The holiday season arrives in Kitchener

As festive lights and decorations arrive in Downtown Kitchener, residents are invited to safely enjoy in-person events and programming this holiday season. All City of Kitchener events and programming will run in accordance with guidance from the province’s Roadmap to Reopen and Region of Waterloo Public Health.

“The upcoming holiday season is a magical time of year for so many of us in the community - whether in the downtown or throughout the City” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “After the past 20 months of lockdown, like many of you, I’m excited to see some new and well-loved festive events this winter and encourage citizens to come out, take in the sights of the season, shop local, eat local and celebrate safely.”

Santa Claus Reverse Parade – Lions Club of Kitchener
Saturday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kitchener Memorial Auditorium
Hosted by the Lions Club of Kitchener, this sold-out reverse parade is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Christkindl Market
Online: December 1-25
Outdoor event: Thursday, Dec. 2 - Sunday, Dec. 5
Gaukel St., Downtown Kitchener
Celebrating 25 years! The Christkindl Market returns with reduced in-person shopping, entertainment, and food and drink. Additional online features include a virtual marketplace, Advent calendar, and sales for Christkindl-In-A-Box.

Christmas Fantasy
Beginning Saturday, Dec. 4
Victoria Park, Kitchener
View a spectacular display of festive lights that adorn the trees, buildings, and bridges of Victoria Park. Free to enjoy nightly throughout the holiday season. No registration required.

Winter Artisan Market
Saturday, Dec. 11, Sunday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 18, and Sunday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Kitchener Market, 300 King Street East
Shopping and family fun! Join us for a curated selection of some of the best artisan vendors in Waterloo Region, along with delicious food and drinks from local vendors and restaurants. Holiday entertainment, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a synthetic ice surface for all to enjoy.

Christmas Memorial
Saturday, Dec. 18, 1 - 3 p.m.
Dedication Centre at Williamsburg Cemetery, 1541 Fischer-Hallman Rd.
Visit the Dedication Centre at Williamsburg Cemetery and place a personalized ornament, provided by City of Kitchener cemeteries on the Christmas Tree of Remembrance. Donations of new winter outerwear will also be collected for St. John’s Kitchen, the Salvation Army, and YWCA Mary’s Place.

This holiday season, consider shopping local and supporting local small businesses. The Downtown Kitchener BIA’s gift giving guide will soon be available online. Visitors downtown will also enjoy beautiful window decorations, made possible by support from local businesses and the BIA. Visit their website for more information.

To learn more about these holiday happenings and more, visit www.KitchenerEvents.ca

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For more information contact:

Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communications
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca