Back to SearchKitchener – The City of Kitchener is supporting events, activities, and virtual connections across the city this holiday season, including a New Year’s Levee with performances by local artists. The City is also encouraging residents to leave up their holiday lights throughout January and enjoy outdoor, virtual, and physically distanced holiday celebrations.
“Even when we’re apart, Kitchener is finding ways to celebrate the holidays together as a community,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Seeing our neighbourhoods lit up with lights and decorations has been a wonderful way to feel connected as a community – I love the idea of stretching that festive atmosphere into the new year as we continue to get outside for safe neighbourhood walks and physical activity."
New Year’s Eve will look different for all of us this year, and the City will help residents ring in 2021 virtually. Follow the City of Kitchener on social media for holiday greetings from Council and special guests continuing right up to a New Year’s Eve countdown with Mayor Vrbanovic.
A virtual New Year’s Levee will be streamed on the City’s YouTube channel at 12 noon on Sunday, Jan. 3. The Levee will include holiday messages from the Mayor, City Councillors as well as pre-recorded performances by musical acts from across the region and province. Some performances include:
- Elsa Jayne performing Mino-giizhigad (It's A Good Day). Jayne’s performance was shot at the Huron Natural Area. Her beautifully positive performance is framed by the artwork of her family – an Indigenous mural project developed with the City for cultural ceremonies.
- 12 Mile Island’s Nic and Laura performing an acoustic cover of their original song 19:35. Filmed in the beautiful public space behind Kitchener City Hall near the #DTKlightbox with a backdrop of the setting sun.
- Tawfeek Albasha performing a cover of Arabic pop song Natalie (نتالي). Albasha came to Kitchener as a refugee from Syria and works at Canadian Shield, manufacturing PPE. This is the first performance he’s given in eight long years.
- The Waterstreet Blues Band performing their original song Baby Be Strong. It’s is a musical message of love and holiday hope for all of us who are looking forward to being together again in the coming year.
In addition to the New Year’s Levee, the City’s ongoing Reimagine Winter initiative encourages residents to reconnect through fun and safe winter experiences like downtown walking tours, Christmas Fantasy in Victoria Park, and virtual classes. More winter experiences will be announced in the coming weeks. The December in DTK program is also promoting local businesses and highlighting activities, tours, and displays across the downtown core.
Visit kitchener.ca for all the details and join us in reimagining how we experience and enjoy the winter season.
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For more information:
Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communications
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