Holiday Activities for Families this Coming Winter
As winter approaches, families have the perfect opportunity to bond, make memories, and embrace the magic of the season. Whether you’re staying cozy indoors or venturing out into the frosty wonderland, here are some fantastic holiday activities to enjoy with your loved ones this winter.
1. Bingemans Gift of Lights Bingemans Gift of Lights is the largest drive-through holiday light display in Southwestern Ontario. This event is perfect for families looking to stay warm in the comfort of their car while enjoying over a kilometer of stunning light displays. With tunnels of lights, festive scenes, and synchronized music, it’s a must-see attraction. Make sure to book your tickets in advance as this popular event often sells out. More information
2. Waterloo Park Wonders of Winter The Wonders of Winter light display is a fantastic way to experience the holiday season. Located in Waterloo Park, this free event features over 100 colorful light displays. Families can stroll through the park, sip hot chocolate, and take in the sights. There are special event nights with wagon rides, live entertainment, and more, making it a magical experience for visitors of all ages. More information
3. Skating at Carl Zehr Square Outdoor skating is a quintessential winter activity, and Carl Zehr Square in front of Kitchener City Hall offers a beautiful setting for it. The rink is open daily (weather permitting) and is free for everyone to enjoy. At night, the area is lit up with holiday lights, creating a festive backdrop as you glide across the ice. Don’t forget to warm up with a hot chocolate from a nearby café afterward. More information
4. Winter Ice and Lights Take a walk through the beautiful light displays in Central Park (615 King Street East, Preston) and enjoy the self-guided experience with friends, family or on your own time! Installations are bright and lit every night between November 15 to January 1 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Some installations can be viewed by driving past, while others are best enjoyed by being on foot and walking up to them. We welcome you to take photos and share your experience by using #cbridgewinterfest.
Staff do their best to ensure the lights are always shining brightly but from time to time the lights may experience some difficulty.
More information
5. Christmas at the Castle Enchanting, lavish and magical Christmas at the Castle is a celebration of the Livingston family’s beloved home Castle Kilbride at the most wonderful time of the year. The halls and rooms of the mansion are decked and ready to welcome guests this yuletide season. By day, the elegant rooms of Castle Kilbride sparkle, beautifully bedecked with trees, ribbon, and garland.
Of highlight is the Herner's Victorian Village with over 300 miniature buildings it makes you feel as though you are looking at the streets of London for a Christmas Carol.
From November 20 until January 5 the Castle will be fully decorated. More information
6. Merry & Bright At the Schoolhouse Theatre, the joy of Christmas is definitely in season.
Make your days merry and bright with a glorious new landmark theatrical event. Gather with family and friends to hear your favourite holiday music, inspiring songs, and soul-stirring Broadway anthems alongside joyful storytelling and humorous anecdotes.
St. Jacobs is your ho-ho-home for the holidays as we invite you to experience the magic of live theatre, fill your heart with the joy of the season, and celebrate “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” More information
7. A Christmas Carol: The Panto What the Dickens!?
You may know the story, but you’ve never seen it like this! Join the fun as the classic story is reimagined with all the hilarious and beloved antics of an old-fashioned panto: villains, heroes, a dame, incredible music, lively dancing, audience participation, and of course, a dash of theatrical magic.
When the curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve, he embarks on a life-changing adventure to learn the error of his ways, restore his spirit, and embrace the season.
Just like past hits Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan, this fractured panto adaptation of one of the greatest tales ever told is a must-see holiday spectacular packed with family fun.
Bah humbug!
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
8. Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas Get ready for the brand-new Celtic Family Christmas…PARTY! You’ll have plenty of time to sip eggnog by the fire, but not on this night… So buckle up and join Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, their growing family, and their worldclass band as they guide you through an exhilarating exploration of the Christmas season. Featuring exciting new versions of all your classic Christmas favourites, Natalie & Donnell are determined to raise the roof, rejuvenate the heart, and set your spirit ablaze with a most lively Celtic Family Christmas PARTY! More information