Deck the halls and your calendars! Holiday markets, festive workshops, live tunes, and family-friendly cheer await this week in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph.
Free Events
A TTRPG Holiday Bazaar! – Calling all tabletop lovers! On December 7, 2025, 1:00–5:00 PM, swing by Ravenwood Tabletop, 28 Weber St W, Kitchener, ON to browse handmade fantasy and sci‑fi goodies. Ideal for unique gifts or geeky treats. Entry’s free; a small door donation helps a local food bank.
Building Strong Foundations of Care – Take a morning to focus on care and community on December 9, 2025, 10:00 AM at DoubleTree by Hilton, Kitchener, ON. Join meaningful talks, interactive discussions, and practical tips to strengthen support for caregivers. No worries, because it’s free to attend.
Yuletide Stories & Songs — Snuggle into holiday spirit on December 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM at First Baptist Church, Guelph, ON for an evening of seasonal tales and songs that warm the heart. Good for families, friends, or anyone who loves cozy holiday vibes. Join for cheer and community warmth.
Holiday happenings
A Very Merry Market — Looking for cozy holiday shopping? Pop in on December 7, 2025, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Fireside Haven Studio, 54 Guelph Ave Unit 1, Cambridge, ON. Browse seasonal crafts, décor and gifts or maybe sip a warm drink while you shop. A chill way to start your holiday gift‑hunting.
Strings + Things Winter Market — On December 7, 2025, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, wander into Guelph Studio Space, 77 Suffolk St W, Guelph, ON for a creative winter market filled with hand‑crafted gifts, fibre‑arts, and friendly chatter. A lovely low‑key way to find unique items and support local makers.
Christmas Chair Dance Class – Feel like trying something playful and a little different this holiday season? On December 8, 2025, 8:15 PM–9:45 PM, head to Remix Swing, 92 King Street South, Waterloo, ON. This adult‑only 19+ class uses a chair as a prop for a fun, open‑level dance routine set to festive tunes. Bring indoor shoes and water; heels optional! Price at CA$27.96.
Sip & Create: DIY Ornament Night — If you’re craving a cozy and creative evening, join this event on December 11, 2025, 6:30 PM–8:30 PM at Four Fathers Brewing Co. (125 Guelph Ave, Cambridge, ON). All supplies are included + a pint while you craft! You’ll walk away with a handmade ornament and holiday cheer. Tickets start at CA $22.63.
Festive Spirits: Sip, Shop & Rock the Holidays – Step into holiday cheer at Dixon’s Distilled Spirits, 355 Elmira Road North, Guelph, ON, on December 13, 2025, 2:00 PM–7:00 PM. Sample handcrafted cocktails, enjoy live music, and shop local vendors for festive gifts. Entry is free, and the vibes are merry and bright.
Allen Street Christmas Market – Holiday magic awaits at 43 Allen Street West, Waterloo, ON, on December 13, 2025, 2:00 PM–7:00 PM. Stroll through twinkling lights, enjoy live music, sip complimentary hot drinks, and explore local vendors. Perfect for families, friends, or a solo festive outing. Free entry makes it even sweeter.
Wellness & Relaxation: Top Spas in Waterloo, Ontario
Take a deep breath and check out this lineup of Waterloo’s top spas. Waterloo has more than just city bustle, it’s home to a handful of spots where you can unwind, recharge, and treat yourself. Whether you want a luxurious day at a countryside retreat or a quick pampering session in the city, each spa delivers top‑quality treatments and relaxing ambiance. Perfect for solo self‑care, a couple’s spa day, or a little “me‑time.” Read this guide to see which spa suits your vibe.
Fun for the family
Sensory Santa Photos – On December 7, 2025, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, head to Monarch House‑Waterloo (630 Weber St. North, Waterloo) for a sensory‑friendly visit with Santa. This event is perfect for kids and families who prefer a calm, low‑stress holiday experience. Free to attend.
Kiwanis Music Education Fundraiser Concert & Silent Auction — Treat yourself to live music and community good vibes on December 7, 2025, 4:00 PM at The Jazz Room, 59 King St N, Waterloo, ON. It’s a night of tunes, silent auction, and a chance to support music education. Tickets from CA $22.90.
Eastbridge Holiday Celebration – Ready for festive fun with the kids? Join the Eastbridge Holiday Celebration on December 13, 2025, 2:00 PM at RIM Park, 2001 University Avenue East, Waterloo, ON for face‑painting, festive crafts, Santa photos, pizza, drinks, and holiday treats. A cheerful, free afternoon perfect for little ones (JK–Grade 6) and families.
Exciting and new
Astronomy on Tap – Kitchener‑Waterloo — Starry night + a pint? Join this cosmic meetup on December 10, 2025 at 8:00 PM at The Crazy Canuck, 141 Ontario Street North, Kitchener, ON. Grab a drink, cozy up, and let local astronomers walk you through space wonders. This one is perfect for curious minds and laid‑back nights.
Cycles – Planning a mellow Friday night? Maureen Forrester Recital Hall at Waterloo, ON, hosts Cycles on December 12, 2025 at 7:30 PM. It’s a live performance night perfect for music lovers: bring friends, grab a seat, and let the tunes carry you.
Glue & Brew: Cambridge Junk Journal Club – Fancy a cozy night of creativity? Drop by JTM Cake Studio & Cafe at 20 Park Hill Road East #103, Cambridge, ON on December 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM. Get craft supplies, good coffee, and a warm, friendly vibe! Fun for journal lovers and first‑timers alike. Tickets are CA $7.92.
Learn to Crochet Night — Ever wanted to try yarn crafts? Join Learn to Crochet Night on December 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM at 401 New Dundee Road, Kitchener, ON. No experience needed. Just bring your creativity and leave with your first stitch because no experience needed! Tickets are CA $28.25.
Beat the Cold: Best Indoor Winter Things to Do in Guelph
Winter in Guelph doesn’t mean you have to stay bored indoors. In Guelph, you can swap icicles for cozy indoors with seven great activities! Museum visits, escape rooms, indoor climbing, library hangs, sports centers, and more. Whether you want quiet time or a fun group outing, this guide helps you pick how to spend those frosty days inside.
Date nights
Jack’s Tuesday Night Trivia at Jack Astor’s – Test your wits with friends at Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill, 2960 Kingsway Drive #15A, Kitchener, ON for trivia fun starting December 9, 2025, 7:30 PM. Enjoy friendly competition, laughs, and tasty bites. Participation is free but bring your game face!
Guest Appreciation Night at Pickle Barrel Waterloo — Looking for a fun Thursday night? Drop by Pickle Barrel, 550 King Street N., Waterloo, ON for Guest Appreciation Night on Thursdays, 9:00 PM–12:00 AM. Enjoy $4 drinks, live entertainment, happy‑hour food deals, and great vibes with friends. Perfect for a low‑key night out.
Paint & Sip — A relaxed night out is here! Head to the local paint‑and‑sip session on December 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Williams Fresh Cafe, Guelph, ON, where you’ll get all supplies plus one drink included. A fun way to unwind, create art, and maybe meet new friends. Tickets are at CA $22.63.
Christmas Crunch Fight Night – Get your adrenaline pumping at 180 Saint Leger Street, Kitchener, ON, on December 13, 2025, 6:15 PM. Watch amateur boxers light up the ring while supporting local food banks. A high-energy holiday night that combines fun and giving. Tickets from CA $38.61.