What to do.

Tuesday, December 2

Does today’s self-tracking culture put “Big Brother” on your wrist? Communication studies professor Jonathan Finn helps decide if tracking your steps is worth it. A Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo presentation. 1:30 p.m. at RIM Park.

The University of Waterloo Department of Music's Instrumental Chamber Ensemble Concert is at 7:30 pm at the Chapel at Conrad Grebel University College. Join them for some beautiful classical music, performed by five different student groups playing a diverse range of instruments.

Communitech is hosting Communitech Unlocked from 4 to 6 pm in the Tannery Event Centre. Meet the team, growth coaches, and fellow entrepreneurs/builders and compete in a pitch competition to win a prize of twenty Growth Coach hours.

Cool Aunt Creative's Spritz & Spruce is a Wreath Making Workshop at Metro Restaurant at 7 pm.

Sasha Tease is hosting Drag Bingo at AOK Craft Beer + Arcade from 8-10:30 pm. It's a night featuring drag performances, bingo, and community.

Wednesday, December 3

The City of Kitchener has released a first draft of its new official plan, Kitchener 2051, and are hosting a Speakers Series and Open House event to discuss the plan’s key themes. 6pm at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts. Registration is free.

The Princess Twin has a couple of screenings of Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein this week, including one on Wednesday at 6:15 pm. Saw it on Netflix and it's really good. Worth seeing on the big screen.

Got five bucks? Get your laugh on at Rusty Nail Comedy's PRO/AM night at TWH Social. They've got some of Canada's best pro and amateur comedians to lift your spirits and not your wallet.

In For Questioning Trivia has Zillennial Trivia at AOK at 8 pm.

Thursday, December 4

The Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery is hosting Day With(out) Art 2025: Meet Us Where We're At from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Meet Us Where We’re At is a program of six videos that forefront the experiences of drug users and harm reduction practices as they intersect with the ongoing HIV crisis.

Catch one of Canada’s most iconic pop and R&B artists as Shawn Desman takes the stage at Centre in the Square! With a Platinum-selling album, five Platinum singles, and awards from the JUNOs and MMVAs, Desman helped shape a generation of music. 

Come together for a night of local music and support a powerful cause at the One Love One World benefit concert at Maxwell's. Featuring an exciting lineup of regional artists, including Elm Street, Holy Asylum, The Bulletproof Brothers Band, Bartek M and The X-Pats, and headliner Killer Chaos, this event raises funds for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica.  

Join Waterloo Public Library and City of Waterloo for a screening of Crip Camp (2020): A Disability Revolution to recognize International Day for Persons with Disabilities. Crip Camp is a powerful reminder that community is power and culture. The teens in Crip Camp found - and founded - their culture at Camp Jened. Popcorn (with lactose-free butter), tea, and water will be available.

Wilkommen to the Christkindl Market, Kitchener’s beloved annual holiday tradition spanning three days in DTK! Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a classic European market right in downtown Kitchener. Shop from over 90 artisan vendors, enjoy tasty treats at the outdoor food market, and soak up the warm Christmas ambience with live entertainment and outdoor skating. With a licensed area on King Street, ice sculptures, and the fun KidsKindl zone for families, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season. Admission is free! 

The odd duck is hosting a Sip n' Shop from 12 pm to close with mulled wine, cocktails, stocking stuffers and more!

Learn how to open a champagne bottle with a sword at KWFamous's Champagne Supernola.

Friday, December 5

Phil Klein’s Unsilent Night is a modern twist on caroling held in more than 26 cities around the world, and Cambridge is proud to have the largest attendance of all host cities. All ages will enjoy walking through downtown Cambridge to take in the interactive light installations and live LED performers who will be along the route. The music of Phil Kline will be played through speaker stations on the route.

Bryan Hatt headlines Rusty Nail Comedy at The Walper Hotel at 7:30 pm. Down the road in Waterloo, check out Drew Behm at Morty's Pub at 8 pm.

The Union KW has Faulty Rivals, Dead Karma, Viper Church, and Hellian at 7 pm. It's an all ages show kids, so get forget about 6-7 for a minute and go rock out.

The Art of My Pet Skeleton is back with KrampusKINDL 2025 at 44 Gaukel from Dec. 5 to Dec. 7. Explore strange beauty, dark delights, and unique gifts from amazing artists!

Saturday, December 6

Come be inspired by the amazing young entrepreneurs in our community at the Children's Holiday Market, sponsored by SPUR Innovation Centre and Little Lake Market. It's a market of makers all under 17 years of age. Free entry and plenty of parking. Bring a new, unwrapped book, game or puzzle to support their local toy drive.

D&D Smoked Eats has a pop-up at Aura-La Pastries & Provisions from 12 to 3 pm. Brisket and pulled pork sammies and mac & cheese.

Schwaben Club has its Jingle & Mingle Market from 9 to 3 pm.

The Princess Cinema in partnership with the Uptown Waterloo BIA presents a free screening of The Polar Express 1:45 pm.

This is my last resort. Get ready to rock out as Papa Roach brings their Rise of the Roach Tour to The Aud! This marks the band’s first-ever performance in Kitchener, featuring their biggest Canadian production to date alongside over 25 years of genre-defining hits.  

The Underwing at the Gaslight District has a Charlie Brown Christmas Jazz Trio & Brunch, featuring the Glenn Paul Jazz Trio. Enjoy a Prix Fixe Menu Brunch and Complimentary Mimosa.

Wave Maker Craft Brewing has its Kids' Christmas Party from 3 to 6 pm. Santa will be there!!!

Jean Paul is telling jokes at Morty's Pub as he headlines Rusty Nail Comedy's 8 pm show.

Maxwell's has a Metallica & Pantera Tribute Night with Sandman and Cowboys from Hell at 8 pm.

Speaking of cover bands, Centre in the Square has Hotel California: The Original Tribute to the Eagles at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, December 7

Jack and Danika play the Malt & Barley live from 2:30 to 4:30 pm.

Come out and support some amazing local Indigenous creatives this holiday season at the Holiday Indigenous Art Market at 22 Willow St. The market will also be offering a giveaway to three special guests, both days! You could win prints, jewelry, stickers, and more.

The Gaslight District has a free outdoor screening of Home Alone at 1 pm!

On December 7 from 1-3pm, join Homer Watson House & Gallery for Homer Holiday! They are celebrating the winter season with delightful story times at 1:30pm and 2:30pm, and two drop-in art activities, where you'll have the chance to make a paper lantern for the dark winter nights, and assemble a whimsical winter collage! Perfect for kids of all ages, these hands-on activities allow everyone to explore their artistic side and take home a unique holiday decoration.

Enobini plays The Union KW with very special guests Petrochemicals and My Angel starting at 9, doors at 8.

Monday, December 8

The Princess Cinema has a screening of Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers at 9:05 pm.

Ways to get involved.

The KWFamous Holiday Pop-up Shoppe is back, this time at its new home in the Bright Building at 741 King St. W in Kitchener. With over 100 local vendors in store, you're bound to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Shop small and support local this holiday season.

Tuesday is Giving Tuesday, and it's a great time to donate to one of your favourite charities and not-for-profits. Not sure where to give? Here are a few of our favourites:

• KidsAbility
• Food4Kids Waterloo Region
• Nutrition for Learning
• Supportive Housing of Waterloo
• Centre in the Square
• ArtShine - Arts4All

What to read.

(More) Culinary Circles (Alex Bielak, Food For Thought)

Cookies are a fun and simple way to start holiday baking (Jasmine Mangalaseril, CBC KW)

There’s much chatter about Ford changing local government structure. What does it mean for Waterloo Region? (Luisa D'Amato, The Record)

Hacksmith raises $15 million for multi-tool to be built in Waterloo Region (Joe McGinty, The Record)