8 Things To Do In Kitchener: Winter Edition
Kitchener is one of the most family-friendly cities in Ontario. If you have recently moved to Kitchener or are considering relocating, I have a lot of fun suggestions for you! There are many activities to enjoy with the whole family, many at little to no cost. You can make incredible memories with your family and friends here. Hiking, ice skating, skiing, tubing, shopping, farmers markets and more offer us unique possibilities.
Let’s examine some in more detail:
1. The Kitchener Market
The Kitchener Market is located in downtown Kitchener. It has a Food Hall on the upper level. You can buy a fresh breakfast, delicious lunch, and many snack options here. Moreover, a lot of vendors have takeaway options. The Farmers’ Market is set up here on Saturdays between 7 am and 2 pm. You can find fresh meat and dairy products, vegetables, and special gifts for your family from local producers. You should visit here every Saturday for your kitchen! Of course, it is not limited to this. You will find many activities there for your children: cooking classes, DIY workshops, live music, and more. In addition, there is free skating at the new synthetic ice rink located inside. Get your skates and enjoy!
2. Bingeman’s Gift of Lights
Would you like to enjoy a unique holiday experience consisting of more than 300 lights- all from the comfort and warmth of your car? Get into the Christmas spirit here! Gift of Lights is a family-friendly drive-thru holiday light display with two tunnels and over 300 animated and static light displays! Enjoy this holiday spectacle each year beginning in December through to early January. Tune into Gift of Lights Radio at 103.3FM as you drive through and enjoy the scene to set the holiday mood.
3. Chicopee Tube Park
Snow tubing is a fun winter activity the whole family can enjoy. The hill at Chicopee Tube Park is 250 ft high and 900 ft long and with 6 different chutes for tubing, you can enjoy the fun without waiting for it. Moreover, besides your events such as birthdays and weddings, you can also organize your corporate events here.
Although known for winter fun, Chicopee Tube Park also has activities for the summer season. Even though there is no snow in summer, they continue to serve you with a waterless and dry tubing course that mimics the feel of snow tubing!
4. Christmas in the Village
Located in Belmont Village, Christmas in the Village has a lot of events for children and adults in late November every year. Many businesses decorate their windows with holiday themes. Your children will especially love the parade that people make by decorating their pets! Christmas in the Village is free but some activities may be paid. There are many fun events to choose from such as horse rides, visits with Santa, and writing letters to Santa. In addition to the events, donations are accepted for the Giving Tuesday Food Drive which benefits the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
Check the website for more detailed information
5. Christmas Fantasy
Located in Victoria Park in the heart of Kitchener, Christmas Fantasy is a festive light display anyone can enjoy. Beginning in December and continuing into January, lights will be lit up from 6 pm daily. Enjoy the lights while walking through the park with your loved ones.
Free public skating is also available close by at 44 Gaukel St. from 9 am to 10 pm seven days a week.
6. Christkindl Market
Outdoor markets have been set up during the Christmas season in Germany since the Middle Ages. These markets showcase ornaments, food and beverages, and traditional song and dance performances. Since 1997, these outdoor markets have been established in the Waterloo region as well. The magic of the festivities will come alive with over 22 wooden huts on Gaukel St. (between Charles & Joseph St.), on King Street, at Bobby O’Brien’s (includes Christmas tree sales and outdoor food & Glühwein), and Concordia Club (12 indoor vendors, fritters and free parking).
Evenings on the video wall, relive the traditional Christkindl opening festivities including The Grand Philharmonic Choir singing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. The video wall will also feature bands, choirs and dance groups from the past 25 years. Admission is always free.
7. Chicopee Ski Resort
What is one of the best activities in winter? Of course skiing and snowboarding! Enjoy this fun with your family, school group, friends or colleagues. You can take advantage of their lessons to improve your skiing or snowboarding skills or to start from scratch. Moreover, it is very easy to rent equipment here. You should visit this establishment during the winter months for these unique experiences that will make you feel free!
8. Parks and Trails
Undoubtedly, there are many beautiful natural areas in this region. Walking, biking, or taking pictures in these places, which pass through various parts of the city, is one of the favorite activities of many people here. If you are looking to get some fresh air and exercise with your dog, this is a great option for you too.
Let’s take a look at some of these places with their unique features, fresh air, and beautiful scenery:
Huron Natural Area
This place includes many paths in the forest made of giant trees and ponds. You can spend unique times with your family or alone among these giant trees in winter and around the ponds in summer.
Homer Watson Park
This park is especially famous among photographers because of its wonderful river and forest trails. The track is generally flat and takes on a unique beauty any time of year. You will definitely want to see this place!
Lakeside Park
This park is a natural park with a lake surrounded by forests and wetlands. Lakeside Park is very beautiful in the summer and has an ice rink area in the winter. There are a lot of benches so that you can sit and spend quality time enjoying nature.
