Christmas and New Years In Kitchener Waterloo Stuff To Do

 I can't find the TIM HORTON'S FREE SKATING TIMES online, so tomorrow I'll take a pic of the schedule & post it.

This is really long post so make sure to scroll all the way to Jan 18th to make sure you don't miss anything!

In addition there are lots of local food drives and toy drives.  I hope you'll consider donating to a few in your area.

16th Annual Christkindl Market

Thursday, December 6 – Sunday, December 9, 2012
Location: Kitchener City Hall
200 King Street, West
Kitchener,
Thursday and Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 10am-4pm. A festival of German Christmas. Over 70 food and gift vendors. 27 performances by choirs, bands and dance groups. Live nativity, model railway, puppet show, Kinderecke for crafts, visit with Crhistkindl, Angels, Knecht Ruprecht and Klaus the Organ Grinder. Blacksmith demonstrations, skating, Christkindl Post Office. Free admission. Free parking on City lots Saturday and Sunday.
Phone number: 519-741-2387
Website: www.christkindl.ca

Christmas Fantasy in Victoria Park Kitchener
Begins Dec 6th
http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/ChristmasFantasy.asp

Wonders Of Winter in Waterloo Park (started Dec 1)
Opening Night: Saturday, Dec. 1

Admission: Free!
Lights On Daily: 5:30-10:30 pm
Christmas Eve: 5:30-12:30 am
New Years Eve: 5:30-1:00 am
WoW Trolley Nights
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 24, 28, 29, 31
WoW School House Play
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15
http://www.wondersofwinter.ca/schedule.html

Christmas at Castle Kilbride (Baden)
Paying a Call: Yuletide Evening TourThursday December 6, 2012
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person *advanced tickets not required.During the Victorian era, paying a call was a popular custom. Paying a call meant to visit someone in their home.
For one night only, visitors can marvel at the glitter and glamour of the decked out 1877 home at night. Live entertainment will bring the house to life. After your tour, enjoy a cup of good ol' fashioned hot apple cider or try traditional Wassail punch. Looking for a special present to give? Place a bid on one of our fabulous silent auction items. http://www.castlekilbride.ca/newsckList.php

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LOTS OF GREAT FAMILY EVENTS AT THE KITCHENER MARKET
Breakfast with Santa at the Kitchener Market
Dec. 8, time
- $5 a ticket or $15 for a family of 4 ($5 per additional child)
- Includes 1 photo with Santa, breakfast and a craft
- Limited spaces available
Purchase your tickets at the Kitchener Market office, Tu-Fr: 9am-5pm, Sa: 7am-2pm.
(I believe this event may be sold out, but you may want to see if there's a waiting list)

Kids in the Kitchen – cookie and cupcake decorating
Dec. 15, 10am - noon
- Free with a donation to the Waterloo Region Food Bank
- Includes your choice of a cookie or cupcake to decorate
- Have your photo taken with Santa for free with a donation to the Waterloo Region Food Bank

Kids’ Hop – with a special visit from Santa!
Dec. 18, 11am - noon
- Bring your kids to dance up a storm with a free concert by Erick Traplin
- Santa will visit and receive a free photo with a donation to the Waterloo Region Food Bank

Christmas Market
Santa and crafts Dec 22nd at the market

10am-Noon
Live music
AND
Dec. 22, 7am - 2pm
- Be sure to visit the market to pick up all of your holiday entertaining needs
- Carolers will celebrate the Christmas spirit with beautiful holiday songs
For more information, call 519-741-2297 or visit www.kitchenermarket.ca

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Christmas in Cambridge Market and Downtown Open House
Friday, December 7, 4-9pm and Saturday, December 8, 8am - 3pm
The Christmas in Cambridge Market will see new vendors join forces with the already successful Cambridge Farmers' Market aand the Galt on the Grand BIA Open House to attract an even larger holiday season crowd. New vendors will be in market square, and City Hall to create a one-stop shopping destination for unique gifts, seasonal food and a great shopping atmosphere and experience. Food trucks, wine and beer tasting, Beaver Tails and more. Cambridge City Hall, Cambridge Farmers Market
Downtown Cambridge

Bethany Live Nativity Christmas Pagent
Dec 7, 8, 9
• 40 live animals
• a cast of 145
• elaborate costumes
• appropriate for anyone, any age
http://www.bethanypageant.com/

Doon By Lantern Light Tours Waterloo Region Museum (DOON)
Fridays & Saturdays: Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15 and 21. Tours at 7 or 8:30 p.m. Step back in time and enjoy one of our longest standing traditions - a guided lantern-lit tour of Doon Heritage Village, with a horse drawn wagon ride and carol singing in our village church. Note museum exhibit galleries closed. $12 (plus HST)
Some nights are already sold out. Contact them to register 519-748-1914

Dec 8

Sobey's Ira Needles Christmas Gifts in a Jar for Kids $5 +tax
1-4pm
Registration, call Jenny 519-501-1858

"Elves At Play"

Saturday, December 8, 2012
1 – 3pm
Location: Waterloo Town Square
Waterloo, ON
Summary: Elves At Play is a family event presented by Stuffin Stockings, a regional Christmas charity campaign. Join us for an afternoon of holiday fun including visiting with Santa, children's musical entertainment by the Skalywags, crafts, goodies, draws, stuffing stockings and more! Families may also drop off stuffed stockings for donation newborn to 20's through 14 charities!
Phone number: 519-664-0221
Website: www.stuffinstockings.ca

Tree Lighting at the Laurelwood Fire Station
 Saturday, 08 December 2012, 06:30pm - 08:00pm
Come out for our annual tree lighting. Visit with Santa and meet some fire fighters and your neighbours.
Location : Columbia St. W. Fire Station
Contact : info@laurelwood..ca
http://ow.ly/fTtvR

Meadow Acres Garden Centre
Petersburg
SANTA AND RUDOLPH ARE COMING
Bring the kids and your camera!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 AND
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
From 12 noon to 4 p.m.
http://www.meadowacres.com/Events/COMINGEvents

Country Christmas at Waterloo Region Muesum (DOON)
Sunday December 9, 2012
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas Special Events
Enjoy a Christmas in the country from the last turn of the century. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, let the little ones meet Father Christmas, sing along with Christmas carols and enjoy the sites and sounds of a Christmas past. Admission: $10 Adults, $8 Seniors/Students, $5 Children, Children four and under free, all admissions plus HST.

'Tis the Season, with Donkeys!


Sunday, December 9, 2012 (& Dec 16 & Dec 23)
10am – 4pm
Location: Donkey Sanctuary of Canada Farm
6981 Puslinch Concession 4
Guelph, On 
(I don't know if there is a cost for this one, so make sure to contact them)
Summary: Join us for one of four special open days this winter. We invite you to enjoy time with the donkeys, hot chocolate and cider, stories and the opportunity to shop for unique Christmas gifts in the Long Ears Boutique. After all, Christmas and donkeys go together! Open from 10 am to 4 pm WEATHER PERMITTING!
Donations always appreciated.
For more information and a map, please visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca
Phone number: 519-836-1697

For Families with Special Needs
Autism Ontario - Waterloo Region Holiday Party

Sunday Dec 9 2012, 12am-2pm
Location:Kids Ability Centre for Child Development- Waterloo
Address:Hallmark Drive (off Davenport, behind Conestoga Mall)
Phone: 519-574-9108
A holiday party for our families affected by Autism. Will be our first annual event, hoping to create a fun time for families who wouldnt normally be able to socialize in this type of setting


Dec 12
Sobey's Ira Needles Christmas Gifts in a Jar for Kids $5 +tax
5:30pm-6:30pm
Registration, call Jenny 519-501-1858

KPL & KW
AG Holiday Warm-up
Thursday Dec 13 2012, 6-9pm
Location:Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
Address:101 Queen Street North
Phone:519-579-5860
http://www.kwag.ca
Come out of the cold and celebrate the season with the Kitchener Public Library and the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery! Join us at KW
AG for refreshments, a winter photobooth, holiday storytelling, and art activities for all ages. Visit KW
AG’s Ecotopia exhibition and sign out specially selected holiday books from the KPL catalogue with your KPL card.

Dec 14
6:30pm-7:30pm
Sobey's Ira Needles Christmas Treats For Kids - FREE
Registration, call Jenny 519-501-1858

FREE CHICOPEE SKING
December 14 : Community Open House

On the eve of our official opening day, we are making all lift tickets and rentals free on this special opening for the surrounding community. This is just a special thanks to all our supporters.
More details to come. Event is weather permitting.
http://www.discoverchicopee.com/index.php/events/info/community_open_house/




A Heritage Christmas
Friday, December 14
3:30pm – Sunday, December 23, 2012
8:30pm
Location: Country Heritage Park in Milton
Summary: Santa, elves, real reindeer, pony & horse drawn carriage rides, decorating gingerbread men, making ornaments, listening to an storyteller, holiday cut-outs for photo ops, Candyland confectionery, outdoor BBQ, hot holiday drinks, and lots of gorgeous holiday lights. This event is wheelchair accessible, including the tractor pulled tram to & from the parking lots.
$1 from each ticket sold is proudly donated to Sick Kids Hospital.
Cost: VIP Tickets $17 for adults, $15 for children & Seniors, Toddlers 1 and under are FREE. VIPs Get in early for personal visit with Santa & free pony ride General Admission tickets: Adults $15 ; Children (12 & under) & Seniors $12 - Toddlers (1&under) FREE.
Phone number: (519) 744-1355
Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides with Santa
Dec 15th every hour $20 per person, Nith Ridge Estates Ayr
http://www.nithridge.com/Sleigh%20Ride%20Save%20the%20Date%202012%20Lg.pdf

Skate with Santa
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Come out and skate with Santa at the Waterloo Public Square!

Phil Kline's Unsilent Night
Monday, December 17, 7:00pm
Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson Street
Music, art and architecture combine for an avant-garde experience. Bring your mp3 with speakers or your portable CD player and join the moving symphony. More Unsilent Night details

Starry Night at Waterloo Region Museum (DOON)
Saturday, Dec. 22, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy Doon Heritage Village beautifully lit by lantern light on a winter night under the stars! You'll feel the spirit of Christmas at Starry Night. Presented by the Friends of Waterloo Region Museum. $20/adult, $10/child (plus HST)
YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER contact 519-748-1914

Dec 22
Sobey's Ira Needles - Gingerbread House Decorating $6.99
1pm-2pm
Registration, call Jenny 519-501-1858

Chicopee Demo Day
Dec 22

Manufacturers and partners will be demoing ski and snowboard equipment on the hill. Come on out and try some of the newest equipment available!
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New Year's Eve
Dec 31
City Of Kitchener City Hall
Kitchener City Hall (200 King St. W.) is hosting a free evening of Blues music from 8:00 pm - 12:30 am.

This year we are closing down King Street to make this year an even bigger event!
There will also be fun for children and families between 4 pm - 6 pm featuring popular children's entertainer Erick Traplin!
Arts and crafts inside City Hall
Free hot chocolate
Children's performers from 4 pm - 6 pm
Kiddie countdown at 6 pm inside the Rotunda
Free ice-skating on Civic Square
Free Face Painting
And other special performances throughout the event!

At 7 pm the Rotunda gets transformed into Club Rotunda! Live DJ featuring Attila, dance floor, VIP lounges, flat screens, gaming stations, open drink bar (non-alcoholic) and more!
The King Street Main Stage features live Blues artists starting at 8 pm and is headlined by Lumberjunk!
Cheryl Lescom (8 pm)
Loco Zydeco (9:30 pm)
Lumberjunk (11 pm)

City Of Waterloo Public Square
New Year's Eve Party

Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Description:
Ring in the New Year at the Waterloo Public Square with your host for the evening Tim Holland, the Puppet Tamer. Skate around to top 40 hits, and enjoy face painting and Mad Science demonstrations. Ring in the New Year early with a fireworks display and ginger ale toast at 9 pm. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate sponsored by Tim Hortons, and get your party accessory. FREE for the whole family!

WATERLOO MEMORIAL RECREATION COMPLEX
New Year's Eve

101 Father David Bauer Drive
519-886-1177
FREE admission (limited capacity)
7-8:30 p.m. Public Swim at the Swimplex
7-9 p.m. Family Skate on the Sunlife Arena

MANULIFE FINANCIAL SPORTSPLEX & HEALTHY LIVING CENTRE AT RIM PARK
New Year's Eve
2001 University Ave East
519-884-5363
FREE admission (limited capacity)
7-9 p.m. Public Skate on the Pillers and Optimist rinks

City Of Cambridge
Family New Year's Eve Party

Join family and friends to celebrate a new year. Family skating, family photo booth, costumed characters, video skating party, games and more.
Monday, December 31, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Hespeler Arena, 640 Ellis Road
_____________

New Year's Day
Jan 1
Lions Arena is offering a family friendly public skate!

December, 31 from 10.a.m to 11 a.m.
Lions Arena, 20 Rittenhouse Road, Kitchener
Public skating rates apply

New Year's Day Levee

You're invited to the 2012 New Year's Day Levee
Sunday, January 1st, 2012
Mayor Doug Craig & Members of Cambridge City Council invite the community to help them ring in the New Year!
A New Year's Day Levee will be held on the second floor of Historic City Hall,46 Dickson Street, Cambridge.
Sunday, January 1, 2012 from 1pm to 3pm.
Feel free to drop in for some light refreshments!

__________
Looking Ahead
Jan 6th
Where: Mayor’s New Year’s Levee, Forbes Room at RIM Park

When: Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thousands of local citizens and their families attend this fun event every year. There is music, entertainment, free food (while quantities last), free skating, clowns, face painting and more!
Once the website has been revealed, you will be able to check out the website on onsite laptops. You will also be encouraged to complete an online scavenger hunt from home and submit your discoveries to win a prize. Details about the scavenger hunt will be available at the levee and here as they become available.
Help us ring in the new year and our new website at Mayor Halloran’s New Year’s Levee!
http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=3300

Kitchener City Hall
Mayor's NewYear’s Levee, January 6, 2013.2-4 p.m.,
food,music and fun for the whole family. Start the afternoon off with a skate on our Civic Square rink, and then head inside for a warm drink and some entertainment.
http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/resources/01_Kitchener_Winter2012.pdf

Grade 10 Family Night

Wednesday, January 16, 2013
6:30pm
Location: Theatre of the Arts
Modern Languages
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, ON
Summary: It's never to early to think about university. Grade 10 students and their parents are invited to learn about the university application process and how to finance a post-secondary education. Current university students will offer tips about picking a university program.
Phone number: 519-888-4567 x37145

Jan 18th
10am UofW Humanities Theatre
KW Glee PA DAY performance
Cost $10 contact 519-888-4908 for tickets
http://www.lehmo.net/FH/KWG/VI/Art/PA%20Day%20Show%20Poster%202.jpg