Christkindl Market entertainment and activities

Under the twinkling lights lining King Street, explore a winter wonderland. Take in live entertainment on the Christkindl stage, catch live performances all along the street, have fun with the whole family at our KidsKindl kids’ zone and more!

On this page:

Entertainment schedule

Experience the sounds of the season with The Jason White Trio, The Tom Nagy Christmas Experience, The Grand Philharmonic Choir, the beloved Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack live on stage, and more! Plus, this year we're getting ready for a boot-scooting good time on Saturday night with the Christkindl Holiday Hoedown with line dancing and live music from The Bucking Broncos featuring Conor Gains!

Thursday, December 4

12 -12:45 p.m. Jason White Trio
2 - 3:45 p.m. Jason White Trio
4 - 4:45 p.m. Golden Keys Trio
6 - 7 p.m. Opening Ceremonies featuring The Grand Philharmonic Adult Choir and KWS Brass Quintet
7 - 9 p.m. KWS Brass Quintet

Friday, December 5

12 p.m. Jason White Trio
3 - 3:45 p.m. Golden Keys Trio
4 - 4:45 p.m. Schneider Male Chorus
5 - 5:45 p.m. Crescendo Choir
6 - 6:45 p.m. Amanda & James
7 - 9 p.m. The Tom Nagy Christmas Experience

Saturday, December 6

11 – 11:45 a.m. Queen Street Singers
12 - 12:45 p.m. Mixology A Capella Chorus
1 - 1:45 p.m. Grand Philharmonic Children's and Youth Choir
2 - 2:45 p.m. Kinder and Jugend Gruppen of the Schwaben Club
3 - 3:45 p.m. Transylvania Hofbrau Band
4 - 4:45 p.m. Concordia Kinderchoir
5 - 5:45 p.m. The Alpine Dancers
6 - 7:45 p.m. Golden Keys

Christkindl Holiday Hoedown - 8 to 11 p.m.

8:15 p.m. Line dancing with Urban Cowboy Line Dancing
9:15 p.m. Bucking Broncos featuring Conor Gains

Sunday, December 7

10 - 10:45 a.m. Jason White Trio
11 - 11:45 a.m. The Schwaben Dancers
12 - 12:45 p.m. Charlie Brown Christmas Special featuring the Jason White Trio
1 - 1:45 p.m. Amanda & James
2 - 2:45 p.m. Concordia Enzian Schuhplatter Verein

The performer lineup is subject to change.

Activities

Embrace the spirit of the season with fun activities for the whole family. Pick up a map at our info booths to find out more and plan your day of fun. All Christkindl activities are free to enjoy!

Ice sculpture contest

Marvel at the beauty of sparkling ice sculptures as local artists compete for the top prize! Watch five talented artists carve ice sculptures live and vote for your favourite frozen creation.

Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Winner to be announced after voting closes.

Maple taffy demonstration and samples

Indulge in authentic maple taffy rolled on snow, just like when you were a kid. Learn about the history of maple tapping and the process of making maple syrup while snacking on a free sweet treat.

Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Heatwave blacksmithing demonstration

Stroll up to live demonstrations of blacksmithing over a coal forge! Watch in awe as glowing steel rods transform into unique items using traditional techniques with a hammer and anvil.

Every day during Christkindl opening hours

Roaming fire performers

Feel the heat with fire eating, fire juggling and more!

Roaming performances between 5 - 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday

Tesla holiday experience

Visit the Tesla tent to escape the cold, warm up and see their electric vehicles up close.

Every day during Christkindl opening hours

Make the Season Kind with CBC

Support local food banks while enjoying a delicious meal with CBC's Make the Season Kind food truck. Make a small donation and enjoy a special dish created by renowned chef Dwight Smith that incorporates pantry items most needed at food banks.

Friday to Sunday during Christkindl opening hours

Write a letter to Santa

Write Santa a letter to let him know what’s on your Christmas list or wish him a happy holiday! Send it to the North Pole in our special mailbox inside City Hall.

Every day during Christkindl opening hours

Model train display

See the world in miniature with our model train display inside City Hall. Explore a winter scene and see a vintage model train travel around the display.

Every day during Christkindl opening hours

Skating at Carl Zehr Square

Bring your mitts, skates and the whole family for some outdoor, wintery fun as you take a lap around the outdoor rink. Change rooms are available.

Every day during Christkindl opening hours

KidsKindl

Gather your family and make fun winter memories at our KidsKindl kids’ zone! Bundle up and take a walk down to the corner of King and Ontario Streets for free activities the whole family can enjoy.

Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Get hands-on with animals at the petting zoo
Take a spin on a midway ride
Decorate a Christmas cookie
Grab a photo with Santa starting at noon each day
And more!

Activities at local businesses

The Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area and the businesses of downtown Kitchener are spreading the magic of Christkindl throughout downtown with special activities available only during Christkindl Market! Visit the businesses below to take part in the celebration and explore all the business of downtown Kitchener on the downtown Kitchener website.

Coven Market - Holiday Cookie Warm-up

Stop by Coven Market for some vegan holiday cookies and hot chocolate! Cuddle up by the TV for classic holiday movies playing on VHS while you warm up from your walk around the market. A cozy, nostalgic combo!

date: Thursday, December 4 - Sunday, December 7

time: 2 - 7 p.m.

location: 16 Charles St. W., Kitchener

cost: free to attend

odd duck | wine & provisions - a very odd duck-mas sip & shop

Peruse the featured offerings in the odd duck storefront and grab a warming glass of mulled wine as you walk around the store! Pick up a gift for a loved one like a pre-packaged cocktail kit, soap from anto yukon, hot sauce from silent h, and beautiful olive oils from tenuta fanti, or unique wine from non-LCBO producers all over the world.

date: Thursday, December 4 - Saturday, December 6

time: 12 - 10 p.m.

location: 93 Ontario St. S., Kitchener

cost: free to attend

Full Circle Foods - Gingerbread Cookie Decorating with Casey

Take a break from the market and let your creativity shine at this free drop-in gingerbread cookie decorating workshop! Casey from Nibble & Nosh Micro-Bakery will be on hand to answer all your questions about how to bake the perfect holiday treats. Don’t forget to stock up on baking supplies and local goods for the foodie in your family at Full Circle Foods before you leave!

date: Saturday, December 6

time: 12 - 5 p.m.

location: 16 King St. E., Kitchener

cost: free to attend

Libro Credit Union - Loyal to Local Holiday Market

Stop by Libro's downtown Kitchener branch to browse a selection of local vendors and enjoy the festive atmosphere during Christkindl.

date: Saturday, December 6

time: 3 - 7 p.m.

location: 164 King St. W., Kitchener

cost: free to attend

The Civil - Holiday Cocktail Making

Visit The Civil and learn to craft one of their signature holiday cocktails. Walk-ins are welcome but registration is recommended. Reserve your spot at 519-570-9992.

date: Thursday, December 4

time: 5 to 8 p.m.

location: 151 Charles St. W., Kitchener

cost: $15 per person (includes cocktail)

Marlowe General - Gluten-free Bake Sale

Marlowe General welcomes their friends at Helm Baked, who will be set up to sell the best gluten-free baked gods.

date: Saturday, December 6

time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

location: 74 King St. W., Kitchener

cost: free to attend, baked goods available for purchase

Studio G Aesthetics - Christmas Floral Workshop

Enjoy themed cocktails and festive snacks at Studio G Aesthetics, all while you channel your inner elf to create your own beautiful holiday arrangement! Registration is required. Register on Studio G's website.

date: Saturday, December 6

time: 3 p.m.

location: 85 Weber St. W., Kitchener

cost: $75 per person