Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: Nov. 29 to Dec. 1

CBC
·2-min read
Check out the light displays at the Wonders of Winter, which opens Saturday evening in Waterloo Park and runs until Jan. 4. (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press - image credit)
Check out the light displays at the Wonders of Winter, which opens Saturday evening in Waterloo Park and runs until Jan. 4. (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press - image credit)

Folks, we're about to cross into December and it's certainly going to feel like winter with temperatures at the freezing mark and some snow in the forecast.

You could always warm up by singing and dancing to The Arkells, who are performing at The Aud in Kitchener on Saturday evening.

It's Downtown Elmira Moonlight Madness on Friday. Enjoy the maple taffy station, ice carving, tree lighting ceremony and visit with Santa Claus. There is also Starlight Shopping in Elora Friday night.

The Kitchener Rangers are home on Friday night against the Owen Sound Attack and the Guelph Storm will host the Windsor Spitfires.

Then on Sunday afternoon, the Rangers head to Guelph on Sunday to take on the Storm.

The K-W Titans basketball team are on the road in Sudbury this weekend.

If you are driving, here are some local gas prices:

Wonders of Winter

Saturday, opening ceremonies at 5:30 p.m.

Waterloo Park

Light displays will turn on this Saturday and go from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly until Jan.4. Park the car and walk through the displays, tour the log house and take some photos of this annual free event.

Tree of Light

Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Downtown New Hamburg

The big tree beside the post office will light up and there will be a sing-a-long with the New Hamburg Concert Band as well as free hot dogs and apple cider.

Bonus: Santa Claus parades

There are parades this weekend in:

  • Ayr on Saturday at 1 p.m.

  • Elora on Saturday at 6:15 p.m.

  • Stratford on Sunday at 5 p.m.

  • New Hamburg on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Find out about all the local parades in this CBC K-W story.

Paw-liday Festival

Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gaukel Block, downtown Kitchener

Dog Friendly K-W is bringing back this festival holiday market for our four-legged friends. There will be photos with Santa, a silent auction, a good neighbour test, doggie holiday beverages and a holiday ornament crafting table.

There are also activities such as a pack walk, holiday musical sits, ugly sweater contest, canine enrichment workshop and more.

Hundreds lined the streets in downtown Guelph, Ont., on Sunday, Nov 20, 2022 for the Santa Claus parade. The parade was led by Ukranian refugees and also included dancers, marching bands and, of course, Santa Claus.
Hundreds lined the streets in downtown Guelph, Ont., on Sunday, Nov 20, 2022 for the Santa Claus parade. The parade was led by Ukranian refugees and also included dancers, marching bands and, of course, Santa Claus.

The Paw-liday Festival will take place Saturday at Gaukel Block in downtown Kitchener with workshops, entertainment and vendors. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)

K-W Kraken Winter Classic

Saturday and part of Sunday

Waterloo Rec Centre

The K-W Kraken water polo club is hosting a provincial tournament and the public is welcome to come watch the action for free.

Games run all day Saturday and most of Sunday.

Markets

'Tis the season for maker and artisan markets.

Friday:

Saturday:

  • Ukrainian Christmas Bazaar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ukrainian Catholic Centre, 15 Michael St., Kitchener.

Sunday:

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