Kitchener invites you to get in the holiday spirit with free events

The holiday season has officially begun and the City of Kitchener is inviting residents to get into the spirit with a variety of free events. Whether you're looking for a way to celebrate with your family, get together with friends or plan a date night, there are tons of upcoming events happening in Kitchener that you won't want to miss.

A new 18-foot Christmas tree strung with thousands of lights has been installed on Gaukel Street. Just outside of Kitchener City Hall, Carl Zehr Square is also holiday-season-ready with Christmas greenery, decorated spruce trees, wicker animals and grapevine balls, and twinkling lights.

“The last few years needed to be different, but this year we are seeing the holiday spirit come alive again as it spreads across Kitchener in so many ways. Residents are celebrating the season and coming together with friends, family and community,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “From the ever-popular Christkindl Market, to outdoor skating, to winter festivals and markets, there’s a little festive magic for everyone.”

Get into the holiday spirit with some of the upcoming events and activities happening across the city in Kitchener.

Skating in Carl Zehr Square

Beginning December 1, 2022, daily, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., weather dependent
Kitchener City Hall, Carl Zehr Square, 200 King St. W.

Pack your skates, invite some friends and family and head Downtown Kitchener to Carl Zehr Square for free ice skating between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. in front of Kitchener City Hall. Changerooms are available from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Don’t have skates? Skate rentals are available at the Kitchener Public Library Central Library, 85 Queen St. N., during regular business hours. For more info, visit kitchener.ca/skating.

Christkindl Market

December 1-4, 2022
Kitchener City Hall, 200 King St. W. and along King and Gaukel Streets

The Christkindl Market, presented by Heffner Toyota, returns to Kitchener for four days of Christmas magic. The streets of Downtown Kitchener will transform into a traditional festival of Christmas that dates back 700 years. The Christkindl Market recreates the sights, sounds, smells, and spirit of the Christmas festivals across Germany and other European cities. With over 80 vendors selling unique handcrafted items, live music, dance performances, and unique holiday-themed photo opportunities – you can step into the warmth and joy of Christmas with plenty of gift ideas for friends and family. For more information including hours visit christkindl.ca

Tree of Remembrance

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, 1-3 p.m.
Williamsburg Cemetery – Dedication Centre, 1541 Fischer-Hallman Rd.

Join Kitchener Cemeteries for its annual Tree of Remembrance event on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m., for families to enjoy festive treats and place an ornament on the breathtaking 18-foot Christmas tree.

Ornaments can be placed on the Tree of Remembrance and donations of new winter outerwear will be accepted until the end of December during business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. To learn more visit www.kitchenercemeteries.ca

Winter Artisan Market

Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kitchener Market, 300 King St. W.

The Kitchener Market is celebrating the holidays with a hot beverage bar, music performances, synthetic curling rinks and a variety of holiday workshops. Enjoy delicious local food and drink, make s’mores over the firepits and shop for beautiful handmade products from artisan vendors. Bring the kids for chances to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus as well. This event is free to attend and open to all ages! For more information, visit kitchenermarket.ca

Kidspark Winter Festival

December 28-30, 2022, and January 3-7, 2023
Various Kitchener Public Library locations

The City is partnering with the Kitchener Public Library to offer a special Kidspark Winter Festival. Bring the family and join us for free family fun this holiday season. For all the details and locations, kitchenerevents.ca.

Kitchener New Year’s Eve

Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Kitchener City Hall, Carl Zehr Square, 200 King St. W.

Ring in the new year with a free family skate, live DJ, and members of council Downtown Kitchener in Carl Zehr Square. Stay for the outdoor party—a DJ will be spinning music and counting down to 2023. For more information, visit kitchenerevents.ca

New Year's Levee

Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, 1:30-4 p.m.
Kitchener City Hall, 200 King St. W.

Drop by Kitchener City Hall on Sunday, Jan. 8, from 1:30-4 p.m. for the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee. This family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, carnival games and prizes, skating, face painting, food and more. Chat with your neighbours, the mayor and ward councillors. Admission to all these events is free. For more information, visit kitchenerevents.ca

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For more information, contact
Bethany Rowland
Director, corporate communications & marketing
Bethany.rowland@kitchener.ca