Deck the halls in Waterloo Region this holiday season, with a full roster of events and attractions on the calendar that will inspire with the holiday spirit.
Waterloo Region is a year-round destination, and the winter holidays are particularly busy across the region. Between now and the New Year, there are many fun-filled family adventures to enjoy — from special shopping events to holiday lights displays to special shows and events. With so much to see and experience, Waterloo Region is the perfect destination for a Holiday Road Trip! And, receive a ‘holiday gift’ when you plan an overnight stay in the Region with Ontario’s Staycation Tax Credit.
Explore Waterloo Region offers several options to enjoy the holiday season:
Jakobstettel — It was back in 1852 when the Mennonite community of Jakobstettel was granted its name and a post office. As part of the celebrations marking the 170th anniversary of the village we know as St. Jacobs, enjoy three holiday events. The annual St. Jacobs Sparkles (November 17th to 20th and 24th to 27th) promises a true holiday experience — shopping amid thousands of twinkling lights. The Waterloo Central Railway is offering day and night vintage holiday train adventures. At the iconic St. Jacobs Market, Holiday Sip ‘n Shop invites people to enjoy the wonders of the Night Market November 18th and December 2nd from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Holiday Lights — There are several options for people wanting to enjoy stunning displays of holiday lights. The Gift of Lights returns to Bingemans, boasting the longest drive-thru light display in Waterloo Region and more than 300 animated and static displays. It is open and will be running until New Year’s Eve. Also at Bingemans is Jingle Bell Rock – a walk through display of dazzling light features and walking tunnels, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, entertainment on select nights and more!
In Waterloo Park, Wonders of Winter offers more than 120 colourful displays illuminated by more than 100,000 lights. It runs nightly between November 26th and January 1st from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
In Cambridge, the digital light show at the Old Post Office will showcase a holiday theme until January 5th. It lights up evenings from Thursday through Sunday.
 Cambridge Celebrates Winterfest — Formerly known as Christmas in Cambridge, Winterfest is a month-long celebration in Cambridge that features many great events starting November 25th and ending with a New Year’s Eve party. This year’s event includes light displays in Central Park, a modern twist on caroling with Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night, the Cambridge Christmas Market and an appearance by the CP Holiday Train.
About Explore Waterloo Region: Founded in 2007, Explore Waterloo Region is the Destination Marketing Organization for the Region of Waterloo. A nonprofit organization responsible for destination marketing to increase the number of visitors and length of stay, Explore Waterloo Region works with community partners to promote festivals, events, attractions, restaurants and hotels and to develop new product offerings. The goal: to deliver a single, focused message that Waterloo Region is a dynamic, year-round destination with much to offer the individual traveller, families on vacation and corporate visitors.
For more information on things to do this holiday season, please visit explorewaterlooregion.com.Â
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