What to do.

Tuesday, December 16

Waterloo Public Library has an Open Mic Poetry Night from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. This month’s optional writing challenge features the words Ending, Warmth, and Translucent.

The Princess Twin has a screening of Silent Night, Deadly Night at 9:30 pm.

Wednesday, December 17

Feeling stressed out? Check out De-Stress with Therapy Dogs at Waterloo Public Library, in partnership with Sunshine Therapy Dogs. While you wait for your turn with the pups, settle in with calming mindfulness activities and adult colouring pages to help you recharge. 7 to 8 pm at the Eastside Branch.

Rusty Nail Comedy hosts its PRO AM night for only $5 at TWH Social.

AutoCate's Grit & Glitter Holiday Open House is happening from 5 to 9 pm. It's a free, drop-in holiday open house at AutoCate’s women-led auto shop in Waterloo – with women-owned business pop-ups, games, door prizes, and festive vibes.

Joey Castillo is hosting a Christmas-themed Trivia Night at Kingpin Bowling Lounge at Bingemans from 7 to 9 pm. Free to play and there's $50 Bingemans gift card for 1st place! This will also be the final trivia of the year at Bingemans before regular trivia restarts on Wednesday, January 21.

Join ActOutKW for its musical production of Something Rotten JR at The Registry Theatre from Dec. 17 through Dec. 20.

Thursday, December 18

We get it. The holidays are busy. But don’t fret, the team at TWB Co-operative Brewing has you covered with the Last Minute Market. Shop from vendors like Hushpuppy Designs, Island Son Canada, and more while enjoying a pint in their cozy brewery. 

The Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery has a screening of Raed Andoni’s GHOST HUNTING (2017). The screening will be preceded by a short talk by film programmer Zeinah Kalati on the role of art and fiction in understanding the carceral experience.

Friday, December 19

Get into the festive spirit with the Kitchener Rangers as they take on the Owen Sound Attack! The Aud will be decked out in holiday cheer for the Holiday Game and Food Drive presented by Make Space. In the spirit of giving, fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or monetary donations to support the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Enjoy festive decorations and a warm atmosphere while cheering on the Rangers when the puck drops at 7:00 PM. 

The holiday season in Waterloo Region is known for delicious food, sparkling lights, and great live music. Local heroes Rob Szabo and Steve Strongman are back with their 21st Annual Holiday Show at Room 47 in Uptown Waterloo. 

Fresh off its return show at Centre in the Square, the KW Symphony continues the musical magic with the Grand Philharmonic Choir at St. Matthews Centre in Kitchener with Holiday Pops. Enjoy this festive concert of classic carols and symphonic holiday favourites on Dec. 19 and 20!

Why see a show when you can BE the show? Choir! Choir! Choir! brings their warmest and fuzziest night ever with Un-Silent Night: An EPIC Holiday Sing-Along at Centre in the Square. Dust off that ugly sweater and join hundreds of music-lovers for a fully interactive evening where you become the performer.

Brush up on your holiday know-how and maybe listen to some Christmas tunes to get in the spirit as BeccaHosts hosts a Festive Trivia Night at Rural Roots Brewing starting at 7:30 pm.

Join the Kitchener Market team for a night of delicious food, live music and a festive market featuring over 30 talented local artisans at the Winter Artisan Night Market from 4 to 9 pm.

Take a leisurely stroll through the lantern-lit village and drift back to Christmases long ago at Starry Nights at Doon Heritage Village. December 19 and 20 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, December 20

You can see the classic It's A Wonderful Life at the Princess Cinema for free with a donation to The Food Bank.

Come see incredible gingerbread houses and vote for your favorite at The Great Gingerbread Showdown at the Kitchener Market! Local celebrity bakers and Market shoppers will crown the most expressive and structurally sound masterpiece.

Missed hometown legend JJ Wilde at Goat Fest or the CPKC Holiday train? Maxwell’s Concers & Events has you covered with JJ Wilde’s Home for the Holidays 2025. Known for her soulful grit and powerful performances, JJ Wilde delivers passion, authenticity, and pure rock-and-roll spirit! 

Chris Robinson (Just For Laughs, SiriusXM, and more) headlines Rusty Nail Comedy on Friday and Saturday at TWH Social.

Sunday, December 21

Join the festive fun at the Gaslight District as they bring the heartwarming holiday favourite The Grinch (2019) to the big outdoor screen. This event is free, so bring your blankets and lawn chairs, bundle up, and enjoy the magic of Christmas outdoors! 

Bring your weirdest sweater and weirdest friend for M4LL Photos at the KWFamous Holiday Pop-Up Shoppe (741 King St. W., Kitchener) from 10 to 5 pm. $25 per adult, kids are free with an adult, and proceeds from pet photos go to @kwsphumane.

The Princess has Craft-A-Long Cinema: The Holiday at 12:30 pm. Bring your own crafts, catch up on your knitting, hand-quilting, crocheting, or whatever craft you're working on.

KW Gays & Theys is hosting Beers with Queers at TWB Brewing from 3-6pm. It's an afternoon/early evening of casual drinks and conversations.

Dayglo Abortions play The Union with special guests Blackout!, Harm School & Mr Hands. All ages show, doors at 7.

Come support Waterloo Regions up and coming drag performers as they hone their skills at the only reoccurring drag open stage in the region! Sasha Tease Events is hosting Drag Lab at AOK Craft Beer + Arcade from 6 to 9 pm.

Ways to get involved.

Have you got your ticket for the 50/50 in Support of Community Support Connections? Through your purchase, you'll be helping thousands of local seniors get the essential support they need to live at home with independence and dignity - warm meal delivery and gentle exercise classes, to transportation and homemaking services.

What to read.

Roaming the Region: Seasonal Activities in KW and Beyond (Tara McAndrew, The Community Edition)

Fighting a Waterloo rent hike: stories of cockroaches, leaks, mould and rats (Terry Pender, The Record)

Cambridge needs a warming centre for women, YWCA CEO says in advocating for regional funds (Carmen Groleau, CBC KW)