As the fall semester winds down and exam season begins, students at Wilfrid Laurier University may be looking for a break. This December, several events across the Kitchener-Waterloo region offer opportunities to get into the holiday spirit, giving students a way to spend time between study sessions and prepare for the new year.
Festive events around Kitchener-Waterloo include holiday markets, seasonal performances and a range of light displays. Wonders of Winter, a volunteer-run organization, once again welcomes the Waterloo region to its Festival of Lights, returning to Waterloo Park for its 33rd season.
Lynne Taylor, secretary of the foundation and a retired University of Waterloo professor, emphasized the community value of the event. “It’s a family tradition. One of the cool things about it is the sheer joy, the laughter in the park, the kids running around really excited, everyone just enjoying the lights. And because it’s free, everyone can come as many times as they want. This is very much our gift to the community. It’s all about the joy.”
Taylor expressed deep gratitude for the festival’s impact, sharing several stories from her years with the organization. “Just about every year we have at least one marriage proposal in the park.” She also recounted moments that had touched her personally, including one instance in which an attendee told her that seeing the light show had prevented her from committing suicide. Taylor noted how profoundly these interactions connected her to the local community.
She also extended thanks to the organization’s many volunteers, including one of our own Laurier students Ben Ohayon, each volunteer works throughout December’s harsh weather to maintain the light installations, with new volunteers being incredibly welcomed.
Last year, 52,000 visitors attended the Festival of Lights. Taylor encourages students to take a stroll through the park and says she is eager to see this year’s guests.
A wide variety of musical events are scheduled throughout the month, including the return of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony with its Holiday Pops performance. Conductor Martin MacDonald will lead the Grand Philharmonic Choir on Dec. 19, 2025, in a festive concert of Christmas carols and symphonic holiday favourites that is sure to impress fans of the classics.
Kitchener-Waterloo will also soon welcome a diverse group of winter vendors. Returning from Dec. 4 to 7 is the ever-popular Christkindl Market, a European-style outdoor market that recreates the sights, sounds and spirit of a traditional holiday fair. Christkindl Market has deep roots in Kitchener, with origins tracing back to 16th-century Germany. Today, more than 35,000 visitors from across North America attend the award-winning festival, eager to sample seasonal food and drink such as Glühwein, a German mulled wine made by heating red wine with spices and citrus. There are hundreds of vendors with a variety of winter themed items, and those looking to buy Christmas gifts are encouraged to attend.
For those who say the magic of Christmas is just for kids, Santa’s Nightcap offers a 19+ round-trip holiday train experience running from Nov. 21 to Dec. 23. Friends can revive their holiday spirit by taking part in festive challenges, relaxing in the lounge car and enjoying a complimentary Locomotive Lager, the Waterloo Central Railway’s custom-label beverage.
Families looking for a more kid-friendly train ride can hop aboard the Merry Mission Dayliner, running from Nov. 15 to Dec. 21. This daytime heritage train experience includes a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt with festive scratch cards and offers a heartwarming way to spend a winter afternoon. Santa will check in on passengers’ progress, spreading holiday cheer throughout the journey. The Merry Mission Dayliner is ideal for young adventurers and the young at heart.
With many more events happening across Kitchener-Waterloo this December, students are encouraged to find time between exams to enjoy some holiday cheer and celebrate the season with their community.
Contributed Photo/Lynne Taylor
