Kitchener 
Events Description
The streets of Kitchener transform into a traditional festival of Christmas that dates back 700 years. Known as Christkindl Market, this event recreates the sights, sounds, smells and spirit of the Christmas festivals found across Germany.
Christkindl Market was brought to Kitchener’s City Hall by founder Tony Bergmeier. It was designed to breathe life into the core of downtown Kitchener. Today, over 35,000 visitors from across North America come to experience our award-winning festival.
2026
This year, the new Christkindl Entertainment Series will pair nightly headline performances and special events with a full schedule of appearances by local musicians, choirs, cultural organizations, dance groups and community performers, showcasing the talent and traditions that make Waterloo Region unique.
The anniversary lineup combines the community favourites visitors have come to know and love over three decades with new events introducing even more ways to celebrate the magic of the season.
“For 30 years, Christkindl has brought people together through the traditions, experiences and local talent that make the holiday season special in Kitchener,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “The new Christkindl Entertainment Series shines a spotlight on the musicians, performers and artists who help create the magic of Christkindl each year. With a full 10-day lineup of free entertainment, and now with the addition of new ticketed experiences, we’re giving residents and visitors even more ways to celebrate the season and create holiday memories with family and friends while supporting our local arts community.”
The Christkindl Entertainment Series begins December 3 with the 30th Anniversary Opening Ceremonies at Carl Zehr Square and continues with 10 days of live music, family experiences and holiday entertainment. Alongside a full schedule of free programming, including The Golden Keys, Holiday Jukebox featuring Pulse X, the Christkindl Holiday Hoedown, Great Canadian Dueling Pianos and Jersey Nights, the series will introduce new ticketed experiences such as the Royal Pancake Breakfast, Jingle Bell Brunch, Epic Eagles: A Very Merry Take It Easy Christmas, Signal Hill’s East Coast Christmas Kitchen Party and the Disco All the Way party.
*Ticketed event. Tickets on sale beginning at 10 a.m. on November 3, 2026.
Who is it for?
all-ages
HOW MUCH
Free, select events ticketed
Royal Pancake Breakfast – $30 adults, $15 children
Epic Eagles – $30 per person
Signal Hill – $30 per person
Disco All the Way – $30 per person
Jingle Bell Brunch – $30 adults, $15 children under 12
How to get tickets
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time: December 3 – 6, 10 – 13, 2026
Weekend one:
- Thursday, December 3 from 4 to 9 p.m.
- Friday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Weekend two:
- Thursday, December 10 from 4 to 9 p.m.
- Friday, December 11 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, December 12 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Schedule
- Thursday, December 3: 30th Anniversary Opening Ceremonies featuring choirs, live music, skating performances and Christmas tree lighting. 6 p.m. | Carl Zehr Square | Free
- Thursday, December 3: The Golden Keys performing classic rock, pop and dance favourites. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Musik Haus | Free
- Friday, December 4: Holiday Jukebox featuring Pulse X, with hits from the 1970s to today and Christmas favourites. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Musik Haus | Free
- Saturday, December 5: Christkindl Holiday Hoedown featuring line dancing with Urban Cowboy and live country music from Darren Hancock. 7 p.m. | Musik Haus | Free
- Sunday, December 6: Royal Pancake Breakfast featuring Santa, Elsa, Anna and Olaf, with breakfast and photo opportunities. 10 a.m. to noon | Musik Haus | $30 adults, $15 children
- Monday, December 7: Epic Eagles: A Very Merry “Take It Easy” Christmas, featuring classic Eagles hits. Ages 19+. 7:30 p.m. | Musik Haus | $30
- Tuesday, December 8: Signal Hill: An East Coast Christmas Kitchen Party, featuring Celtic music, Maritime favourites and popular hits. Ages 19+. 7:30 p.m. | Musik Haus | $30
- Wednesday, December 9: Disco All the Way featuring Disco Fever, with live disco hits, a signature cocktail and pretzel included. Ages 19+. 7:30 p.m. | Musik Haus | $30
- Thursday, December 10: Great Canadian Dueling Pianos, an interactive, all-request performance featuring rock, pop and country favourites. 7 p.m. | Musik Haus | Free
- Friday, December 11: The Golden Keys performing classic hits and dance-floor favourites. 7 p.m. | Musik Haus | Free
- Saturday, December 12: Jersey Nights, a tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. 8 p.m. | Musik Haus | Free
- Sunday, December 13: Jingle Bell Brunch featuring breakfast with Santa and special holiday guests visiting each table. 10 a.m. to noon | Musik Haus | $30 adults, $15 children under 12
Note: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the December 7, 8 and 9 concerts, and at 9:30 a.m. for the December 13 brunch. Additional free performances and family activities may be announced.
Full schedule and tickets: Christkindl Entertainment Series 2026.
Venue:
Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West, Kitchener
