Waterloo Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and festive cheer at the Wonderfully Made Holiday Market. This two-day event in Kitchener brings together over 100 local artisans offering everything from home decor to artisanal foods. Enjoy live music, festive drinks at The Jingle Bar, and free visits with Santa Claus.

Step into a magical European Christmas tradition at Kitchener's Christkindl Market. This beloved annual event transforms downtown Kitchener into a festive wonderland, echoing centuries-old German holiday markets. Browse over 80 stalls filled with unique artisan crafts, festive decorations, and delightful food and drink. Enjoy live music and entertainment that fills...

Step into the eerie magic of KrampusKINDL, an alternative holiday market in downtown Kitchener. Now in its 8th year, this event showcases incredible artists and vendors offering the perfect gifts for those who embrace the wonderfully unusual. Discover unique art, peculiar ornaments, and strange Krampus cards.

Get ready for an enchanting holiday extravaganza at the St. Jacobs Farmers Market. This 'Sip & Shop' event invites you to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with a memorable shopping experience. Explore a curated array of vendors offering unique gifts while savoring festive beverages. It's the perfect...

Experience the magic of St. Jacobs Sparkles, an annual holiday shopping event that transforms the village into a winter wonderland. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the streets as visitors explore unique shops and eateries. Enjoy extended evening hours, festive entertainment including live carollers and horse-drawn trolley rides, and opportunities to...

Discover a vibrant holiday shopping experience at the Cambridge Holiday Market, a beloved event that has grown significantly since its inception. This year, the market spans four floors of City Hall and the Cambridge Centre for the Arts, showcasing products from over 200 local artisans, crafters, and makers. Visitors can...

Experience the charm of the Guelph Farmers' Market Holiday Edition, a beloved community tradition since 1827. This vibrant market showcases over 100 vendors offering high-quality, farm-fresh food, unique artisanal products, and delightful homemade goods. It's the perfect place to find festive gifts, seasonal treats, and soak in the warm, welcoming...

Discover the charm of the Elora Farmers' Market during its festive holiday season. This beloved market brings together local farmers, talented artisans, and passionate bakers to offer a delightful shopping experience. Find unique handmade gifts, savor seasonal treats, and immerse yourself in a vibrant community atmosphere. It's the perfect place...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Wellington County Museum and Archives Christmas Market. Browse unique, handmade gifts from over 70 local artisans, enjoy live music, and savor delicious food. Participate in festive activities like candle making and cookie decorating, or write a letter to Santa. It's the...

Experience the charm of downtown Fergus during their Late Night Sip & Shop events. Explore local shops open late, enjoy festive caroling, and take a magical horse-drawn carriage ride. Santa Claus will be on hand for photos, and delicious food trucks will be available, creating a perfect old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere.

Discover a festive holiday shopping experience at the Stratford Rotary Christmas Craft Festival. This event showcases a wide variety of handmade crafts and artisanal goods from numerous vendors, offering the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts and festive decorations. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with a delightful selection of...

Discover the magic of the season at Woodbine Mohawk Park's 3rd annual Winter Wonderland & Market. This festive event invites visitors to shop for unique holiday gifts from over 40 local vendors, enjoy family-friendly activities like a magic show and face painting, and meet Santa Claus. Don't miss the enchanting...

Indulge in the festive spirit with the Bell Homestead NHS Holiday Bake Sale. Staff and volunteers are preparing a delicious array of homemade cookies, tarts, biscuits, and squares. Pre-order your holiday treats by November 21st for pickup on November 29th, and enjoy a taste of homemade goodness this season.

Wonders of Winter transforms Waterloo Park into a dazzling spectacle of light. Stroll through the park after dark to witness over 100 imaginative displays, illuminated by more than 100,000 lights. This beloved annual festival offers a magical experience for all ages, with special events like story nights adding to the...

All aboard for a magical Christmas adventure with Waterloo Central Railway! They offer three distinct train experiences: the daytime Merry Mission Dayliner where passengers help save Christmas, the evening Christmas Cheerlight Charter filled with joyful challenges, and Santa's Nightcap, a 19+ festive spirits flyer. Each journey promises holiday cheer, carols,...

Step aboard vintage streetcars for a magical 'Christmas on the Rails' experience. Journey through a snow-dusted landscape accompanied by festive carols. Santa Claus makes a special appearance, sometimes even taking the controls of a streetcar. The entire museum grounds and historic streetcars are adorned with holiday decorations, creating a truly...

Experience the magic of the 6th annual Lights On Stratford, a free winter festival illuminating the city with spectacular light art. This year's theme, 'RADIANCE,' comes alive with the Canadian premiere of the interactive 'CHRONOHARP' in Market Square and the world debut of the sound-reactive 'BIRDS OF A FEATHER' on...

Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas Town, where families can enjoy a magical guided wagon ride to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in their woodland hideaway. Engage in festive activities like cookie decorating, craft making, and a holiday scavenger hunt. This enchanting experience also offers visits to the Elf...

Wander through Mountsberg Conservation Area's enchanting Winterlit display, an award-winning celebration of nature and light. Explore two illuminated trails featuring sustainably sourced art installations, cozy fireside lounges, and interactive elements like a book nook and animal den. Special Enchanted Evenings offer a magical experience with live performances and a licensed...

Join the City of Brantford for their annual Parade After Party, a free, family-friendly celebration following the Santa Claus Parade. Enjoy a magical afternoon with a tree lighting ceremony, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music, carnival treats, and face painting. It's the perfect way to kick off...

Step back in time at the Candlelight Christmas Celebration at Bell Homestead. Wander through the historic home, beautifully decorated for a Victorian Christmas, bathed in the warm, soft glow of candles and oil lamps. Enjoy enchanting seasonal music in the drawing room, and let children delight in a festive scavenger...

Step into a world of enchantment at Twinkle After Dark, an award-winning illuminated Christmas event. They showcase thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, artfully arranged to create dazzling holiday scenes. Wander through a magical wonderland where festive lights and creative pumpkin artistry combine for an unforgettable seasonal experience.

Ring in the New Year with the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra's second annual celebration. Inspired by the renowned concerts of Vienna, this magical event features dazzling soprano Holly Chaplin performing a joyful selection of waltzes, polkas, and operetta favorites. It's a perfect community gathering to welcome 2026 in style.

Celebrate the magic of the holidays with an unforgettable concert featuring the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra and the Cambridge Youth Orchestra. This heartwarming event brings together professional musicians and talented young performers for a joyous celebration of seasonal favorites and festive surprises. It's the perfect way to usher in the holiday...

Ring in the New Year with the City of Cambridge at a vibrant, family-friendly celebration. This exciting event offers a variety of free activities for all ages, including ice skating sessions with optional rentals, a thrilling inflatable obstacle course, and engaging crafts. Enjoy live entertainment from talented performers, creating a...

Ring in the New Year with a family-friendly celebration at Waterloo Public Square. This festive event offers an opportunity for outdoor ice skating, engaging craft activities, and warm sips of hot apple cider. It's the perfect way to welcome the new year with community spirit and festive cheer.

Waterloo Region is buzzing with excitement for New Year's Eve, offering a variety of celebrations across Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo. Families can enjoy ice skating, games, and early countdowns, while adults can choose from comedy shows, themed dance parties, and elegant dinners. Don't miss the stunning holiday light displays that...

Experience the magic of the KW Santa Claus Parade as it winds through the streets of Kitchener-Waterloo. This beloved annual event features a dazzling array of floats, lively marching bands, and community participants. It's a perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit, bring letters for Santa, and support local food...

The CPKC Holiday Train makes a special stop in Cambridge, bringing a free concert and holiday cheer. This festive event features live performances from popular artists like JJ Wilde and Smash Mouth, all from the brightly decorated train. Attendees are encouraged to bring food or monetary donations for the Cambridge...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Music and Lights in the Village! This festive event transforms Hespeler Village into a winter wonderland with dazzling lights and a special tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy live music from talented local performers, including school choirs and bands, and warm up with complimentary...

Join the festive New Hamburg Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, December 7th, 2025. Participants and floats gather at Norm Hill Park for set-up starting at 5:00 p.m., with the parade kicking off at 6:00 p.m. This cherished community event, organized by the New Hamburg Board of Trade, Wilmot Lions/Lioness Club,...

Join the vibrant Guelph Santa Claus Parade, a highlight of the 'Spirit of the Season' festival in historic Downtown Guelph. This beloved community event brings together residents for a spectacular celebration of the winter season, featuring dazzling lights, festive decorations, and the joyous arrival of Santa Claus.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Fergus Santa Claus Parade. This beloved community event features a vibrant procession of creative floats from local organizations and clubs, culminating in the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus himself. It's a joyous occasion that officially kicks off the festive spirit in...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Santa's Parade of Lights in Stratford. This beloved community tradition features a dazzling procession of decorated floats and walking groups. Spectators can enjoy the festive spectacle along William Street and Lakeside Drive, culminating in front of the Tom Patterson Theatre. It's a...

Experience the enchanting Santa's Parade of Lights in Stratford on December 7, 2025. This beloved community tradition features up to fifty illuminated floats, showcasing the creativity of local groups and businesses. Spectators can enjoy the festive spectacle from the parade route, which winds through the city, culminating near the Tom...

Get ready for the enchanting Woodstock Santa Claus Parade, a cherished holiday event! This year's theme, 'A Very Disney Christmas,' promises a magical experience with dazzling floats, lively marching bands, and impressive inflatables. Join the community in celebrating the season and welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Claus as they spread joy...

Experience the magic of the CPKC Holiday Train as it arrives in Woodstock on November 21, 2025. This festive event features live performances from acclaimed artists like Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde, all from the beautifully illuminated train. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for the Salvation Army in Woodstock,...

Step back in time for an afternoon of old-fashioned holiday cheer at Mrs. Bell's Little Christmas Party. Explore the historic Bell Homestead, beautifully decorated for a Victorian Christmas. Enjoy the sounds of live festive fiddle music, savor delicious pumpkin shortbread cookies, and listen to classic Christmas stories. Children aged 4...