gifts and seasonal finds. Take a break from browsing to enjoy free live entertainment, warm up at the fire pit lounge, or grab a bite from the food trucks.
Papa Roach – Rise of the Roach Tour | December 6
Get ready to rock out as Papa Roach brings their Rise of the Roach Tour to The Aud! This marks the band’s first-ever performance in Kitchener, featuring their biggest Canadian production to date alongside over 25 years of genre-defining hits. With support from post-hardcore icons The Used and breakout rock sensation Sleep Theory, this powerful lineup promises a high-energy night of anthems, crowd sing-alongs, and nonstop adrenaline starting at 7:00 PM.
Holiday Indigenous Art Market | December 7 & 14
Come out and support the best local Indigenous creatives this holiday season. The market will also be offering a giveaway to 3 special guests, both days! You could win prints, jewelry, stickers, and more.
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live-to-Film | December 11 & 12
Centre In The Square and Glatz Concerts present a magical holiday experience with Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert. Watch the complete film as the musical score is performed live! Join Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Michael Caine as the stingy Ebenezer Scrooge, and Gonzo as Charles Dickens in this beloved retelling of the classic holiday tale. It’s a heartwarming evening of music and laughter.
Murder, Mystery, Dinner & Mayhem at EVO! | December 13
A night of intrigue awaits at EVO Kitchen & Bar! Secrets, suspects, and a shocking crime unfold right in the room with you during this live, three-act murder mystery. Enjoy a full three-course dinner while you follow clues, grill suspects, and try to crack the case before the final reveal.
Ghosts of Christmas Past | December 13
The holidays aren’t all merry and bright! Head to the Schneider Haus National Historic Site for the Ghosts of Christmas Past and explore dark and ominous figures from holiday’s past on a candlelit tour of the historic Schneider Haus. This event is suitable for those 16 and up. See you there, if you dare!
Big Screen Christmas: Elf | December 14
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the magic of Christmas in the heart of the District with a free outdoor screening of the movie Elf. Don’t miss out on a perfect pairing with Brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus happening nearby at Foundry Tavern from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, promising great food, family fun, and a little Christmas magic.
Chanuka Menorah Lightings | December 14, 15, and 21
The Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life is celebrating Chanukah with menorah lightings across Waterloo Region. Join them on December 14 at Waterloo Town Square, December 15 at Cambridge City Hall, and December 22 at Kitchener City Hall. These inclusive events invite people of all backgrounds to enjoy holiday songs, traditional treats, and a message of hope and light.
Green Light Arts & Friends – A Holiday Cabaret | December 15
Join Green Light Arts & Friends for a joyful, cabaret-style evening of music, laughter, and storytelling! This casual celebration brings together local and guest artists for a festive night. Enjoy a sweet treats table, hot chocolate station, holiday selfie station, and a cash bar with festive cocktails. Proceeds support the upcoming North American premiere of The Neighbours by Nicolas Billon as well as a local community cause. Tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for children plus HST (ages 12+ recommended).
Team Canada vs. Team Sweden | December 17
See Team Canada before the 2026 World Juniors! The Kitchener Rangers are hosting a pre-tournament matchup between Team Canada and Team Sweden at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Watch world-class junior hockey talent and future stars compete live in this special exhibition game ahead of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM at the Aud.
Last Minute Market | December 18
We get it. The holidays are busy. But don’t fret, the team at TWB Co-operative Brewing has you covered with the Last Minute Market. Shop from vendors like Hushpuppy Designs, Island Son Canada, and more while enjoying a pint in their cozy brewery.
Kitchener Rangers Holiday Game and Food Drive | December 19
Get into the festive spirit with the Kitchener Rangers as they take on the Owen Sound Attack! The Aud will be decked out in holiday cheer for the Holiday Game and Food Drive presented by Make Space. In the spirit of giving, fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or monetary donations to support the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Enjoy festive decorations and a warm atmosphere while cheering on the Rangers when the puck drops at 7:00 PM.
21ST Annual Holiday Show with Rob Szabo and Steve Strongman | December 19
The holiday season in Waterloo Region is known for delicious food, sparkling lights, and great live music. Local heroes Rob Szabo and Steve Strongman are back with their 21st Annual Holiday Show at Room 47 in Uptown Waterloo.
KW Symphony Presents: Holiday Pops | December 19 and 20
Fresh off its return show at Centre in the Square, the KW Symphony continues the musical magic with the Grand Philharmonic Choir at St. Matthews Centre in Kitchener. Enjoy this festive concert of classic carols and symphonic holiday favourites!
Choir! Choir! Choir! Unsilent Night: An Epic Holiday Singalong | December 19
Why see a show when you can BE the show? Choir! Choir! Choir! brings their warmest and fuzziest night ever with Un-Silent Night: An EPIC Holiday Sing-Along at Centre in the Square. Dust off that ugly sweater and join hundreds of music-lovers for a fully interactive evening where you become the performer. They teach, you sing, and everyone wins as you belt out holiday classics and seasonal pop gems in a celebration of togetherness. All voices are welcome. No experience necessary!
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JJ Wilde – Home for the Holidays 2025 | December 20
Missed hometown legend JJ Wilde at Goat Fest or the CPKC Holiday train? Maxwell’s Concers & Events has you covered with JJ Wilde’s Home for the Holidays 2025. Known for her soulful grit and powerful performances, JJ Wilde delivers passion, authenticity, and pure rock-and-roll spirit!
Big Screen Christmas: The Grinch (2019) | December 21
Join the festive fun at the Gaslight District as they bring the heartwarming holiday favourite The Grinch (2019) to the big outdoor screen. This event is free, so bring your blankets and lawn chairs, bundle up, and enjoy the magic of Christmas outdoors!
KW Titans Basketball | December 27 and 30
Your KW Titans return to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium with a brand new attitude and the fit to match. The Titans unveiled their new brand in November and are ready to take on the Windsor Express on December 27 and the Lake Erie Jackals on December 30!
Cambridge New Year’s Eve Party | December 31
Come ring in the New Year with the City of Cambridge at a new location this year: the recently renovated Preston Memorial Auditorium! From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, enjoy an evening packed with free activities for all ages. The festivities include public ice skating on two pads—featuring a light-up DJ rink and a family rink—along with an inflatable obstacle course, crafts, games, and live entertainment from Comedy in Motion with Bob Cates. Skate and helmet rentals are available, and the concession stand will be open for snacks and drinks.
The Roast of 2025 New Year’s Eve Comedy Show | December 31
Back by popular demand after selling out last year, this New Year’s Eve comedy show is ready to torch 2025 on its way out the door! Join the fun at the historic Registry Theatre in Downtown Kitchener for a night of sharp wit and unfiltered fun as Canada’s own roastmaster Tyler Morrison headlines a no-holds-barred Roast of 2025. Enjoy a curated selection of drinks served by Grand Trunk Saloon while you bid farewell to the year. Doors open at 7:00 PM with the show starting at 8:00 PM. This is a 19+ event, and tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door.
Glass Tiger New Year’s Eve 2025! | December 31
Ring in the New Year with Canadian rock icons Glass Tiger at Maxwell’s Concerts & Events! This Grammy-nominated and 5-time Juno Award-winning band has sold over 5 million albums worldwide. Known for their record-breaking debut The Thin Red Line, they continue to captivate audiences with the raw and mature sound of their recent release, 33. Doors open at 9:00 PM for this 19+ licensed event.
**To find more events happening in Waterloo Region, check out the Explore Waterloo Region Events Calendar!**