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.

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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

The Pumpkins After Dark Drive-Thru Event is Happening all Halloween Season

Please note that we were given a Media Coverage Pass to attend this experience by Pumpkins After Dark, but that just means we get to tell you all about it and you get a preview of what took place.

Looking for some nighttime fun during the Halloween Season? We have a great suggestion! Take a short road trip to see PUMPKINS AFTER DARK! This Drive-Thru Pumpkin Display has something for everyone! We saw pumpkins carved to look like Fairy-Tales, Famous Rock and Rollers, Frankenstein and First-Responders. These carved pumpkins portray a scene to be seen!

Check out our Reel to get a glimpse of what we experienced.

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

Next Level Jack-o-Lanterns

We didn't want to give it all away, but when you go, try to find all the ones in the video above. They may or may not be amongst other themed pumpkins. You really have to see it to believe it! Get set to be memorized by the detail of these pumpkins.

(Please note that the video above is from a prior year)

They take jack-o-lanterns to a whole new level and the best part is you get to learn about the displays along the way. Just tune your radio dial 89.1 for fun facts about the event along with Halloween music that matches the atmosphere. This award-winning outdoor event is a great way to celebrate the spooky season, and while you may want to pack up the family and hit the road, FIRST you need to PRE-PURCHASE your tickets for PUMPKINS AFTER DARK. Learn more below.

Get Your Tickets Before They Are Gone!

This is a limited-time event that runs until November 8, 2021 and tickets are selling fast! Tickets must be pre-purchased online at https://pumpkinsafterdark.com/ontario/. The cost depends on the number of people in your vehicle, but note that Children Under 3 are Free! 

How to Find Pumpkins After Dark

Pumpkins After Dark takes place at Country Heritage Park. They have easy to follow directions from many areas at https://www.countryheritagepark.com/getting-here

Below are directions from starting from the Kitchener-Waterloo area (but remember you need to pre-purchase your tickets before travelling there).

Take the 401 East to Guelph Line North; turn left and drive north over the 401 to the first set of lights. Turn right onto Campbellville Rd. and travel east approx. 6 km to Tremaine Rd.; turn right and travel south. The Park is on the right just over the bridge over the 401.

It took us about 40 mins to drive from Kitchener to PUMPKINS AFTER DARK, but consider traffic on the 401 when you choose your time. Once you arrive make sure you have your ticket PDF pulled up on your phone, and then the attendants will guide you through the queue. When your vehicle line begins, you can expect the driving tour of the pumpkin route to take just under an hour to complete.

For more information about PUMPKINS AFTER DARK, visit these links

Website: https://pumpkinsafterdark.com/ (select your area, in our case ONTARIO)

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

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

Have you been to PUMPKINS AFTER DARK? Let us know how you enjoyed it in the comments below.

Gift of Lights – Bingemans Annual Christmas Light Display Drive-Thru in Kitchener Waterloo Ontario Canada

Please note that we were gifted this experience by Bingemans, but that just means we get to tell you all about it and you get a preview of what took place. 

UPDATE: THE GIFT OF LIGHTS WILL BE SUSPENDED STARTING BOXING DAY

Info at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749/permalink/10158949706430750

Kicking off the Christmas Season

Our hearts were all a glow when arrived last night at Bingemans for the Gift of Lights VIP night!  We found this year’s display dazzling and found some extra special surprises along the way as well. Driving through Bingemans for the Gift of Lights is our Kick-Off for the Christmas season.

As our readers know from our past experiences at the Gift of Lights, we really enjoy all the light tunnels, motion displays and the unique lit features.  This year included those and so much more.

We were greeted by a Gift of Lights arch, found reindeer bounding over the car and a salute to our First Responders that have worked so hard to keep our community safe during Covid-19.

We also had perfect timing for the Drone Show that happened to be going on at the same time and caught a glimpse of it too.

(please note this was a separate event and not part of the Gift of Lights, we were just lucky and got to see it for a minute).

Watch the video below to see a quick recap of our experience this year.

To make the VIP Night extra special, were gifted a box of decorated cookies to enjoy!

 

Bubble Safe Holiday Fun

Because of the Coronavirus, the 2020 Christmas Holiday Season will be quite different this year.  As always, we encourage families to stay safe when choosing family-friendly activities and you can include the Gift of Lights as a great way to spend some magical moments with those in your bubble.

The Drive-Thru setup means that you can experience the Gift of Lights inside your vehicle, but if you like there are also Walk Through Gift of Lights dates available as well.  For even more fun, choose an Add-On like a pizza party, or a package of cookies like the ones we received, but with the extra fun of being able to decorate them together to extend your experience after you have shared a fun night at Bingemans.

 

Give the Gift of the Gift of Lights

Gift of Lights tickets are a great way to give a family a joyful experience for Christmas 2020.  Just head to giftoflights.ca for all the ticket options. Not only are you giving a great gift, if purchased for specific dates you can also be supporting local organizations that are important to Kitchener Waterloo and the Region of Waterloo.

November 29^th - In partnership with Family and Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region
December 17^th - In partnership with Grand River Hospital Foundation
January 3^rd - In partnership with The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Please note that there are various dates, times, and prices available. For more information about the Gift of Lights 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

Have you been to the Gift of Lights at Bingemans or plan to? Let us know in the comments!