Enjoy colourful lights & bring your cameras – there’s lots of holiday things to do in Waterloo Region! You can check these Christmas activities off your wish list.
A Gift of Lights at Bingemans
via Night of Lights
Gift of Lights is a family-friendly 2.5km drive-thru holiday light display with two tunnels and over 300 animated and static light displays! Leaping reindeer, skiing penguins, festive vignettes – a holiday must-see.
Everything is enjoyed from the comfort of your own vehicle – making it a perfect holiday adventure for the entire family, even on the coldest night!
Make your tour through the lights even more special by tuning into Gift of Lights Radio at 100.1 FM to listen to your favourite Christmas songs as you drive! This unique holiday experience is fun for all ages.
When: November 13, 2021 – January 9, 2022
Price: Early bird tickets: $20+HST & service charge
Christmas at Castle Kilbride
via Riverstone Photography
“What is your favourite recipe for Christmas? Here at Castle Kilbride we like to take a whole lot of old and a little bit of new and mix it together for the perfect holiday setting. This is the best time of year to visit the 1877 home and marvel at the lavish décor adorned in festive attire.”
The holidays are a special time to visit as the castle is decked out in its festive finest for Christmas at the Castle! From the main hallway and the formal dining room, to the floor to ceiling Christmas tree in the parlour – every room showcases traditional Scottish, German and Victorian holiday décor.
When: November 17, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Price: General Admission $10.57+HST | Children $6.32+HST
Old Fashion Christmas at Snyder’s Farm
Snyder’s Family Farm
Pick out pre-cut Christmas trees, Enjoy the Farm Christmas Bakery, Shop at the Gift Barn, and Visit with Santa in the North Pole.
If you’d like to add to your experience, you can book a physically distant socially connected Campfire pod for 1 hour. Complete with s’mores and QR code ordering off their menu when on site. Handcrafted pizza, nachos, hot dogs kits, bakery sweets, and drinks.
When: November 20, 2021 – December 19, 2021. Saturdays & Sundays.
Price: General Admission: FREE | Campfire $12.99+HST
Santa’s Magical Adventure
Waterloo Central Railway
“The Waterloo Central Railway is truly proud to present: Santa’s Magical Adventure.
Our COVID-safe trains will meet your family at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market Station on Farmers Market Drive adjacent to the Farmers Market and whisk you off to the North Pole. As we speed north, you and your family will enjoy contests, music and a narrated presentation by our talented group of professional actors.
When we get to the North Pole, we will pick up Santa so that he may spend some wonderful time with all of the families on the train. Join Santa and his Chief Elf as they step out of their busy workshop to take a very special train ride aboard the Waterloo Central Railway.”
What to Bring – Don’t forget:
- Wear your Christmas attire
- Bring your letters to Santa!
- Proof of vaccination
- Approved face coverings (details in Health & Safety)
When: November 13, 2021 – December 19, 2021. Saturdays & Sundays. 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, & 2:30 PM
Price: First Class: $59.99+HST | Coach: $36.99-$42.99+HST
Christkindl Market
Since medieval times, the Christmas season has been brought to life in towns and cities across Germany with outdoor markets. They feature handmade ornaments, delectable food and traditional song and dance performances. This tradition was brought to Waterloo Region in 1997. With Kitchener City Hall closed due to construction and public health restrictions, the 2021 Christkindl Market offers many options: online, outdoors and self guided tours.
In 2021, Christkindl Market is online and outdoors! This multiple award-winning festival attracts over 40,000 visitors from across North America and even more online. Vendors offer specialty foods of the season, Gluhwein and Christmas décor to giftware, clothing, and so much more.
Christkindl Market in Kitchener ONLINE:
25-Day ADVENT CALENDAR (December 1st start opening a new door each day). Online MARKETPLACE of shops and Artisans, and CHRISTKINDL IN-A-BOX.
Christkindl Market in Kitchener OUTDOORS:
The magic of the festivities will come alive with over 22 wooden huts on GAUKEL St. (between Charles & Joseph St.), on King Street, at Bobby O’Brien’s (includes Christmas tree sales and outdoor food & Glühwein), and CONCORDIA Club (12 indoor vendors, fritters and free parking).
Evenings on the video wall, relive the traditional Christkindl opening festivities including The Grand Philharmonic Choir singing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. The video wall will also feature bands, choirs and dance groups from the past 25 years.
When: December 2nd 2021 – End of Holidays
Price: Free Admission
A Festive Night with FRIENDS at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
Waterloo Region Museum
Twinkle all the way with us in Doon Heritage Village. Enjoy the sights of a Christmas past as you wander through the village in its finest lantern lit beauty. Stroll down the paths and peek through the windows of decorated shops and homes to experience the unique ambiance of a 1914 celebration. Enjoy sweet treats as you sip hot apple cider while under the twinkling stars. This evening walk will surely get you and your family in the holiday spirit. Don’t forget your camera, as we will have a special guest visiting for a great Christmas selfie.
Ticket holders will receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes virtual tour showcasing the historic buildings in the village, and the traditions and stories inside.
In addition, a Family Gift Basket will be given away each evening to a lucky winner! Each ticket holder’s name will be placed in a draw to win this basket. The lucky winner will pick up their basket at the event.
This fundraising Event is presented by the FRIENDS of the Waterloo Region Museum in lieu of their annual Starry Night Event. As we work toward a full re-opening, we are continuing with a cautious and gradual approach that prioritizes the safety of our visitors. Wagon rides and carol singing in the Church will be postponed until another year. This event will take place primarily outdoors, and access to the museum building and village buildings will be limited. Seasonal / outdoor clothing is recommended as this event takes place primarily outdoors.
When: December 17 & 18, 2021. 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Price: $15+HST
Tags: Christmas Activities in Kitchener, Christmas Activities in Waterloo, Waterloo Christmas Lights, Kitchener Christmas Lights, Holiday Events in Waterloo, Holiday Events in Kitchener
