End 2025 and start 2026 with crafts, comedy, family fun, and festive New Year’s Eve events happening near you this week.
Free Events
Heartfulness Yoga & Meditation – Treat yourself to some quiet renewal on December 28, 2025, at 8:40 AM at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Centre, 101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo, ON. This gentle session blends chair yoga, relaxation and guided meditation: perfect for grounding your week in calm. The best part? It’s free to attend.
Family Fundays! – Bring your creativity and cozy vibes to Homer Watson House & Gallery, 1754 Old Mill Road, Kitchener, ON on December 28, 2025, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM for Family Fundays! Painting, textiles, printmaking and more sensory fun for all ages await. Materials are provided and it’s free!
Wintery Crafternoons – Make winter feel extra magical at Schneider Haus National Historic Site, 466 Queen Street South, Kitchener, ON, on December 28, 2025, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM. Drop in for seasonal crafts that celebrate the snowy season with hands-on projects included in your visit. Perfect family time included with admission.
A Distiller’s Tale: The Art & Legacy of the Seagram Distillery – Dive into local history at the City of Waterloo Museum, 550 King Street North, Waterloo, ON, on December 29, 2025, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Interactive exhibits uncover the fascinating story of this iconic distillery. It’s an engaging outing for curious minds and free to attend.
Winter Stay & Play – School’s out and the fun begins! Join Winter Stay & Play at All Cambridge Public Library locations, Cambridge, ON on December 29, 2025, 10:30 AM–7:30 PM. Kids and caregivers can explore playful stations throughout the children’s area, fostering creativity and discovery. Best of all? It’s free to attend!
NYE Parties
NYE 2026: The Prohibition Warehouse – Get ready to welcome 2026 in good company on December 31, 2025, 8:00 PM–2:00 AM at The Prohibition Warehouse, 56 King Street North, Waterloo, ON. Dance the night away to great music and celebrate midnight with friends. Tickets start at CA$11.93!
City of Cambridge New Year’s Eve Party – Gather the family for festive fun on December 31, 2025, 3:00 PM–7:00 PM at Preston Memorial Auditorium, 1458 Hamilton Street, Cambridge, ON. There’ll be free public skating, light-up DJ rink, inflatable fun, children’s crafts, games and live entertainment. The best part? It’s free to attend.
One Love New Year’s Eve Reggae Dancehall – Ring in 2026 with island vibes on December 31, 2025, from 10 PM to 3 AM! Head to Room 47 at 47 King Street North, Waterloo, for a night of Lovers Rock and Reggae. Tickets start at CA$17.55 for early birds.
A Very Wicked New Year’s: A New Year’s Eve Extravaganza – Step into an Ozian fantasy on December 31, 2025, at 9:30 PM! Join the drag spectacle at The Albion, 49 Norfolk Street, Guelph. Wear your best pink or green for this emerald-themed bash. Tickets are available for CA$19.56.
Preston Legion New Year’s Eve Party – Looking for a cozy spot to ring in the New Year? Head over to the Preston Legion, 334 Westminster Drive North, Cambridge, on December 31, 2025, at 8 PM. Enjoy great music and a late-night buffet with friends. Tickets are priced at CA$27.96 each.
Kitchener’s New Year’s Eve Celebration – Celebrate the arrival of 2026 at Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West, Kitchener, on December 31, 2025, from 7 PM to midnight. It’s a wonderful evening of live music and skating under the stars. This community bash is completely free for everyone.
New Year’s Eve: A Family-Friendly Celebration – Bring the whole crew to the Waterloo Public Square on December 31, 2025, from 6 PM to 9 PM. Enjoy early fireworks, local entertainment, and plenty of hot cocoa. This lovely neighborhood gathering is free of charge.
Winter Foodie Guide: Kin Gyu Japanese Grill in Kitchener
Embrace winter with a memorable meal at Kin Gyu Japanese Grill, where you grill your own food right at the table in a cozy, modern space in Kitchener. With standout dishes like ribeye, miso-marinated salmon, and crunchy seafood tacos, it’s a fun way to beat the cold. Browse this full review to find out what makes this Japanese BBQ spot worth a winter visit.
Fun for the family
Snowflake Embroidery – Looking for a creative way to spend the afternoon? Head over to the Metro Restaurant at 168 Victoria Street North, Kitchener, ON on December 28, 2025, from 1 PM to 2 PM. It’s a lovely chance for kids to learn stitching. Each ticket is CA$31.59.
Snowflake Watercolour – Get into the artistic spirit on December 29, 2025, from 1 PM to 2 PM at the Royal City Brewing Company, 199 Victoria Road South, Guelph, ON. This cozy workshop lets little ones explore painting in a relaxed, festive setting. Entry for this creative session is CA$31.59.
Winter Flower Felt Headbands – Come and craft something beautiful on December 30, 2025, from 1 PM to 2 PM at Metro Restaurant, 168 Victoria Street North, Kitchener, ON! It’s a sweet opportunity to make handmade accessories. Joining this whimsical holiday workshop costs CA$31.59.
Winter Slime – Ready for some messy, festive fun? Join the workshop at the Royal City Brewing Company, 199 Victoria Road South, Guelph, ON, on December 30, 2025, between 1 PM and 2 PM. It is a fantastic way for kids to get hands-on. Admission for this event is CA$31.59.
Exciting and new
Make & Manifest: A Vision Boarding Workshop – Start your year with intention on December 28, 2025, from 1 PM to 3 PM at the JTM Cake Studio & Cafe, 20 Park Hill Road East, Cambridge, ON. It’s a creative afternoon of collage and goal-setting. Grab your spot for this inspiring session for CA$22.90.
New Year, New Energy Workshop – Refresh your spirit on January 1, 2026, from 1 PM to 3 PM at Common Ground, 17 Gordon Street, Guelph, ON. This gentle session focuses on movement and mindfulness to reset for the months ahead. You can join this peaceful experience for just CA$11.98.
Film: U Are the Universe – Catch a special screening on January 3, 2026, at 3:30 PM – 6 PM at the The Princess Original Cinema, 6 Princess Street West, Waterloo, ON. It’s a beautiful way to enjoy local cinema and community storytelling in a cozy theater. Tickets for you to watch are priced at CA$27.57.
Guelph Family Restaurant Guide – Winter Food Picks
Winter weather means it’s the perfect season for warm meals with loved ones and Guelph’s best family restaurants deliver. This list of 9 favourite spots features homestyle classics, diverse menus, and cozy interiors that make dining out easy and fun for all ages. Explore the full list to plan your next winter night out with family in Guelph.
Date nights
Dear 21st Century – Ready for an evening of thought-provoking performance? Head to the Huether Hotel, 59 King Street North, Waterloo, on December 30, 2025, from 6 PM to 9 PM. It’s an intimate pub theatre experience you won’t want to miss. Tickets are $22.73.
Rusty Nail Comedy: Kyle Lucey – Ready for a weekend of laughs? Catch Kyle Lucey at TWH Social, 1 King Street West, Kitchener, on January 2 or 3, 2026, at 7:30 PM. It’s a hilarious stand-up set in a cool, underground setting. Grab your seat for either night for $22.63.