The holiday season is almost upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by attending some of the most exciting events of the year? From festive markets to dazzling light displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We’re sharing all the details on the best holiday events happening in Waterloo Region (and surrounding area). So grab a cup of hot cocoa, put on your favorite holiday sweater, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories!
🔔Holiday Parades
- November 18 | KW Santa Claus Parade | Bring your letters to Santa for Canada Post to deliver, donate to the Food Bank of Waterloo, and help local Firefighters collecting for the Nights of Columbus Toy Drive.
- November 18 | Cambridge Santa Claus Parade | Starting at 6:00pm, the parade will most onto Hespeler Road from Dunbar Road and will turn off Hespeler Road at Langs Drive.
- November 25 | Elora Santa Claus Parade | Annual parade of lights.
- December 2 | Elmira Santa Claus Parade | Downtown Elmira
🎁Festive Markets
- November 4 | A Very Merry Market | Craft show and market at RIM park.
- November 11-12 | Etsy Holiday Market | Shop from the very best on Etsy from Waterloo Region and surrounding areas.
- November 12 | It’s A Christmas Market | 3rd Annual market. From food to fashion.
- November 16-19 & 23-26 | St. Jacob’s Sparkles | Holiday shopping event amid thousands of twinkling lights in the village.
- November 18 | Holiday Book fair & Market | Over 35 authors, publishers and local artists will take over two floors of theMUSEUM.
- November 25 | Belmont Village Holiday Market | Find a wide array of holiday treasures, artisanal gifts and delectable treats. Plus Candlelight Yoga class.
- November 25 | Wonderfully Made Holiday Handmade Market |A handmade local shopping experience. Shop local and purchase with a purpose.
- November 25 | Heather & Holly Chistmas Market | Shop local and handmade favourites at St.
- December 1-2 | Uptown Waterloo Winter Wonderland | Christmas Tree Lighting in the Square, Holiday Pop-Up Markets, live music, skating, Santa visit and more.
- December 7-10 | Christkindl Market | The Christmas season is brought to life annually in towns and cities across Germany and other European cities during their outdoor holiday markets.
- December 9-10 | Cambridge Christmas Market | Award-winning Christmas market. Almost 60 local artisans, crafters and makers.
🎄Light Displays
- November 16-19 & 23-26 | St. Jacob’s Sparkles | Holiday shopping event amid thousands of twinkling lights in the village.
- November 25 – January 1 | Wonders of Winter | Over 120 colourful and fund displays in Waterloo Park.
- November 25 | Elora Santa Claus Parade | Annual parade of lights.
- TBD | Christmas Fantasy | A festive display of lights in Victoria Park.
- December 1 | Uptown Waterloo Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting Wonderland | Christmas Tree Lighting in the Square, Holiday Pop-Up Markets, live music, skating, Santa visit and more.
- December 7 | Chanukah in the Square | Kick off the Chanukah holiday as the giant menorah is lit.
🕎The More the Merrier🎵
- November 18 | Santa Pur-suit | Starts at 9:15, right before the KW Santa Claus Parade
- November 23-December 31 | Cambridge Winterfest | A month long festival that features many great events the community has come to know and love.
- November 24, 25, 30 & December 1, 2 | The Sounds of Christmas | A multi-performer musical journey through the many styles of Christmas music in support of Kidsability.
- December 22 | Stars on Ice: A Special Holiday Performance | Elvis Stojko is hosting a holiday celebration with a guest lists that includes the best and most popular figure skaters in the world.
