Category: Local Events

2023 Holiday Markets & Events in Waterloo Region

Post author By cindycody
Post date October 26, 2023

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.

Tags holidays

Community Local Events

How To Stay Busy During March Break in Kitchener-Waterloo

Post author By cindycody
Post date February 14, 2023

With March Break coming up, there’s no better time to start planning some activities to keep your family busy. There are many fun March Break camps in KW, plus lots of fun day activities you can find. Or, if you’d prefer to stay at home, we’ve got you covered as well.

March Break Camps in Kitchener-Waterloo

Click a camp on this list to learn more.

Airborne Trampoline March Break Camp (Ages 5-14)
Bandology March Break Music Camp (Ages 7-10)
Button Factory Arts (Ages 5-12)
Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery March Break Art Camp (Ages 7-13)
City of Kitchener March Break Programming (Ages 4-11 and 12-18)
Code Ninjas Camps – 3D Design and Print, LEGO Robotics, Become a YouTuber and more! (Ages 8+)
Conestogo River Horseback Adventures (Ages 6-12)
Five Rings Taekwondo March Break Camp (Ages 4-12)
Go Bananas! March Break Camp (Ages 4-10)
Great Big Theatre Company March Break Theatre Arts Camp (Ages 6-14)
The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth March Break Camp (Ages 6-12)
The Kitchener Academy of Music March Break Camp (Ages 7+)
Kitchener Kicks Martial Arts Centre March Break Camp
Kitchener Market Kids in the Kitchen Camp (Ages 8-12)
Kitchener Soccer Club March Break Camp (Ages 7-13)
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery Break for Art: March Break Camp (Ages 7-9 and 10-13)
Play Grounds March Break Camp (Ages 6-13)
Recharge & Play Wellness Cafe S.T.E.A.M. March Break Camp
RARE March Break ECO Camp (Ages 6-12)
Revolution Gymnastics & Sports Centre March Break Camp (Ages 4.5-6 and 7+)
Schneider Haus March Break Camp (Ages 5-10)
THEMUSEUM March Break Camps – Around the World in 5 Days, & Smart Brellas (Ages 5-12 and 9-14)
Waterloo Minor Soccer Club March Break Camp (Ages U6-U9 and U10-U13)
Waterloo Region Museum March Break Camp (Ages 7-12)

Activities in the Region

Over the years, we’ve compiled many lists of family activities in Waterloo Region. If you’re looking for some ideas to keep the family busy during March break, check out these blogs for some inspiration!

Activities at Home

If your family would prefer to stay at home, there are lots of new activities you can try. Check out these resources!

Community Local Events

2023 Family Activities in Kitchener-Waterloo

Post author By cindycody
Post date January 19, 2023

There’s nothing like spending quality family time together. We absolutely love finding fun activities to do with our families, and we’re sure you do too! Getting out of the house and spending time in the community is a great way to take advantage of all the events and activities KW has to offer. We all have our favourites, but sometimes it’s exciting to switch it up and try something new. Here are family activities in Kitchener-Waterloo that you can try out this year.

→Try an Adventure or Escape Room
Put your family to the test and see if you can work together to escape. Try Adventure Rooms, KW Escape or Escapeworx.
→Visit a new park
There’s no shortage of amazing parks in the region. Take a look at a list of parks, start visiting them and check them off the list. See how many you can visit this year!
→Explore a local museum
Plan a visit to THE MUSEUM, The Waterloo Region Museum, Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery and more.
→Find a new treat at a local business
It’s easy to get into a routine and consistently visit your favourite local business (which is amazing!). Try making the effort to visit some new businesses or shops you’ve never been in.
→Mini Putt
Get out on the (mini) green at Bingemans, Max’s Golf Center, Wedges ‘N Woods Golf Academy, or iBowl.
→Stay cool at a splash pad
When the summer heat hits, visit the splash pads in Kitchener (see the list here) and Waterloo (see the list here)
→Shop at a market
Get your grocery list and visit the St. Jacob’s farmers market or Kitchener Farmers Market. You’ll be able to find great food, treats, gifts and more
→Hit the slopes
Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or tubing, you can do it all at Chicopee! Or find a local hill and bring your own toboggan!
→Go see the butterflies
Visit the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory and discover 1000s of free-flying butterflies.
→See a live show
Plan a special family outing to see a live performance at the Saint Jacob’s Playhouse (or any of the Drayton Entertainment theatres), or Center in the Square. Go listen to the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, or find live music at pubs and local events across the region.
→Cheer on the Kitchener Rangers
Get some seats at the Aud and cheer on the local team!
→Find a Local Event to attend
Take a look at this Explore Waterloo Region calendar to find all sorts of upcoming events.