Don’t miss out on these local events and activities. Here’s what’s happening this festive season!
The holidays in Kitchener-Waterloo bring more than twinkling lights and cozy nights in. They’re a time when our community truly comes alive. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, local markets to shop for gifts, or places to soak up that nostalgic holiday charm, KW offers something for everyone. Here’s your 2025 guide to the best events and experiences that make the season merry and bright.
KW Santa Claus Parade
Date: November 15, 2025
📍Weber Street
Kick-off the holiday season with the annual Lions Club Santa Claus Parade. The magic begins at Frederick Street in Kitchener and travels along Weber Street to Erb Street in Waterloo. Bundle up and enjoy festive floats and the sounds of the holidays. Don’t forget to bring your letters for Santa plus food and toy donations. See more details here.
Christkindl Market
Dates: December 4–7, 2025
📍Kitchener City Hall
Step into an old-world European Christmas village right in the heart of downtown Kitchener. Christkindl Market is a KW classic, complete with handmade crafts, traditional German treats, live music, and twinkling lights. Warm up with mulled wine or hot cocoa as you shop for local artisan gifts and enjoy festive performances. Don’t miss the outdoor skating rink and the live nativity scene!
Winter Ice & Lights
Dates: Late November 2025 – January 2026
📍Waterloo Public Square
Downtown Waterloo transforms into a glowing winter wonderland each year, featuring thousands of sparkling lights and a beautifully decorated skating rink. Bring your skates or rent a pair and glide under the stars, surrounded by the charm of Uptown. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic evening or a family night out.
The tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 5 at 7:00pm.
Bingemans Gift of Lights
Dates: November 25, 2025 – January 3, 2026
📍Bingemans
Bundle up, hop in the car, and enjoy one of Ontario’s most dazzling drive-thru light displays. Bingemans Gift of Lights features over one million lights synchronized to holiday music. It’s a magical experience for kids and adults alike. Afterward, warm up with a treat from the Holiday Village and visit Santa’s workshop.
KW Symphony: Holiday Pops Concert
Dates: December 19-20, 2025
📍St. Matthews Centre, Kitchener
Enjoy a festive evening of classic carols and seasonal favourites performed by the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and Grand Philharmonic Choir. The Holiday Pops concert is a cherished local tradition that blends world-class music with community spirit. This is a must-see (and must-listen!) for anyone wanting a touch of elegance and nostalgia this season.
St. Jacobs Sparkles
Dates: November 13-15, 2025 & November 20-23, 2025
📍The Village of St. Jacobs
The village of St. Jacobs takes on a storybook charm during its annual Sparkles event. Explore twinkling streets lined with shops offering extended hours, live music, and free hot cider. It’s the perfect way to support local businesses while soaking in the festive atmosphere of this picturesque community.
Waterloo Park Wonders of Winter
Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 3, 2026
📍Waterloo Park
If you’re looking for a quieter way to embrace the holidays, bundle up and take a stroll through Waterloo Park. The park glows with seasonal light displays, creating a peaceful setting for an evening walk. The park lights up from 5:00 – 10:30pm every evening.
Local Holiday Markets & Pop-Ups
Keep an eye out for pop-up markets in the area. These smaller events feature local makers, bakers, and artists. These events are ideal for unique, handmade gifts and festive bites. Supporting local this season helps strengthen our community and keeps the KW spirit alive year-round.
Here’s a list of some markets to get you started:
- November 1 | A Very Merry Market Waterloo 📍RIM Park
- November 8-9 | Etsy Holiday Market 2025 📍RIM Park
- November 14 | Waterloo Potter’s Fall Sale 📍RIM Park
- November 15 | Snowflake Bazaar 📍Breithaupt Centre
- Nov 21- Dec 20 | Winter Artisan Market 2025 📍Kitchener Market
- December 12-24 | Pop-Up Mug Market 📍Homer Watson House & Gallery
Home for the Holidays in KW
Whether you’re new to the area or have called KW home for years, these local traditions remind us why this community is such a special place to live. From skating under the lights to sipping cider in St. Jacobs, there’s no shortage of ways to make memories close to home.
If you’re thinking about finding your own perfect home in Kitchener-Waterloo, one that feels just as warm and welcoming, let’s connect! We’d be happy to help you settle in before the snowflakes start to fall.
