We'll get together, have a few laughs.
TL;WR for December 10 through December 16 2024
What to do.
Tuesday, December 10
The Apollo has a screening of Heretic at 7 pm. The Princess Twin has Anora at 8:45 pm.
Wednesday, December 11
Centre in the Square has Christmas in Space! A Holiday Cirque Spectacular at 7:30 pm.
Silent Book Club KW has a Holidays Silent Book Club + Book Swap at Midnight Run Cafe from 6 to 8 pm.
Astronomy on Tap: Kitchener-Waterloo has María Rosa Preciado Rivas speaking about the link between black holes and quantum physics and Conner Dailey discussing whether sci-fi topics like worm holes, warp drives and faster-than-light travel are grounded in the real physics of black holes. 8 to 10 pm at the Crazy Canuck DTK.
TWB Brewing is hosting a A Very Merry Trivia Night from 7 to 9:30 pm. Bring a donation for the Mill-Courtland Community Centre Community Angel Project to participate! Minimum $15 donation or equivalent value item per person to play. Entry includes a 12oz beer and unlimited (ish) popcorn, courtesy of the Apollo Cinema! Come dressed in your ugliest Christmas sweater for a chance to win some awesome prizes.
Thursday, December 12
Experience the flavours of the famous St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market on the St Jacobs Market Food Tour from 9-11:30 am.
Cambridge Public Library (FKA Idea Exchange) has a silent book club at the Queen’s Square branch from 6:30 to 7:45 pm.
Get ready for a night of wit, humour, and lively debate as the hit CBC radio show The Debaters comes to Centre in the Square, hosted by Steve Patterson.
Sasha Tease presents Sashay & Slay Showcase at the Victoria Park Boathouse from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Fever Dream Comedy presents Girl Night: A Comedy Showcase at Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters at 8 pm.
Join the KWAG Youth Council for a cozy and creative evening at our Winter Café on Thursday, December 12, from 4 to 7 pm at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and apple cider, table centre piece decorating, and light refreshments while connecting with other youth in a welcoming space. Participate in fun activities like trivia and an open mic, and even personalize socks with embroidery. All socks will be donated, so please bring new, clean socks to contribute to this great cause.
Friday, December 13
Step into the shadows this holiday season with The Ghosts of Christmas Past at the Schneider Haus National Historic Site. It’s a candlelit tour exploring the darker side of the year’s longest night. Encounter eerie figures from Christmas lore, enjoy themed refreshments, and delve into the supernatural with tarot readings by astrologist Diana and a mini paranormal investigation led by celebrity investigator Hauntingly Krista.
Grand River Opera returns for an evening of Christmas Carols and other seasonal favourites at TWB Brewing Co-Op with Hops & High Notes at 7 pm.
Rusty Nail Comedy has headliner Ernie Vincente as seen on CBC’s Laugh Out Loud, JFL42, The Second City, and more. 7:30 pm at Morty’s Pub. You can catch Ernie at the Crazy Canuck DTK on Saturday at 7:30 pm, too.
Riot Queer Events is hosting a Krampus Christmas Market at Button Factory Arts from 2 to 8 pm.
Maxwell’s has a brain shattering tribute night with Sandman (Metallica) and Cowboys from Hell (Pantera) at 7:30 pm.
Saturday, December 14
Your Kitchener-Waterloo Titans welcome the Pontiac Pharaohs to the Aud for a 2 pm game!
Shop from 70+ local Indigenous vendors at the Holiday Indigenous Art Market! You’ll find handmade beadwork, paintings, prints, jewelry, cards, stickers, apparel and more - all by authentic Indigenous artists. Kitchener City Hall, 11 to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The Gaslight District is pulling out all the stops for Christmas this year. Shop for some last-minute Christmas gifts from their awesome selection of vendors while enjoying holiday vibes and the Waterloo County Carollers.
Discover a curated collection of unique handmade goods from talented artisans, enjoy delicious local food and drinks, and take part in festive workshops like crafting and cooking classes at the Winter Artisan Market at the Kitchener Market.
Join Santa Claus for an enchanting storytime, a creative cookie-decorating workshop, and more at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. Help spread holiday cheer as The Grinch collects non-perishable food and toy donations for local charities.
Toronto-based, award-winning independent singer-songwriter Julian Taylor is coming to Waterloo on December 14 at Emmanuel United Church.
Jordan Kalist and very special guest Felicia Chaves play Midnight Run Cafe live starting at 8 pm.
ESAD Rekz & Have Hope are hosting the The Bad Eggnog Social at The Union starting at 7 pm. The lineup includes NIFE from Brantford, Kitchener’s LAAGER, Detroit Metal Punks MRSA, and Toronto's PURITY CULTURE.
Pinch Cabaret is back at TWB Brewing with another hilarious evening of Improv, Stand-Up & Storytelling starting at 7 pm. There are a limited number of tickets are available so reserve your spot now.
Sunday, December 15
The Princess Cinema has a free screening of It's A Wonderful Life with a donation to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region at 2 pm.
The Age of Majority Singers present Wonderland, an afternoon of winter-themed music, at Knox Presbyterian Church at 3 pm.
Monday, December 16
Check out Deck the Mall at Conestoga Mall as it transforms into a whimsical gingerbread-themed camper. Bring your family to enjoy hot cocoa and decorate gingerbread cookies. The Gingerbread man himself might even make an appearance! Space is limited, so register today!
The Princess Cinema has Gremlins at 7 pm.
Ways to get involved.
Get Your Tickets for the CHYM Presents Tree of Hope 50/50 raffle! Half of the proceeds support the Family & Children’s Services (FACS) Foundation, creating brighter futures for youth, children, and families in Waterloo Region. Buy your tickets at www.facs5050.com until December 19th at 8:45 a.m. Tune in to CHYM 96.7 between 8:45-9 a.m. on December 19th to hear the winner announced live!
Since 1991, the Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region Foundation has provided non-government funded early intervention and prevention programs and services that promote the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families in Waterloo Region, helping children and their families to stay together and thrive! They focus on building resilience, poverty mitigation, equity in philanthropy and social innovation. To learn more about what they do, visit their website.
What to read.
Volunteers go the extra mile to provide holiday meals across Waterloo Region this season (Bill Jackson, The Record)
Waterloo startup’s fast, flying eboats (Terry Pender, The Record)