Check these off your Christmas List: Holiday events in Waterloo Region

Based at Kitchener City Hall, the annual Christkindl market recreates the outdoor markets in towns and cities across Germany.

KITCHENER -

Christmas is in full swing in Waterloo Region with plenty of events to get you in the holiday spirit.

Here are a few of those activities that are sure to make you feel merry and bright!

GIFT OF LIGHTS

This holiday drive-thru at Bingemans will feature two light tunnels and more than 300 animated and static light displays.

The event opened daily on Nov. 26. The following days will be open for walk-through visitors only: Dec. 13, and Jan. 2. Gift of Lights closes Jan. 9.

More information here: Gift of Lights

SANTA’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE

Santa’s schedule is set for his upcoming trips on the Waterloo Central Railway.

The Christmas trains will take kids of all ages from the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market Station on Farmers Market Drive to the North Pole. In addition to music, contests and plays, the Big Man in Red will be on board for the one-hour trip.

Travelers are encouraged to wear their Christmas best or pajamas, and don’t forget to bring along your letters!

The trains depart Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Santa will also be there for nighttime trips called the “Christmas Lights Experience,” with 15,000 twinkling lights decorating the train. Those rides depart on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

More information here: Waterloo Central Railway

CHRISTKINDL MARKET

This year marks the 25th anniversary of this beloved German-themed tradition, but this year they’re doing something a little different.

The Christkindl Market is set up in downtown Kitchener from Dec. 2 to Dec. 5.

In addition to the in-person event, there will also be an online marketplace with gifts and a digital advent calendar.

For more information go to: Christkindl Market

CAMBRIDGE CELEBRATES WINTERFEST

Winterfest is back in Cambridge from Nov. 22 to Jan. 2, with three main events: Cambridge Christmas Market, Winter Illumination and the New Year’s Eve Skate.

More information can be found here: Cambridge Celebrates Winterfest

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS AT SNYDER’S FARM

Snyder’s Family Farm, just outside of Kitchener, is hosting weekend events for the family. There will be a Farm Christmas Bakery, gift barn and visits from Santa, as well as campfire pods where you can roast s’mores and other menu items.

They will also be selling trees from their farm.

More information here: Snyder's Family Farm

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE

Take a trip back in time, celebrating a Victorian Christmas at Castle Kilbride in Baden.

The holiday event will continue all month until Jan. 2.

More information here: Castle Kilbride

CHRISTMAS ON STAGE

Drayton Entertainment has a special show at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge.

“Back Home for the Holidays”, running from Dec. 1 to Dec. 26, will inspire holiday cheer.

More information here: Back Home for the Holidays