Winter officially settles in with feasts, fires, crafts, music, and post-holiday parties across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph this week!
Free Events
4th Annual Winter Solstice Feast – Mark your calendars for December 21, 2025, 5:30 PM–9:00 PM, because the community is gathering at the Victoria Park Pavilion, 80 Schneider Avenue, Kitchener, ON for the Winter Solstice Feast. Enjoy potluck dishes, live music, a silent auction and door prizes. The best part? Everyone’s welcome!
Cozy Cabin: Welcoming Winter in Waterloo Park – Celebrate winter’s arrival on December 22, 2025, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Waterloo Park, 50 Young Street West, Waterloo, ON, inside the historic log cabin. Listen to stories, try winter crafts and enjoy seasonal warmth with neighbours. This all-ages evening is free to attend.
Winter Stay & Play – Bring kids and caregivers together for playful winter discoveries on December 22, 2025, 10:30 AM–7:30 PM at All Cambridge Public Library locations. Explore creative stations throughout the children’s area in a relaxed setting. It’s perfect for school-break fun. Admission is free!
Holiday happenings
Oakhenge Yule Ritual, Tree Blessing and Sacred Fire – Embrace winter’s quiet magic on December 21, 2025, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM at Oakhenge, 1018 Orrs Lake Road, Cambridge, ON. This meaningful gathering includes a Yule ritual, tree blessing for prosperity and protection, and a sacred fire to welcome the returning light. Tickets are CA $22.60.
Winter Solstice Event – Celebrate the longest night of the year on December 21, 2025, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM at Shake It Off Studio, Woodlawn Road East, Guelph, ON. Slow down, reflect, and welcome winter with community energy, warm conversation, and gentle seasonal rituals. Admission is at CA$38.61!
Warm Up This Winter with Bardo Restaurant in Guelph
Bardo in Guelph is the perfect winter escape when you’re craving seasonal, farm-fresh food in a relaxed but stylish setting. With dishes like fresh-made sandwiches, vibrant bowls, and rotating seasonal specials that pair beautifully with craft cocktails, this spot brings warmth to chilly days. Whether it’s lunch, brunch, or dinner, check this guide to find the best picks for your winter meal!
Fun for the family
Little Elves in Training: Felt Holiday Garland – Bring a sprinkle of crafty fun to your season on December 23, 2025, 1:00 PM at Metro Restaurant, 168 Victoria Street North, Kitchener, ON. Kids (with a guardian) will design and assemble their own festive felt garland. Grown-ups can craft too! Tickets are CA $31.59.
Homes of Mercy: Winter Family Night – Warm up your winter on December 27, 2025, 5:30 PM–9:30 PM at 65 Hanson Avenue, Kitchener, ON for Winter Family Night. Expect community games, engaging activities, and delicious refreshments while connecting with neighbours and friends. Tickets range from CA $10–$35.
Exciting and new
Collective Vocal Improvisation with Erwan Noblet – Feel the joy of spontaneous song on December 21, 2025, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at 508 Duke Street West, Kitchener, ON. Guided by Erwan Noblet, this welcoming workshop blends vocal jamming, circlesinging, and playful improv. Everyone’s voice is welcome. Tickets are at CA$22.63.
Christmas Break: Winter Garden Workshop – Spark your creativity over the holidays on December 22, 2025, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM at Strawberry Sunshine Candles & Beyond, 3-15 Surrey Street West, Guelph, ON. Design your own winter planter with fresh greens and festive accents plus all materials supplied. Tickets are CA$39.55.
Prosecco & Pilates – Mix movement and merriment on December 24, 2025, 1:00 PM–2:00 PM at Shake It Off Studio, 9 Woodlawn Road East, Guelph, ON. This joyful Pilates session ends with a festive prosecco toast. It’s a fun and energizing way to welcome the holidays. Join for only $22.63.
Guelph, Ontario Canada Event for Christian Singles – Enjoy a cozy night of fellowship and local finds on December 27, 2025, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM at Benjamin’s Bodega | Sip and Shop, 88 Waterloo Avenue, Guelph, ON. Meet new friends, play games, and support local artisans. Tickets are at CA $17.85 (but free for hub members)!
Kitchener-Waterloo Eats: 8 Top Local Foodie Destinations
Craving great food during winter in Kitchener-Waterloo? This list of the 8 best foodie spots showcases where locals and visitors alike are eating, drinking, and indulging in flavour KW have foodie markets and cultural festivals to specialty shops and beloved restaurants. Perfect for cold weather cravings and culinary exploration, read the full guide to discover where to warm up with delicious eats in KW.
Date nights
The Almost Hip – Boxing Day Show – Ready for a laid-back post-holiday night? On December 26, 2025, from 7 PM–10 PM, The Almost Hip brings their beloved Tragically Hip tribute to Room 47, 47 King St N, Waterloo, ON. Expect familiar hits and good company. Tickets go on sale for CA$22.90 for your Boxing Day groove.
Afrobeats Rave – If dancing is your way to keep the festive spirit alive, head to 462 Albert St, Waterloo, ON on December 26, 2025, 10 PM–2 AM for non-stop Afrobeats. Feel the rhythm, vibe with friends, and let loose. Early bird tickets are on sale for only CA$27.96 until December 22!
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party SpeedDating – Mix festive fun with new connections at Royal City Brewing, 199 Victoria Rd S Unit C8, Guelph, ON on December 26, 2025, 8 PM–10 PM. Bring your best ugly sweater and enjoy relaxed conversation and laughs. Price starts at CA$45.
Rusty Nail Comedy LAST Show of 2025 – Ease into laughter on December 27, 2025, at 7:30 PM at TWH Social, 1 King St W, Kitchener, ON, featuring headliner Keith Pedro and great local comics. It’s the perfect way to unwind with friends and good humour. Tickets start around CA$22.63 and laughter is on the menu.
Back to the Future Party: 90s, 2000s & Beyond Edition – Take a joyful trip through the hits you love on December 27, 2025, at 10:30 PM at The Canadian Brewhouse, 2960 Kingsway Dr, Kitchener, ON. Classic vibes meet today’s energy for a night of dancing and smiles. Tickets start from about CA$12.19!
Pinch Cabaret #45 – Celebrate creative performance on December 27, 2025, at 8 PM at Hepcat Swing Dance Studio, Waterloo, ON, where laughter, art, and community come together. This local cabaret showcase feels like a cozy night out with friends. Tickets start at CA$6.85!
A Very Merry DINK Speed Dating – Looking for low-pressure fun? Join this holiday speed dating on December 27, 2025, 4 PM–6 PM at The Rabbid Fox, 123 Pioneer Dr, Kitchener, ON to meet new people in a relaxed setting. Join for about CA$45 (including a complimentary drink).