Christmas Came Early to Kitchener Thanks to the Stars on Ice Holiday Tour

In May 2023 I attended Kurt Browning's final tour with Stars on Ice and last night I was at the Stars on Ice return to Kitchener.  This time they brought along holiday cheer and received lot of audience cheers with the Stars on Ice Holiday Tour

This spectacular skating show starred many stars of skating including Elvis Stojko, Gracie Gold, Elladj Baldé and many others.

The entire cast took to the ice with such grace and energy, skating to a mix of classic and contemporary holiday tunes that had everyone in the audience clapping along. The costumes were absolutely stunning, adding an extra layer of Christmas magic to every routine.

They even paid homage to the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Team with some skaters in outfitted in Rangers Hockey Jerseys and they started doing their own version of practice drills.

The event include emotional routines, dramatic duos and all the jumps, flips and spins you expect at a Stars on Ice Show.

The show was filled lots of festive songs and fun skits to bring the joy of the season to all the audience members. Check out some highlights in my reel below.

View this post on Instagram

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

For more information about the Stars on Ice Holiday Tour and other upcoming Stars on Ice Shows, visit https://www.starsonice.ca

Christmas Parties, Santa Visits, The Grinch, New Year's Eve and more Holiday Stuff to do in Kitchener Waterloo and Area

 Please check all the links listed as info tends to change without our knowledge.  We also suggest you go through the full list as some activities require you to pre-register and many have limited spaces. Dates/Times and Prices Vary.

The top part of our list is for ONGOING EVENTS (daily/weekly events) and further down you can see the MONTH SPECIFIC EVENTS

ONGOING Events

Attractions ONTARIO coupons for https://attractionsontario.ca/coupons

Bingemans https://bingemans.com/entertainment_home.php

Playgrounds Movement and Training Centre https://kwplaygrounds.ca

Skyzone Kitchener https://www.skyzone.com/ca-kitchener

Funvilla https://funvilla.ca

THEMUSEUM https://themuseum.ca/families-kids/

Early Years  https://earlyyearsinfo.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 Historic Site Self Guided Tours Thursday and Fridays https://www.facebook.com/WoodsideNHS/photos/a.797717783604573/4705277552848557

Castle Kilbride in Baden https://www.wilmot.ca/en/living-here/Events-and-Exhibits.aspx 

Wilmot Family Resource Centre https://wilmotfamilyresourcecentre.wordpress.com/events/calendar

Kitchener Market Events Calendar https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Month

Breastfeeding Buddies Events Calendar https://www.breastfeedingbuddies.com/neve-home/about-services/news-events/

Grand River Conservation Areas https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Things-to-do.aspx

Infant and Child Studies group is a group of researchers interested in better understanding child cognition: so how kids learn! All our studies are designed as games for children to play while we observe how they respond to various toys, videos or sounds. The activities are fun for the kids, and help us to understand concepts like how children learn new words, when children can begin to understand math, or what learning strategies kids use to understand new concepts. We deliver studies in person, as well as online and in take home formats.

Lab Website: http://uwaterloo.ca/infant-and-child-studies-group/ 

Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/infantstudiesgroup/

Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/infantstudiesgroup/ 

Have a new child? Sign them up too: https://uwaterloo.ca/infant-and-child-studies-group/sign

Early Childhood Music @ WLU - FREE
https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/faculty-of-music/laurier-academy-of-music-and-arts/group-programs-and-camps/early-childhood-music.html

Parent and Tot Drop in on Fridays at Bridgeport Community Centre 10am-11am https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749/posts/10161329086425750

Dog Friendly Events https://www.dogfriendlykw.com/events

University of Waterloo Earth Sciences Museum info https://uwaterloo.ca/earth-sciences-museum/ 

University of Waterloo Earth Sciences Walking Tours - Various locations https://uwaterloo.ca/earth-sciences-museum/walking-tours

FREE COMMUNITY SKATING AT VARIOUS ARENAS IN KITCHENER https://www.theaud.ca/en/events-tickets/public-skating.aspx then select Free Community Skating for schedule

or

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/activekitchener/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_category_ids=31&activity_keyword=Free%20Skating%20Sponsored%20by%20Josslin%20Insurance&viewMode=list

Guided Nature Walks in Kitchener - scroll down at link for various days/locations https://www.kitchener.ca/en/parks-and-trails/kitchener-natural-areas-program.aspx

Kitchener Rangers Home Games https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/schedule/10/79/home/

KW :Titans Schedule https://www.kwtitans.com/schedule-3/

December 2024

Ongoing

Cambridge Winterfest 

https://www.cambridge.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/winterfest.aspx

Disney on Ice Ticket Info (Event in January)

https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2024/10/disney-on-ice-glides-into-kitchener-in.html

Wonders of Winter in Waterloo Park until January 4

https://www.wondersofwinter.ca/

Gift of Lights at Bingemans 

https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2024/11/experience-magic-of-bingemans-gift-of.html

Santa Photos at Conestoga Mall 

https://conestogamall.com/events/conestoga-mall-santa-photos

KWFamous Pop Up Shop @ Kitchener CIty Hall 

https://kwfamous.com/pages/holiday

Bite Sized Christmas @ Woodside Historical Site

https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/woodside/activ/calendrier-calendar/8ee30d98-7844-4cd1-91e3-f212108ebf81

DECEMBER HACKS SERIES https://www.instagram.com/those2girls

DECEMBER 2024

December 7

Selfies with Santa at the Bauer courtyard (in front of The Bauer Kitchen) + Uptown Waterloo Winter Wonderland Market

https://uptownwaterloobia.com/events-activities/winter-wonderland/

Cosmic Winter Wonderland @ Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum (DOON)

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cosmic-winter-wonderland-tickets-1013960953507?aff=website

Grinch Food and Toy Drive 2024 @ St. Jacobs Market

https://www.stjacobsmarket.com/event-details-registration/grinch-food-toy-drive-2024-2024-12-07-07-00

Christmas at the Gaslight District Cambridge

See Santa + Outdoor Holiday Movies

https://www.gaslightdistrict.ca/

Fergus Santa Claus Parade

https://www.wellington.ca/calendar/fergus-santa-claus-parade

December 7-8

Christkindl Market @ Kitchener City Hall

https://www.kitchener.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/christkindl-market.aspx

The Grump Meet and Greet @ Conestoga Mall

 - Meet the mischievous Grump as he roams through the centre on December 7 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and December 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests are invited to meet The Grump and capture a memorable photo with him.

https://conestogamall.com/events/conestoga-mall-the-grinch-meet-greet-december-7-8

Walk of Lights

https://walkoflights.ca/

December 8

December 8

Sensory Friendly Santa Visit THEMUSEUM

December 8

Sensory-Friendly Santa at Conestoga Mall

https://conestogamall.com/events/conestoga-mall-sensory-friendly-santa-a-calm-and-welcoming-visit-with-santa

Kids Scavenger Hunt @ RONA Cambridge

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749/posts/10162273765490750/

December 13-14

Bethlehem Illuminated

Live Town and Theatre Christmas Experience

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bethlehem-illuminated-tickets-1075655086319

December 14

Grinch Food and Toy Drive 2024 @ St. Jacobs Market

https://www.stjacobsmarket.com/event-details-registration/grinch-food-toy-drive-2024-2024-12-14-07-00

KW Titans Game + Toy Drive

https://www.kwtitans.com/schedule-3/

December 15

Fueling Kindness w/ Autocate

Pictures w/Santa w/donation and more.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749/posts/10162272434185750/

Family Holiday Party @ Joseph Schneider Haus

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tinsel-treats-and-tinkering-family-holiday-party-tickets-974288131027

December 16-19

Christmas at the Waterloo Creekside Church Playground

https://www.creeksidechurch.ca/playground/

December 16-20

Gingerbread Cottage @ Conestoga Mall Winners Court for a delightful Gingerbread Cottage Experience! From December 16th to 20th, step into our whimsical gingerbread-themed, designed to evoke the charm of a cozy gingerbread cottage.

What to Expect:

• ✨ Enjoy hot cocoa served from the cottage!
• 🍪 Kids can unleash their creativity with gingerbread cookie decorating kits!
• 🎁 Holiday Gifts from Your Favorite Stores
• 🎁 A Gift from Conestoga Mall

This is a ticketed event, and space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot for this sweet holiday experience!

All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to KidsAbility 

https://conestogamall.com/events/conestoga-mall-deck-the-mall-gingerbread-cottage-experience

Ticket link https://www.tickettailor.com/events/conestogamall/1464529

December 20-21

Gingerbread Exhibition @ Tapestry Hall Cambridge

https://www.facebook.com/events/563364219680936/?_rdr

December 21

Swim with Santa @ Wilmot Township Recreation Complex

https://www.wilmot.ca/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=8a6f195c-91ec-4baa-99ba-3c2e4575a0c7&feedId=ec907c09-c432-4d39-b192-d7dbfed24f37,25f8b6c5-fc49-414f-820d-a616b9a8ce48,8c3ba125-2205-428f-b936-5b506744c596,a806365b-df0f-4760-9be1-b1138d74338f,2756f3d5-741a-4c94-894d-db4d0dbc4e95,313cc027-bfde-432a-ab21-50cc3806308b,ea4d7b63-7a60-454e-85fb-8000997cb59f,fc30ae43-2f86-4976-9fda-c6bb69e3372c,cdcca14a-f3d1-43ec-9b6e-433c6ee44ec8,a9f4b917-2670-4494-855c-a4780f587ff0,43338104-f08c-494c-8f15-cdb2a764afe4,45f891ec-e7c2-4532-b012-834dcd91d98f#:~:text=Swimming%20with%20Santa%20event%20returns,17%20and%20under%20is%20%2420.

December 22

KW Titans Game + Toy Drive w/Santa

https://www.kwtitans.com/schedule-3/

December 27

KW Titans Game

https://www.kwtitans.com/schedule-3/

December 29

KW Titans Game

https://www.kwtitans.com/schedule-3/

December 31

New Year's Eve @ Waterloo Public Square

https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/all-city-events.aspx#New-Years-Eve-December-31-

New Year's Eve @ Kitchener City Hall

https://www.kitchener.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/new-years-eve.aspx

New Year's Eve @ Hespeler Arena Cambridge

https://www.cambridge.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/new-year-s-eve-party.aspx#

New Year's Eve in Ayr w/Swimming and Fireworks

Ayr200 New Year's Eve Party

December Hacks by @Those2Girls - A REELS Series on Instagram

 

December can be a busy time for many.  This December I want to give you some of my hacks that make the month a whole lot easier.  From holiday shopping, events and entertaining, I am sharing my simple December Hacks on Instagram @Those2Girls and hope they lend a helping hand. 

Get Ready for the December Hacks Series!

The holiday season is just around the corner, and I'm excited to announce our upcoming December Hacks Series! 🎄✨ This month, I will be sharing a variety of tips, tricks, and life hacks to help you navigate the busy holiday season with ease and style.

What to Expect from Our December Hacks Series

Gift Wrapping Hacks

Cooking Tips.

Gift Ideas

Holiday Hairstyles

Festive Outfits

Last Minute Gifts

December Self-Care

Community Support

Festive Activities

I might try some of your hacks too!

Why You Should Follow the December Hacks Series

Save Time and Money: Our hacks are designed to help you save both time and money, making the holiday season more enjoyable.

Stay Organized: Keep track of your holiday to-do list with our organizational tips and tricks.

Add Festive Fun: We'll be sharing fun and festive ideas to make your holidays even more special.

Creating Community: Join our community of readers who are all in this together, sharing their own tips and experiences.

Stay tuned for my (almost) daily posts throughout December, and get ready to make this holiday season the best one yet! 🎁🎅

You can find the December Hacks Series at https://www.instagram.com/those2girls beginning December 1st

Holiday Shopping at the Eaton Centre? Visit the Light the World Giving Machines and Make a Difference

Whether you start your holiday shopping on Black Friday or anytime soon at the Eaton Centre in Toronto, there is one stop you won't want to miss. Now through December 8th you can help out by visiting the Light the World Giving Machines.

With just a few quick taps you can help local and global charities. 100% of all proceeds go directly to the charities and this year the charities involved in Toronto are Covenant House Toronto, Daily Bread Food Bank, Jays Care Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto, CARE Canada, Right To Play and UNICEF Canada.  Even Drew Barrymore and Travis Kelce approve.

Check out how easy it is to make a difference this year with the help of Light the World Giving Machines at the Eaton Centre.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Giving Machine Toronto (@givingmachinetoronto)

Thanks to The The TARO Group for letting me know about this great initiative!