Where to Find Stunning Seasonal Celebrations in the Waterloo Region This Year
Tomorrow is December 1st. In many ways, it’s the official kick-off of the Christmas season here in the Waterloo Region, especially as a number of the region’s best-loved holiday attractions will be opening for the season over the next couple of days. Recently we covered all the delights of the Christkindl Market in Downtown Kitchener, but here’s a quick look at some of the other seasonal spectaculars and delights that Christmas fans of all ages should not miss out on:
Gift of Lights
Where: Bingeman’s, Kitchener When: Now thru January 5th, 2019
Most Waterloo region residents end up at Bingeman’s at some point, but often to enjoy the summer delights of their huge waterpark. But there is a lot more to the entertainment complex than that and one of the most popular annual events is the Gift of Lights.
The Gift of Lights is a family friendly drive-thru Christmas lights display that features amazing static and animated lights displays along the length of two tunnels. It’s a great way to stay warm and have fun on a cold winter’s night and if you purchase tickets online here the cost for a vehicle carrying up to eight people is just $15. Check out the video below for a sneak peek at the illuminations you can expect to see.
Wonders of Winter
Where: Waterloo Park, Waterloo When: December 1st-31st, 2018
Wonders of Winter has been an area tradition for over 20 years. Held in Waterloo Park it is a celebration of lights – there are over 100 lighted displays featuring more than 10,000 twinkling bulbs – but also much more than that. The festival features nightly musical recitals, lots of chances for everyone to interact with Santa and his Elves, horse-drawn carriage rides and much more. Check out the video below of last year’s festivities and you’ll see what we mean.
The lights go on every night during December at 530pm and the park is then open until 10.30pm. Admission is free and you’ll find the full schedule and more at the official Wonders of Winter website here.
Festive Lights of Cambridge
Where: City of Cambridge, ON When: December 1st-December 31st 2018.
Cambridge is a picturesque place in general – as well as a great place to live – but it takes on a magical air during the month of December thanks to the Festive Lights of Cambridge, a set of four lighted displays across the city. Head over at the weekend and you can enjoy Christmas plays and music too – you’ll find that schedule here – or simply enjoy a stroll (or a brisk walk if it’s cold) and admire the scenery, including the Jacobs Landing waterfall which will shine with festive colours for the holiday season in Hespeler Village.
Also on December 1st, 2018 Cambridge’s Central Park transforms into a place of candy and magic and becomes Candyland for the day. There’s a full day of live entertainment, interactive games, a giant ice slide and enough photo opportunities to fill anyone’s social media pages. And admission is free!
Christmas Fantasy, Victoria Park Kitchener
Where: Victoria Park, Kitchener
When: Lights Switch on December 8th, 2018
Kitchener’s Christmas Fantasy event, this year held on December 8th, 2018, is an evening of lights, seasonal fun, food and merriment that marks the official switch on of the city’s Christmas lights, including the spectacular displays you’ll find throughout Victoria Park all season long.
Check out some of the highlights from years past in the video below