It’s that time of year again! The holiday season is here! Kitchener-Waterloo really gets into the holiday spirit with holiday events, twinkling lights and festive window displays. Every family gets to create their own holiday traditions and build a lifetime of memories. Here are a few of our favourite holiday memories in Kitchener-Waterloo.

Enjoying the Lights

Seeing the first Christmas lights of the season is a surefire way to get into the holiday spirit. As the weeks go on, the lights get bigger and better. We love to walk through Victoria Park to see the lights every year. It’s a great family activity and you can stop by the Boathouse for a hot chocolate.

We also love love love the lights in Waterloo Park. During the day it’s fun to visit the animals, then as the sun goes down, the park lights up with all sorts of characters.

Family Skating

When the snow is falling, the air gets brisk and our families are in the mood for some fun, we always head to a skating rink. Uptown Waterloo and Kitchener City Hall are the best! It’s so fun to skate around and watch what’s going on in the vibrant downtown cores. Plus, it’s a bonus when the food trucks show up.  We’ve definitely made some great family memories on days like that.

A German Christmas

Oktoberfest is such a fun time in Kitchener-Waterloo – dancing, the German food, music, games and the parade!.. and it doesn’t end in October. Visiting the Christkindl Market at Kitchener City Hall is a fun way to embrace the culture and get some holiday shopping done.

Here Comes Santa Claus

Of course, we can’t forget when the big man himself comes to town. Every year Santa Claus joins us in Kitchener-Waterloo for the Santa Claus Parade. We’ll always remember bundling the kids up in their snowsuits, sitting streetside with their little mittens holding onto letters to Santa.

Giving Back

Not only do we love to give our families new Christmas PJs each year, we also love to wrap up a few pairs to donate. Many families have this “Christmas PJ” tradition, so it’s nice to share it with others who will really appreciate the pajamas.

Christmas Chaos

We mean this in the best way possible. It’s so fun to drive over to a family member’s house, swing the front door open and be met with Christmas excitement! Those first steps into any home are filled with delicious smells, lots of hugs and so much holiday spirit.

We’d love to know what your family’s local holiday traditions are. Connect with us on Facebook or Twitter and let us know!