Experience the Magic of Bingemans Gift of Lights in Kitchener-Waterloo! NOW OPEN FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

 

Last week was the Bingemans Gift of Lights VIP + MEDIA night and I have included some great info about the annual event!

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by visiting the dazzling Gift of Lights at Bingemans? Running from November 22, 2024, to January 4, 2025, this spectacular drive-thru light display is a must-see event for families in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

What Makes Gift of Lights Special?

Over 2 Kilometers of Light Displays: Drive through an enchanting wonderland featuring over 300 animated and static light displays. From twinkling stars to festive characters, there’s something to delight every member of the family.

Majestic Light Tunnels: Experience the magic as you drive through two magnificent light tunnels, each over 150 feet long. It’s like stepping into a fairytale!

Holiday Music: Tune in to the special FM radio station and enjoy your favorite holiday tunes as you drive through the light displays. It’s the perfect soundtrack to your festive journey.

Walk-Only Nights: For those who prefer to take a leisurely stroll, select evenings are designated as walk-only nights. Enjoy the lights up close and at your own pace, all while supporting local community partners.

Special Highlights

• Jingle Bell Rock Elements: These seamlessly integrated light elements add an extra touch of magic to the experience (now part of Gift of Lights) including the 40-Foot Twinkly LED Tree: This giant tree is the centerpiece of the display, and it’s sure to leave you in awe.

Event Details

• Location: Bingemans, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener, ON.

• Dates: November 22, 2024 - January 4, 2025.

• Times: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Monday-Thursday), 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Friday-Sunday).

• Tickets: Purchase online in advance to secure your spot.

Why You Should Visit

The Gift of Lights at Bingemans is more than just a light show; it’s a holiday tradition that brings joy and wonder to families year after year. Whether you drive through or enjoy the walk-only nights, it’s an experience filled with festive cheer and beautiful memories.

So bundle up, gather your loved ones, and head to Bingemans for a magical evening of lights and holiday spirit. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bingemans.com/giftoflights

New Experiences for 2023-2024 season at Bingemans Gift of Lights + Jingle Bell Rock

The Festive Season has arrived and this year Bingemans has new experiences for the Gift of Lights + Jingle Bell Rock.

Gift of Lights + Jingle Bell Rock

It begins with a new entrance for the Gift of Lights!

Now the experience begins at the main entrance to Bingemans.  This drive-thru (most nights) holiday light display celebrates all things Christmas from Reindeer Games to Twinkling Light Tunnels. Driving through the winding route really gets you into the holiday spirit!

This season the Gift of Lights will have 4 Walk Only Nights as well, with 50% of the ticket price going to support a local Charity

Walk Only Nights are:

November 26, 2023

December 11, 2023

December 27, 2023

January 6, 2024

When your Gift of Lights experience ends you enter the Funworx parking lot and get to continue on to Jingle Bell Rock.

YES YOUR GIFT OF LIGHTS TICKET INCLUDES JINGLE BELL ROCK!

Jingle Bell Rock is an outdoor display celebrating all things merry and bright.  In addition to the dazzling lights and digital art tree, there are lots of great photo opp spots too! There are even walk-thru light tunnels to amaze you and your friends and family

Roaming the area I came across some Jingle Bell Rock performers that helped to light up the night.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls)

You can also stop for Snacks at the Food Truck, or Grab a Festive Beverage to warm your spirits

Now is the time to get glittery!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls)

Gift of Lights + Jingle Bell Rock tickets make great gifts too!

For more information  and to purchase tickets, visit these links

Website: giftoflights.ca or http://www.bingemans.com/giftoflights

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bingemans

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bingemans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bingemans

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Bingemans

Six Easy Last-Minute Gifts that Kitchener-Waterloo Families will Enjoy

 

Looking for last-minute family-friendly gifts? We're here to help! Tickets for experiences are always a hit. 

Here are our picks for Kitchener-Waterloo and area families. You won't even have to leave home to make your purchases

• Christmas Eve Visit from the Ice Queen - Get the info at https://www.storybookevents.ca/event-details/christmas-eve-with-the-ice-queen

• Bingemans Gift of Lights and Jingle Bell Rock Tickets. Please note that Gift of Lights ends on New Year's Eve and Jingle Bell Rock is on until January 7th - Get the info at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/11/bingemans-gift-of-lights-and-jingle.html 

• Drayton Entertainment's Wizard of Oz The Panto at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. Please note this is playing until January 8th - Get the info at https://www.draytonentertainment.com/theatres/st.-jacobs-country-playhouse/wizard-of-oz-scp?p=2&type=list

• Paw Patrol Live at The AUD - Get the info at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/11/paw-patrol-live-tickets-are-great.html

• Tickets to Illumi in Mississauga (for those that don't mind a little drive) https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/11/see-all-things-merry-and-bright-at.html

• KW Titans tickets.  While the tickets are not on sale yet, you can email kate@kwtitans.com for a gift letter you can print at home. Ticket prices are listed at https://www.kwtitans.com/games and the full schedule is at https://www.kwtitans.com/schedule 

See the message that Coach Cliff has for the KW Titans Fans at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/12/kw-titans-announce-cliff-clinkscales-as.html

Bingemans Gift of Lights and Jingle Bell Rock are Bringing JOY to the Holiday Season

As in years past, we always kick off the holidays with a trip to the Gift of Lights at Bingemans.  This year's VIP Event was extra special as we were able to preview their brand-new Jingle Bell Rock holiday lights too!  Here you can see my live stream as I walked through it for the very first time.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls)

The Gift of Lights and Jingle Bell Rock offer Two Holiday Experiences 

The Gift of Lights is a drive-thru light display, with the exception of a few walk-thru nights. It runs from November 12 to New Year's Eve.  This year's display was so fun and we really enjoyed the Twelve Days of Christmas theme!

Jingle Bell Rock is an area where you can stroll through the holiday lights, listen to Christmas music and try out some hands-on activities (additional charges apply festive drinks,snacks and cookie decorating). It runs from November 12 to January 7. To see the whole list of entertainers coming to Jingle Bell Rock visit the Calendar of Events.

Even in the rain we found it beautiful. Just look at the reflections on the walkway.

It was wonderful to see the large tree change as we went along too.

We think it will be a great place for those festive photos! 

You can see the photos of our full experience at Bingemas at https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=lisamcdonald122&set=a.10166729000350481 or clicking the image below

Get Your Tickets Now and Save!

Bingemans Gift of Lights and Jingle Bell Rock are two separate ticketed events, but if you purchase your Gift of Lights tickets online at https://bingemans.com/gift-of-lights/tickets you can scroll down and add Jingle Bell Rock as an Add-On and save on the admission price.

For more information, visit these links

Website: giftoflights.ca or http://www.bingemans.com/giftoflights

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bingemans

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bingemans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bingemans

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Bingemans

Christmas Lights, Holiday Events, Santa Claus Parades and More November and December 2021 Happenings and Stuff to Do

 

As always, we suggest you go through the links now, as some activities require you to pre-register, and often the info will change without our knowledge.

If you are new to our list, the top part is ongoing activities and the eBlast portion further down has date-specific events.  We have a great mix of outdoor and online suggestions for you.

ONGOING LIST

Looking for new things to do with your child? Do you think your child would enjoy participating in science? If your child is between the ages of 3-7, they are eligible to sign-up for an online study with researchers at the University of Waterloo. Participation is free and the studies are quite fun for children! Children get a certificate at the end and a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. A typical session involves a 25-minute Zoom video call with their researchers. If you would like to sign-up, please visit https://www.uwcoral.ca/sign-up. If you have any questions, please email developmentalonline@uwaterloo.ca

Early Years events on Zoom for registration info visit https://earlyyearsinfo.ca

YMCA Virtual Events https://www.thisisy.ca/

KPL Calendar https://kplca.evanced.info/signup/

WPL Calendar http://calendar.wpl.ca/eventcalendar.asp?lib=all

Region of Waterloo Library Calendar https://www.rwlibrary.ca/en/programs-events/virtual-programs.aspx

Cambridge Libraries Calendar https://ideaexchange.org/programs-events 

City of Waterloo Museum Activities https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/city-of-waterloo-museum.?_mid_=1764

Region of Waterloo Museum (DOON) events https://www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca/en/index.aspx#

Joseph Schneider Haus events https://www.schneiderhaus.ca/en/index.aspx

Woodside National Historical Site Self Guided Tours Thursday and Fridays https://www.facebook.com/WoodsideNHS/photos/a.797717783604573/4705277552848557

KW Adventure Walks https://kwescape.ca/games/

Kitchener Rangers Schedule  https://kitchenerrangers.com/schedule/70/10

ONE MONTH FREE TRIAL – MUSIC LESSONS

In this unique Preschool Music Program, we learn all about Rhythm & Melody, PLUS children learn how to read Bars of music, make their own Bars of music and read Notes in a Scale on the Staff!

Come try it out! One Month Free!

After the free trial, if you are interested in signing up, classes start from $350 depending on Program purchased, Program Time purchased and age of your child. Do you have questions? Book a free Zoom Call to ask all about it! https://calendly.com/anatworld/music-lessons-2021 

Are you ready to jump on in for the Month's Trial, Click here: https://anatworld.convertri.com/free-month-trial

 The Giggle Mat is a brand new children's show!

https://www.facebook.com/TheGiggleMat 

Come visit Dizzy, Mr. Purpleman, Miss Kate and Uncle PJ as they discover, explore and express themselves in the amazing world around them through stories, music, dance, crafts, juggling, magic, laughs and more!"Like" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiggleMat/​​​Website: https://www.nuvoentertainment.com/the-giggle-mat

NOVEMBER EVENT LIST eBlast

HAPPY MOVEMBER! SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY DONATING AT https://ca.movember.com/mospace/519968

Now until January 

Marvel's Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2021/10/marvel-avengers-station-puts-you-in.html

November 8-December 10

Letters to Santa

Letters to Santa are back at Waterloo Public Library, and just in time for the holidays! From Monday, November 8 until Friday, December 10, you can drop off your letter to Santa at any WPL location and he’ll write back. Visit wpl.ca/santa for more details.

November 12-14 

The Seasons Christmas Show https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2021/10/seasons-christmas-show-returns-for-2021.html

November 13

Author event at the Ken Seiling Region of Waterloo Museum, at 10 a.m. About bees, book, there will be a craft, and it includes admission to the fantastic Amazing Pollinators exhibit.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://bit.ly/3wouWyM

Benjamin's Tree Farm opens https://www.benjamintreefarm.com

Gift of Lights at Bingemans begins! https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2021/11/bingemans-gift-of-lights-marks-start-of.html 

November 16

Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery Stroller Tour

Drop-in from 10am-12pm
Guided tour from 10:30-11:30 am
Free Admission https://kwag.ca/civicrm/event/info%3Fid%3D416%26reset%3D1

November 17-January 2

Castle Kilbride Christmas Events. Various dates and times https://www.wilmot.ca/en/living-here/Events-and-Exhibits.aspx

 

November 19-December 24

Santa at Fairview Park Mall. Pre-register at https://shops.cadillacfairview.com/property/cf-fairview-park/news-events/e/santa-2021

November 20

Kitchener Reverse Santa Claus Parade at 10am info and registration at http://lionsclubofkitchener.com/1343-2/

Belmont Village Holiday Market https://www.facebook.com/events/4597896993600212

Merry Market Mayhem @ Steckle Farm Noon-5pm wagon rides (weather permitting), petting zoo (weather permitting), a family photo shoot area, a family Juggling comedy show at 2pm, many wonderful local vendors to shop with, and giveaways! https://www.facebook.com/hisandhermarketkw/photos/g.2369595749/207575448162485

2021 Cambridge Santa Claus Parade will take place on Saturday, November 20th, 2021. The parade will move onto Hespeler Road from Dunbar Road at 6:00 p.m. sharp! It will turn off Hespeler Road at Langs Drive. https://cambridgesantaparade.com/info/

November 21 

Movember KW at the Kitchener Rangers Game @ Community Corner 2pm https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10165665325570481&set=gm.969570690294555

November 24

EXPLORE YOUR FUTURE 6:30PM

Explore Your Future is a series of FREE events to help Waterloo Region youth learn about some career options. While geared towards the early stage research needs of grade 7 to 10 students, it is open to any youth and family that are interested https://www.bepwr.ca/blog/explore-your-future-working-with-words

November 27

Waterloo Reverse Santa Claus Parade at 10am http://lionsclubofkitchener.com/1343-2/

Movember Cornhole Tournament in Guelph https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159542907961000&set=a.10150324884236000

Holiday Carnival at Harmony Square in Brantford https://www.brantford.ca/en/things-to-do/holiday-carnival.aspx

November 27-December 23

The North Star Experience at Conestoga Mall. Pre-register at https://www.conestogamall.com/events/north-star-experience/

November 27-January 1

Wonders of Winter at Waterloo Park https://www.wondersofwinter.ca/

November 28

Kitchener Model Train Show and Sale at Bingemans 9:30am-3pm https://www.facebook.com/events/614023956696358

Looking Ahead to DECEMBER 

Christmas Fantasy in Victoria Park Kitchener. Info TBD https://www.kitchener.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/christmas-fantasy.aspx

December 1

NORAD Tracks Santa Online https://www.noradsanta.org

December 2-5

Christkindl Market is Various locations this year https://www.christkindl.ca/outdoor-festival/#gaukelstreet

December 3-4 
Drive-Thru Nativity in Paris Ontario at Braeside Camp http://braesidecamp.ca

December 5

Santa's Dance Party - For kids will be at Tapestry Hall in Cambridge, ON on Sunday, December 5, 2021.Doors Open at 9:00AM , and the Show Starts at 9:30AM . Santa's Dance Party - For kids includes Ballon artist and Hot Chocolate, Dance Party WIth Santa and His Elves, Photo with Santa, Photo on the Swing in Candy Land, Lettesr to Santa Activity Station, Candy Cane Christmas Ornament Creation Station, Pinata Zone, Bar for the Parents, . Tapestry Hall is located at 74 Grand Ave S, Cambridge, ON.

Tickets at https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/39096/

December 11

Santa Claus Drive-Thru at Old Marina Restaurant. Info TBD https://www.facebook.com/events/1069993060497406/

Woodside National Historic Site - Outdoor King Family Christmas. Info https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2021/11/celebrate-christmas-way-that-king.html

December 16-28

Sparkles in the Park - Christmas Light Drive-Thru at Guelph Riverside Park https://rotaryguelph.ca/event/sparkles-in-the-park-2021/

December 17-19 

Miracle of 34th St in Paris Ontario https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pfp-presents-miracle-on-34th-street-tickets-196004604047

December 18

Children's Christmas Painting Party @ Crafty Crystal https://www.crafty-crystal.com/product/children-s-christmas-painting-party-saturday-december-18th-2021/1816