News & Events

December 9, 2024: What’s Happening in Your Neighbourhood?

The left picture is of people chatting at a community centre. The middle picture is of people making pottery. The right picture is of people skating.

 

Get ready to register!! Active Kitchener’s Winter 2025 Registration begins Tuesday, December 10 at 8:30am. Check out all the programs and activities that your local Community Centres have to offer. From swimming, sports and fitness to cake decorating, board games and colouring groups. Some programs are weekly while others are single events. Some programs have a fee and some are free. Mark your calendar as free activities tend to fill up quickly. Check out the full program guide below and head to the Kitchener Activenet site or call your Local Community Centre to register for the activities you want to enjoy.

https://www.kitchener.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/Documents/COR_COMM_Active_Kitchener.pdf

 

Looking to try something new? Why not head to the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery for a Beginner Pottery Class. Make something special and have fun learning a new skill. While you are there be sure to check out their current museum exhibit. There are only two beginner pottery classes left until the new year, Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15. Sign up now at the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/claytime-tickets-1021740281687?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

 

Embrace winter by lacing up a pair of skates and heading for an ice rink. Enjoy free skating Monday to Friday at the locations and times that are sponsored by Josslin Insurance listed at the website in the link below. Don’t have a pair of skates? Don’t worry, you can borrow hockey skates from Kitchener Public Library’s Central Library Branch or Waterloo Public Library’s Eastside Branch. So what are you waiting for? Bundle up and go have some fun!

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/activekitchener/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=josslin%20insurance&viewMode=list

 

Click here – Activity search | Active Kitchener – to see what’s happening at the Activa Sportplex

Click here – Activity search | Active Kitchener – to see what’s happening at the Forest Heights Community Centre

Click here – Activity search | Active Kitchener – to see what’s happening at the Albert McCormick Community Centre

Looking for fun ways to get Out and About in Waterloo Region? Beyond your neighborhood association, there are tons of exciting activities and events to explore!

 

Did you know… you could get $400??

City of Kitchener and City of Waterloo offer Leisure Access (Fee Assistance) to pay for activities at your local community centres. Want to take Swimming Lessons or a Yoga Class? Thinking about trying Zumba or Pickleball? All those fees can really add up. By filling out the application and submitting the documents required , you can have $400 to spend on your respective city’s leisure activities between now and October 31, 2025.

https://www.kitchener.ca/en/recreation-and-sports/leisure-access-fee-assistance.aspx
https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/assistance-programs.aspx

 

Paws and Unwind: Therapy Dog Stress Relief with St. John Ambulance
Monday, December 9
7:00PM – 8:00PM
KPL Central Library – 85 Queen St. N, Kitchener

Take a moment to de-stress and unwind with friendly therapy dogs from St. John Ambulance. Whether you’re looking for a break from your busy daily schedule, need to relax during exam preparation, or simply want to enjoy some peace amidst the hustle and bustle of December, this session offers a calming and joyful experience.

https://kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=144810

 

Friendship Café
Tuesday, December 10
1:15PM – 2:30PM
KW Health Caring – 44 Francis St. S, Kitchener

The Friendship Café is a welcoming space designed to bring our community together. Whether you’re looking to connect with others, enjoy a meal, or learn something new regarding healthy aging, this is the place for you!

https://healthcaringkw.org/events/event.cfm?ww_event_eventID=E2487BD3-CC30-43D8-A34C-CECBBFE13028  

 

Starry Night Celebration
Tuesday, December, 10
6:00PM – 8:00PM
WPL Main Library – 35 Albert St, Waterloo

Let’s come together to celebrate the upcoming Winter Solstice and the many holidays of the season with various arts and crafts for both adults and kids. There will be hot chocolate and treats for everyone to enjoy. Plus, families can join a very special winter storytime.

https://calendar.wpl.ca/event/12077411

 

A Very Merry Trivia Night
Wednesday, December 11
7:00PM – 9:30PM
TWB Co-operative Brewing – 300 Mil St, Unit 1, Kitchener

https://explorewaterloo.ca/event/a-very-merry-trivia-night-2/

 

Kitchener Rangers vs. Kingston Frontenacs
Friday, December 13
7:00 PM
The Aud – 400 East Avenue, Kitchener

Catch the thrilling OHL action as the Kitchener Rangers face off against the Kingston Frontenacs! Get your tickets online or at The Aud Box Office.

https://events.theaud.ca/default/Detail/2024-12-13-1900-Kingston-Frontenacs-vs-Kitchener-Rangers

 

KW Titans vs Pontiac Pharaohs
Saturday, December 14
2:00PM
The Aud – 400 East Avenue, Kitchener

Be part of the action when the Kitchener Titans take on the Pontiac Pharaohs! Catch exciting, professional basketball in this National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC) game.

https://events.theaud.ca/default/Detail/2024-12-14-1400-KW-Titans-vs-Pontiac-Pharaohs-Basketball

 

Christmas in the District
Saturday, December 14
11:00AM – 9:00PM
The District Square – 64 Grand Ave. S. Cambridge

We’ll have a new selection of vendors in our huts each weekend! FREE meet and greets with Santa and other special guests! FREE outdoor screenings of your favourite holiday movies! Roaming carolers! Delicious eats and treats! And more!

https://www.gaslightdistrict.ca/events

 

Holiday Indigenous Art Market
Saturday & Sunday December 14 & 15
11:00AM – 4:00PM
Kitchener City Hall – 200 King St. W, Kitchener

Shop from 70+ local Indigenous vendors! You’ll find handmade beadwork, paintings, prints, jewelry, cards, stickers, apparel and more – all by authentic Indigenous artists. What better place to shop for the holidays? We’re also excited to have PowWow Cafe join us and feed all our lovely guests with the best Indigenous food.

https://calendar.downtownkitchener.ca/default/Detail/2024-12-15-1100-HOLIDAY-Indigenous-Art-Market

 

Holiday Events:

KWFamous Holiday Pop-Up Shoppe
December 1 – 24
Wednesday – Friday 11:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM – 8:00PM
Sunday 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Carl Zehr Square – 200 King Street West

Step into the KWFamous Holiday Pop Up Shoppe – a Wonderland of Local Gifts & Holiday Cheer! Returning for the third year in a row, this festive shoppe is your go-to destination for unique, heartfelt gifts that bring joy and support local creators.

https://kwfamous.com/pages/holiday

 

Winter Ice and Lights
November 18 – January 1
5:00PM – 11:00PM
FREE
Central Park – 615 King Street East, Cambridge

Explore Cambridge’s Central Park as it transforms into a winter wonderland with stunning light displays! Take a self-guided walk with friends, family, or solo, and don’t forget to snap photos and share with #cbridgewinterfest.

https://explorewaterloo.ca/event/winter-ice-and-lights/2024-11-18/

 

Cambridge Celebrates ‘Winterfest’ (seasonal events)

November 15 2024 – January 1 2025
Various times
FREE
Various places
https://www.todocanada.ca/city/kitchener/event/christmas-in-cambridge-festival/

 

Gift of Lights
November 22 – January 4
5:00PM – 9:00PM
Experience the magic and wonder of the Region’s most spectacular and dazzling light displays this holiday season. Bask in the beauty and wonderment of Gift of Lights; a drive through experience, featuring a breathtaking 40 foot twinkly LED tree, over 300 animated and static light displays and light tunnels.

https://bingemans.com/giftoflights/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3sq6BhD2ARIsAJ8MRwV-hoeIPL88sKrMpukhP-sAUzMyR4jGNN9RXkJoyQtjWgZSVUMrlaIaAg2MEALw_wcB

 

Check out these ongoing groups and events:

 

Open Space: Games and Social Drop-In
Mondays
6:30PM – 8:00PM
FREE
KPL Central Library – 85 Queen St. N, Kitchener
https://kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=109531

 

Indigenous Sharing Circle
Tuesdays
7:00PM – 8:00PM
FREE
KPL Central Library – 85 Queen St. N, Kitchener
https://kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=123638

 

Jack Astor’s Trivia
Tuesdays
7:30PM – 9:00PM
FREE
Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill – 2960 Kingsway Drive #15A Kitchener
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/jacks-tuesday-night-trivia-kitchener-free-tickets-696244384697?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1

 

Buddy Choir at Our Studio
Monday Evenings
6:30PM – 8:00PM
FREE
Our Studio – 109 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener
Home | Our Studio (ourstudiokw.com)

 

Open Space at Fairview Mall Food Court

Thursdays
1:00PM – 3:00PM
FREE
Extend – A – Family, Fairview Mall food court – 2960 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener
Events Archive – (eafwr.on.ca)

  

Crescendo Choir

Wednesdays
10:00AM – 11:00AM
FREE
Glencairn Church, 725 Erinbrook Drive, Kitchener
Crescendo Choir – Getting ready for September? We are!… | Facebook

 

Mill Courtland – Walking Group

Tuesdays starting September 10
9:00AM – 10:00AM
FREE
216 Mill Street – Mill Courtland Community Centre
https://www.mcna-hscg.com/walking-group.html

 

 

**If you would like your event or activity featured in our What’s Happening In Your Neighbourhood post, please reach out to us at [email protected]**