Last checked: Oct 2026. Independent guide; not affiliated with the cities, the Region or any venue listed. No paid placements.
Here are the family holiday events in Waterloo Region that have published their 2026 dates on an official page, in date order. We only list a date once the organizer has posted it; events that haven't announced 2026 details yet are at the bottom with a link to check. Plans change with weather, so look at the official page on the day.
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 6 p.m.
A night-time parade with illuminated floats and bands. New for 2026, it runs along King Street East in Preston, from Chestnut Street to Eagle Street. The city lists parking at the Allan Reuter Centre, Riverside Park, the Queenston Road lot and Karl Homuth Arena, and notes the evening lighting may bother people who are sensitive to light.
- Cost
- Free to watch from the street
- Ages
- All ages
- Where
- King St E, Preston (Cambridge)
Source: official page
When: November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027 (evenings)
A drive-through light display with more than 300 displays, light tunnels and a 40-foot tree. Tickets are timed and sold online only. A few nights are walk-only (no cars), including November 22, December 2 and January 2; the official pages list the other December walk-only nights differently, so confirm on the tickets page.
- Cost
- Car (up to 8 people) $24.95 Mon-Thu, $29.95 Fri-Sat; walk-only nights $13.95 per person online, under 3 free (plus HST and fees)
- Ages
- All ages
- Where
- 425 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener
Source: official source · Our Bingemans listing
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 10 a.m.
The Lions Club of Kitchener's parade along Weber Street, from Frederick Street in Kitchener to Erb Street in Waterloo. A Santa Run starts at 9:45 a.m. Kids can bring letters to Santa for Canada Post to deliver, and the Food Bank of Waterloo Region collects donations along the route.
- Cost
- Free to watch
- Ages
- All ages
- Where
- Weber St, Kitchener to Waterloo
Source: official page
When: Sunday, November 22, 2026, noon to 4 p.m.
Photos with Santa, the Grinch and other characters, plus cookie decorating and holiday crafts. Photo prints are available to take home. It's a fundraiser by the FRIENDS of Waterloo Region Museums; check the museums' website for which site hosts it.
- Cost
- $10 per person plus HST; under 2 free
- Ages
- Young kids and families
- Where
- Region of Waterloo Museums (site on the official page)
Source: official source
When: November 28, 2026 to January 2, 2027, nightly 5 to 10:30 p.m.
A volunteer-run walk-through light festival. Opening ceremonies start at 4:45 p.m. on November 28. The City of Waterloo Museum and Waterloo Public Library host special evenings at the log cabin on November 28 (5 to 7:30 p.m.) and December 16, 21 and 23 (5 to 7 p.m.). The closest ION stop is Laurier/Waterloo Park; cars aren't allowed in the festival area.
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Where
- Waterloo Park, Waterloo
Source: official source · Our Waterloo Park listing · More in Parks & splash pads
When: Market days December 3-6 and 10-13, 2026; evening entertainment December 7-9
Kitchener's holiday market expands to 10 days for its 30th anniversary, with handmade gifts, festive food and live entertainment. Hours: Thursdays 4 to 9 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Monday to Wednesday (Dec 7-9) 6 to 11 p.m. The ION stops at Kitchener City Hall and Victoria Park are a short walk away.
- Cost
- Admission not stated on the page we checked; food and gifts are paid
- Ages
- All ages
- Where
- Kitchener City Hall, 200 King St W
Source: official page
When: December 4, 5, 11 and 12, 2026; timed entry 7 to 10 p.m.
Guided tours of the historic village by lantern light, with stories of how Christmas was celebrated long ago, festive samples, a wagon ride and a sing-along in the church.
- Cost
- $25 per person plus HST
- Ages
- Families (evening event)
- Where
- Doon Heritage Village, 10 Huron Rd, Kitchener
Source: official source
When: Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19, 2026, 6 to 9 p.m.
Walk the lantern-lit village, ride a horse-drawn wagon, visit the historic buildings and enjoy cider, treats, music and carols. A fundraiser for the FRIENDS of Waterloo Region Museums.
- Cost
- Adults $28, children 3-17 $15 (plus HST)
- Ages
- Families
- Where
- Doon Heritage Village, 10 Huron Rd, Kitchener
Source: official source
These usually happen in late November or December, but we couldn't find 2026 dates on an official source when we checked. Dates are usually announced in November, so check the official page before planning.