Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Christmas, Holidays Lights, New Year's Eve And More December 2016 Events And Activities


As always please check all links provided as times, dates, venues and registration information often changes without our knowledge.

First is list of ongoing events followed by our Monthly Blast
Ongoing Events
Research Studies @ UofW Contact Lens Research
Currently the top contact lens research centre in the world is continuing to accomplish great things through research done right here at UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO. The studies are non-invasive and all of our participants are compensated at $20/hr for their time and often get free contact lenses or glasses. Right they are recruiting 7-11 year olds to participate in a 3yr study cclr.uwaterloo.ca

Infant Studies Group
If you’re looking for something new and fun to do with your child, we would love to have you participate in one of our studies! Help us discover how children learn about language and the world around them. Typical studies involve a one time, half hour visit. You stay with your child the entire time and receive a small gift for participating as well! Please contact us or visit our website for more information. We hope to see you soon!
WEB: http://uwaterloo.ca/infant-studies-group
TEL: 519 888 4567
ext. 31164
EMAIL: babylab@uwaterloo.ca

Youth Drum and Bugle Corps  
Great program for youths in the KWC area. Our participants come not only from Cambridge, but Waterloo, Kitchener, Brantford, and surrounding areas as well. We are not the Scouts. We are not the Army, Navy or Sea Cadets. We are a the only Youth Drum and Bugle Corps in the area!

No experience required and we have a modest membership fee ($20 per year). We provide a unique musical education program that not only teaches kids to play music or perform colour guard, we instruct them how to march, perform and basically just have fun! Check us out on our website: www.scouthouseband.com/cadets

Daily
Sleep And Your New Baby Waterloo Region Sessions(various dates and times)
Session Details:
The purpose of the session is help families understand and respond to their baby’s sleep patterns and language, which will in turn strengthen family relationships and contribute to achieving optimal child health.
The 1.5 hour session will be offered weekly starting January 2016 at all three Ontario Early Years Main sites with a mix of daytime, evening and weekend timings

Parents/caregivers can register online at http://www.earlyyearsinfo.ca/sleep-and-your-new-baby-registration.html The session will be most beneficial if parents/caregivers brings their baby with them and we encourage bringing a support person to assist with this http://www.earlyyearsinfo.ca/sleep-and-your-new-baby-regist…

Earth Sciences Museum @ University Of Waterloo 
Conestoga Rovers Learning Centre (the “Dino pit”) open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The museum’s main atrium, mining tunnel, Great Lakes fountain and stunning mineral exhibits open evenings Monday to Friday and weekends from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Plus info about the Scavenger Hunt can be found at https://uwaterloo.ca/…/earth-sciences-museum-scavenger-hunts

Have an Infant and/or Toddler? Check out OUR PLACE EARLY YEARS CENTRE calendar http://www.ourplacekw.ca/



Creekside Kids is excited to invite families to the City Park Indoor Playground at Creekside Church. You do not need to be a Creekside attender to enjoy the use of this playground. Admission is free https://creeksidechurch.ca/playground/
Tuesdays
Bring your little ones to the Kitchener Market every Tuesday from 11a.m.-noon for a fabulous, fun-filled morning! Be prepared for a high-energy, hopping good time at these FREE weekly children's events as our performers entertain your tots!
  • December 6: Erick Traplin
  • December 20: Erick Traplin and Santa Party
http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Kids_Hop.asp

Tots Time @ Waterloo Region Museum (DOON) Join us on Tuesdays for an engaging program for children ages 2 to 5.Each week is a different theme and the time will be filled with crafts, toy playing, story reading and lots of learning games to help your little one grow. Admission is $2 per child. 10 per cent membership discount applies. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adult's admission is free. http://www.waterlooregionmuseum.com/upcomin…/event-details/…
Thursdays
Art Innovators will be hosting Squiggles to Grins at the Kitchener Market – a program for children and their parents. Participate in a fun, unique, hands-on creative art experience!
FREE! Ages 2-5 + caregiver  (may be cancelled on Dec 29th TBD) http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/…/Kids_Art_free_art_program.a…

Tots Time @ Waterloo Region Museum (DOON)
Join us on Thursdays for an engaging program for children ages 2 to 5. Each week is a different theme and the time will be filled with crafts, toy playing, story reading and lots of learning games to help your little one grow. Admission is $2 per child. 10 per cent membership discount applies. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adult's admission is free. http://www.waterlooregionmuseum.com/upcomin…/event-details/…

Fridays
FREE FLICKS @KPL DOWNTOWN
2pm-4pm http://kplca.evanced.info/signup/EventCalendar.aspx


Saturdays
Saturdays KPL Kids’ Club Kitchener Market, 300 King St. E. (Upper Level) Every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.Take a break from shopping and stop by the Kitchener Public Library Space for stories, crafts and fun.No registration required.

Family Favourites $2.99 Films @ Cineplex
11am http://www.cineplex.com/Events/FamilyFavourites

FREE FLICKS (suited for the older teen crown)
@KPL DOWNTOWN 2pm-4pm http://kplca.evanced.info/signup/EventCalendar.aspx

Bake Days @ Joseph Schneider Haus (regular admission applies) http://museums.regionofwaterloo.ca

December 2016 Event Blast

Please go through the FULL LIST as some events require pre-registration



December Wonders Of Winter @ Waterloo Park Christmas Lights
Times and activities vary http://www.wondersofwinter.ca/images/WoW_Calendar_2015.pdf

December 1
Lamplight Victorian Christmas @ Woodside National Historical Site
6:30pm
Thursday, December 1st
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Share in the traditions of a Woodside Christmas by the soft glow of lamplight. Cozy up under the mistletoe and enjoy hot apple cider. On our grounds, warm up by the crackling fire and sample roasted chestnuts. Gather in the parlour for live music as we perform traditional carols. $7.80 per person. Advance ticket purchase recommended as space is limited


Merry Victorian Christmas @ Castle Kilbride Baden 6-8:30pm $5
The NEW Castle Kilbride book: The House That Flax Built will be available for purchase that evening.


December 1-4
Christkindl Market @ Kitchener City Hall



The Tale Of Peter Rabbit And Friends @ The Registry Theatre

Dec 2-4

A FAMILY FUN WEEKEND EVENT AT MEADOW ACRES!

Visit Santa and his favourite reindeer! From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
http://meadowacres.com/events
 
December 2
Friday, December 2, 2016 | 6:30 – 8:30pm
Location:
Centennial Fountain
Downtown New Hamburg
Summary:
The New Hamburg Lions and Lioness Club's 33rd Annual Tree of Light ceremony takes place at 6:30 pm. We invite you to join us beside the Centennial Fountain downtown New Hamburg for complimentary hot dogs, hot apple cider, followed by the Tree Lighting ceremony.
All proceeds from the Tree of Light are donated back into the community through various local projects.

Friday, December 2, 2016 | 7:30 – 8:30pm
Location:
Waterloo Oxford High School 1206 Snyder's Road West, Baden, Ontario N3A 1A4Waterloo Oxford High School 1206 Snyder's Road West, Baden, Ontario N3A 1A4
Summary:
Get in the holiday spirit with the Grand River Voices Colour Me Christmas concert:

December 2 at 7:30 PM
Waterloo Oxford High School
1206 Snyder's Road West, Baden, Ontario N3A 1A4

Tickets: $20 Adults, $15 Seniors/Students Children under 12 are FREE

For information and tickets, please visit grandrivervoices.ca/tickets/

Dec 3
NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE DAY!
Post your pics of your Christmas Tree at https://www.facebook.com/events/1603550443287183


Icing Inspirations Christmas Open House and Make and Take
11am-3pm @ 14 Hoffman St. #4
Just show up and have fun.
Create gift size gingerbread houses, yummy barks, and fun jarred gifts.
Package them all up while you're here and you're ready to go!

https://www.facebook.com/events/327974514234388/

Festival Of Living Strees Uptown Waterloo
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Waterloo Public Square (75 King St. S.)
and throughout UpTown Waterloo
 


Join us to celebrate the re-opening of King Street, between Union and Erb with a festival to kick-off the Christmas/holiday season in UpTown Waterloo! Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the holidays with a variety of fun-filled activities for the whole family:

Waterloo Public Square
  • 11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Visits with Santa
  • “Living Gift Guide” display featuring perfect holiday gift items from UpTown Waterloo businesses
  • Live ice sculpture carving
  • Warm beverages from Starbucks and Just Love Pie
  • 3:45 pm: contest draws for various prizes from UpTown Waterloo businesses* and the grand prize of $500 UpTown dollars

Throughout UpTown Waterloo
  • 11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Live entertainment, include roaming holiday mascots handing out contest ballots
  • 11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Nutcracker ballerinas from the New Hamburg Centre Stage Dance School posing in windows of UpTown Waterloo businesses
  • 11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Waterloo Concert Band
  • 11:00 am – 3:00 pm: Free horse-drawn trolley rides
  • 12:00 – 3:00 pm: Strolling Victorian carolers
  • 1:00 – 2:30 pm: Barbershop quartet


Baden Santa Claus Parade 1:30pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1634587036832519/

Cambridge Candyland
Saturday, December 3, 2016 - 10am - 5pm
Central Park,615 King St. E. CAMBRIDGE

This event is built for young families! The park is transformed into a whimsical wonderment of candy and magic. Live entertainment, interactive activities and enough photo opportunities to fill anyone's social media pages!


Winter Ice and Lights
Schedule of Activities & Performances
10 am to 4:30 pm Free horse drawn trolley rides
10 am & 11 am Circus Jonathan
12 pm & 1 pm The Puppet Tamer
2 pm & 3 pm Sonshine & Broccoli
4 pm Team T& J
Throughout the day enjoy crafts with Idea Exchange, face painting, interactive games & activities, enjoy a trip down the 27 foot ice slide, live ice carving demonstrations and meet Santa and Mrs Claus.
http://www.cambridge.ca/community_services/christmas_in_cambridge/candyland

Christmas Fantasy Opening Ceremony – Victoria Park Kitchener
5:30 pm - 8 pm - Activities on Roos Island, Victoria Park
6 pm - Lights will be turned on

Entertainment:
5:30-6:30 pm - Erick Traplin
6:45 - 8 pm - School of Rock

Enjoy live music, crafts and free hot chocolate. Get your photo taken with an ice princess, and visit with Santa and one of his reindeer. Take a trolley ride around Victoria Park provided by the downtown Kitchener BIA
https://www.facebook.com/events/194433197676879


The Christmas lights will be on throughout the Christmas Season

December 3-4
Woodside National Historical Site Demonstration -regular admission applies
From shortbread to pfeffernusse, discover the popular Christmas cookies of 1890s Berlin and sample some along the way!
Read more at http://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2016/11/woodside-national-historic-site-fall.html


Elmira Outdoor Christmas Pageant
Come on out for a wonderful Christmas outing for the entire family! An outdoor performance of the CHRISTMAS STORY beautifully choreographed to music and narration. Live animals! Bundle up and come ready to enjoy. Hot drink and snack to follow.
Showtimes:
Saturday, December 3: 6pm, 7pm and 8pm
Sunday, December 4: 6pm and 7pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/1196781233749420/

December 4
Lantern Walk @ Huron Natural Area 7pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/287694391632049/

December 5
Holiday Party At Live Laugh Play 10am-12:30pm
Come and play for 1/2 price at the annual Holiday Party!
$5 per child. Advanced tickets only from Love Laugh Play or call with credit card (519)954-7529. Small gift for every child. 50 parent loot bags, craft rooms, holiday shopping and concessions for sale on site. ONLY 150 tickets available!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1113369818759583/


December 7
Kitchener Rangers Teddy Bear Toss Night
Ticket info at http://kitchenerrangers.com/event/teddy-bear-toss-game
 
December 8
Skate with Santa
Join us at Cambridge Ice Centre Thursday, December 8th for a FREE skate with Santa 6:10pm to 7:30pm sponsored by Granite Homes. *All regular public skate rules and regulations will apply.
http://cambridge-centre.com/events/skate-with-santa

December 10
Christmas Mementos @ Woodside National Historic Site
Saturday, December 10
10 a.m. – Noon

Discover the enchantment of a Christmas morning reminiscent of the Victorian past. Decorate your very own cookie ornament to hang on your tree. Dip a pen in ink and write a letter to Santa Claus while sampling seasonal cookies and apple cider. Admission: $7.80 per participant. This program requires advance registration as space is limited. Please register by calling 519-571-5684. This program is subject to minimum enrollment.
Read more at http://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2016/11/woodside-national-historic-site-fall.html

December 10-11
Learn how to make all manner of handmade Christmas decorations using natural and edible materials – including cornucopias, Christmas crackers, popcorn garlands and cookie ornaments.
Read more at http://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2016/11/woodside-national-historic-site-fall.html


December 11

Sunday, December 11, 2016 | 4:30 – 6:30pm
Location:
Waterloo Swimplex
Summary:
Come out and celebrate the season with our first ever shared Winter Waterland Showcase! See the combined talents of young synchronized swimmers hosted by KW Synchro with special guests from the Waterloo Regional Synchro Club and Brant Syncho Club promoting synchro in our community.  Recreational, Novice, Provincial, National and Masters teams showcasing their routines at the Waterloo Swimplex. Come early to ensure a great seat!  Entrance Fee of $5.00 - children under 5 are free.

Kids In Kilts @ McDougall Cottage Cambridge 
It’s our chance to thank you for another unforgettable year and wish you all the best for the holiday season. We’d love it if you would stop in this afternoon to join us for a cup of cheer, a few tasty treats and plenty of Scottish hospitality.
Musicians Peter and Potter (Peter Light and Gwen Potter) will be on hand to provide the festive mood.

In addition to enjoying some holiday cheer, Kids in Kilts will be having tons of fun crafting clothes peg snowflake Decorations http://mcdougallcottage.com/upcoming-events/event-details/?id=784&type=0&calendar=2&eventTime=0

Ayr Live Nativity and Carol Sing 6:30pm
An event for the whole family with the lighting of trees, hot apple cider, a live nativity, with animals, and a community choir, and caroling sing. A fun, community time! Many community people involved.
https://www.facebook.com/events/159800727826246

December 17
Christmas Cheer @ Woodside National Historic Site
Saturday, December 17
10 a.m. – Noon

Delight in the spirit of a Victorian Christmas as you are guided on a tour of the King family home decorated for the season. Enjoy live music in the parlour accompanied by piano. Sample seasonal baking complimented by a variety of teas. Admission: $14.70 per person. This program requires advance registration as space is limited. E-mail ont-woodside@pc.gc.ca or call 519-571-5684 for more information
Read more at http://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2016/11/woodside-national-historic-site-fall.html

KW Titans Exhibition Charity Game on Saturday December 17 at 2pm.




Come out and watch your KW Titans face off against the Chautauqua Hurricanes in our first exhibition game on December 17th at 2pm at the Aud. Admission is a donation of $5 and an unwrapped toy to support the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle.

The KW Titans are proud to be partnering with the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign for this game. 100% of funds collected at admission will be donated directly to the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle.

It’s a great way to take in a game while helping those in need. For more information about the KW Titans Exhibition Charity Game visit
Read more at http://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2016/11/kw-titans-bring-pro-basketball-to.html

Gather in the parlour for a special interpretive talk about traditional Victorian Christmas music and carols.
Read more at http://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2016/11/woodside-national-historic-site-fall.html

December 24

Christmas Market @ Kitchener Market (and a visit from Santa Claus from 9am-11am)

If you are frantically searching for that last minute Christmas gift, yummy ingredient or dinner centerpiece, have no fear! This year the Kitchener Market is a one-stop-shop with tons of vendors and artisans with unique gift ideas and delicious additions to your Christmas dinner. Get here early for your best selection of items.

December 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!

December 26 Boxing Day
KW Titans Inaugural Season

The first season for the KW Titans will include 40 games and the home games are sure to be exciting. With tickets just $21 for ages 13-64 and $17 for seniors and children 12 and under, per game, it is a very affordable night out! Want to get tickets for the whole season? Seasons tickets start at $350.

KW Titans Home Opener December 26, 2016

Want to give an exciting gift this Christmas and find a great way to end off Boxing Day? The KW Titans Home Opener is December 26, 2016 at 7pm
Read more at http://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2016/11/kw-titans-bring-pro-basketball-to.html


December 31 2016 NEW YEAR’S EVE

Saturday, December 31, 2016 | 6pm – Sunday, January 1, 2017 | 1am
Location:
Kitchener City Hall
200 King Street West, Kitchener
Summary:
Join our superhero party at Kitchener City Hall and ring in the New Year with some of your favourite heroes! Admission is free. There is a hero in all of us – come dressed up as a superhero and join in on the fun.

Activities include:

The Brampton Batman and his Batmobile will be in the Rotunda inside City Hall
Toy con with toy collectible and comic vendors
Retro arcade – bring your quarters
Live music on Carl Zehr square until the countdown to midnight
Skating on Carl Zehr Square
Free children’s crafts and free hot chocolate
Calling all cosplayers – come as your favourite hero or villain!
Saturday, December 31, 2016 | 6 – 9pm
Location:
Waterloo Public Square
Summary:
From 6 to 9 p.m. at the Waterloo Public Square, enjoy awesome tunes, fun children's activities and entertainment, free warm beverage, and a special early New Year fireworks without fireworks celebration countdown at 9 p.m. Skating will be available, weather permitting. 
Saturday, December 31, 2016 | 5 – 8pm
Location:
Hespeler Arena, 640 Ellis Road
Summary:
Join family and friends to celebrate a new year. To accommodate the great crowds, we will offer wrist bands for the three hours of skate time.

Your family can skate from 5-6, 6-7 or 7-8pm. Doors will open at 4:45 pm so you can pick up the wristband that corresponds to the time you and your family would like to skate. Only one skating time per family. Wristbands are not available in advance, but will be available at the door.

There will be activities to keep everyone entertained off the ice as well.
Crafts, games, photo booth, bouncy castle.

Monday, November 28, 2016

KW Titans Bring Pro Basketball To Kitchener Waterloo – Enter To Win


We'll start with the Disclaimer – Yes, we did receive complimentary tickets, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance to attend the KW TITANS HOME OPENER too! Enter the contest at the end of this post!

 

December 2016 will see the first tip off of the newest NBL Canada professional basketball team here in it Kitchener Waterloo.  The KW TITANS will be taking to the court at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, aka THE AUD, to shoot some hoops! According to Greek mythology a TITAN is giant with incredible strength, which sounds a lot like most pro basketball players, so the team name suits the team well.
 

KW Titans Inaugural Season


The first season for the KW Titans will include 40 games and the home games are sure to be exciting. With tickets just $21 for ages 13-64 and $17 for seniors and children 12 and under, per game, it is a very affordable night out! Want to get tickets for the whole season? Seasons tickets start at $350.

KW Titans Home Opener December 26, 2016


Want to give an exciting gift this Christmas and find a great way to end off Boxing Day? The KW Titans Home Opener is December 26, 2016 at 7pm.  Imagine being in the stands as the announcer introduces that KW Titans for the first time? It may be as just as exciting as when the Tune Squad was introduced in the Space Jam movie.

 

Be sure to grab your tickets to the KW Titans Home Opener before they sell out!

You can get your tickets at THE AUD box office, Centre In The Square’s box office, by calling 519-578-1570 or by visiting http://www.kwtitans.com/14516/map-and-ticket-pricing

KW Titans Charity Exhibition Game


Want to give the KW Titans a “try out” before the home opener? They are hosting an Exhibition Charity Game on Saturday December 17 at 2pm.

Come out and watch your KW Titans face off against the Chautauqua Hurricanes in our first exhibition game on December 17th at 2pm at the Aud. Admission is a donation of $5 and an unwrapped toy to support the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle.

The KW Titans are proud to be partnering with the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign for this game. 100% of funds collected at admission will be donated directly to the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle.

It’s a great way to take in a game while helping those in need. For more information about the KW Titans Exhibition Charity Game visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1833615746852880

For more info about the KW Titans be sure to follow these links





Enter To Win


We are giving away Tickets to attend the KW TITANS Home Opener December 26, 2016 @ 7pm! Just enter the Rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of this post with why you are excited to see KW Titans Basketball in Kitchener Waterloo.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, November 27, 2016

It’s Time To Write And Mail That Letter To Santa



Is someone at your house excited about Christmas? Have they started writing that letter to Santa Claus yet? Well if not they should get started if they hope to hear back from the Jolly Old Elf!

Tips For Writing A Letter To Santa Claus

·         When you write a letter to Santa Claus make sure to include YOUR FULL MAILING ADDRESS so the post office is sure to get his reply to your house

·         Include pictures or drawings you wish Santa to have, but do not send him any snacks. He needs to get ready for all the treats he gets on Christmas Eve

·         Be sure to get in early December to give Santa Claus enough time to write you back.

Once your letter is ready, you need to send it to Santa’s Workshop! The letter to Santa does not need a stamp, but it does need to be mailed to house. Fill out your envelope with the info below and pop in it the mailbox or take it to your post office.
His mailing address is
Santa Claus
North Pole
H0H 0H0
Canada

 
What Christmas activities do you take part in every year? We would love to know your traditions. Be sure to tell us about it in the comments!