Kitchener 
Discover the enchanting holiday magic in St. Jacobs.
Credit: Waterloo Central Railway
As this delightful season unfolds, St. Jacobs awakens with its glittering lights and heartwarming activities that promise happiness for all who join in. Here are four delightful experiences to savour in St. Jacobs this holiday season.
St. Jacobs Sparkles
St. Jacobs Sparkles is a Magical Holiday Shopping Event that happens annually during the holiday season. Amidst thousands of twinkling lights, explore unique shops and eateries open late on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Enjoy holiday festivities and entertainment, including fire and mulled wine, live choir performances, live music, Santa visits, and carolling. Don’t miss your chance to experience the enchantment of Sparkles. Details
When: November 13 – 16 & 20 – 23, 2025
Where: Main St, St. Jacobs
Shop, Celebrate & Share
Enjoy a unique shopping experience with hundreds of vendors offering diverse items, from food to art and collectibles, at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. Also, explore Market Road Antiques, a 20,000 square foot indoor mall with over 100 booths featuring a variety of antiques and collectibles, including furniture, jewelry, and vintage clothing. The market and the antique mall both offer daily new finds.
Holiday Sip & Shop: Sip on festive drinks while you shop and enjoy the magical ambiance with twinkling lights and live music during the special Holiday Sip ‘n Shop Night Market days. This event goes beyond shopping; it’s a chance to connect with the community, share in the warmth of the season, and create lasting memories.
Storytime with Santa: Enjoy a magical morning at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market as Santa leads a special storytime for children. Little ones can decorate cookies, listen to Santa’s festive tale, and pose for memorable photos. Families are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture this warm and joyful holiday experience.
Grinch Toy & Food Drive: Join the Grinch Toy & Food Drive at St. Jacobs Market District, where guests can donate new toys for Voices WR and non-perishable food for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Snap a photo with the Grinch and enjoy holiday music, local makers, and festive cheer while supporting families in need.
When: Holiday Sip & Shop: November 21 & 28, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Storytime with Santa: December 6 & 13, 2025
Grinch Toy & Food Drive: December 3 & 13, 2025 | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market: Year-Round
Where: St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, 878 Weber St. N., Woolwich
How much: Holiday Sip & Shop: $8
Storytime with Santa: $25
St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market: Free
Enjoy Festive Train Rides
Waterloo Central Railway is offering three festive train rides this holiday season. Choose from an enchanting daytime ride or a fantastic nighttime adventure.
Merry Mission Dayliner: Join the Merry Mission Dayliner, a festive 60-minute family train ride where passengers help save Christmas through an interactive scavenger hunt and cheerful activities. Santa hops aboard to share holiday spirit and check progress. Perfect for kids and the young-at-heart, this joyful adventure creates magical memories of the season.
Christmas Cheerlight Charter: Climb aboard the Christmas Cheerlight Charter, an evening holiday train adventure filled with joyful challenges and “Christmas Spirit Training.” Collect stamps in your Merry Mission Passport through carols, kindness, and festive fun. With Santa’s visit, lively music, and a keepsake memento, this heartwarming ride brings laughter, connection, and North Pole magic.
Santa’s Nightcap (19+): Santa’s Nightcap offers a spirited 19+ holiday train ride filled with festive mini-missions, laughter, and adult-friendly cheer. Guests can unwind in the Lounge Car or Coach, enjoy holiday swag, and meet Santa himself. With surprises along the route, it’s a fun, social night where everyone becomes a certified Merry Maker.
When: November 13 to December 21, 2025
Where: WCR Farmers’ Market Station, 330 Farmers Market Road, Waterloo
How much: $30.99 & up
Cinderella: The Panto
The enduring fairy tale gets a clever and contemporary makeover in this glittering stage production that features all the classic elements you remember – the pumpkin, glass slipper, masked ball … plus some unexpected and surprising new twists! With its winning combination of popular songs, energetic dancing, tongue-in-cheek humour, double entendres, innuendo, pop-culture references, and outrageous costumes, Cinderella will cast its magical spell and have you cheering for the heroine and her friends and booing the evil stepmother and wicked stepsisters. Details
When: November 27, 2025, to January 11, 2026
Where: St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 40 Benjamin Rd. E., Waterloo
How much: $36.50 – $59.50+ fees
