Kitchener 
Events Description
Over 120 colourful and fun displays with over 100,000 light bulbs light up Waterloo Park from Opening Night through all of December until 10:30 p.m. on January 2, 2027.
Enjoy the sparkle of the lights and the excitement of the holiday season in Waterloo Park.
Wayback Winter Cabin: Welcoming Winter in Waterloo Park
Uncover local history and cozy up for story time at The Wayback Winter Cabin! The City of Waterloo Museum and Waterloo Public Library are thrilled to partner this holiday season to bring Waterloo Park’s winter sporting past to life. Drop in to explore some vintage sports gear, crafts for the kids, and gather around as library staff share magical winter sports stories. It is a fantastic, free activity for the whole family before you head out to enjoy the Wonders of Winter light display!
The City Museum of Waterloo and the Waterloo Public Library will be hosting special events at the log cabin by the Park Inn on the following nights:
Wednesday, December 16: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Monday, December 21: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday, December 23: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Note:
The cabin will also be open following opening night remarks on Saturday, November 28 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM. In leu of library stories, stop by to share with Parks staff your vision for the future of the park – in all seasons.
Who is it for?
All ages
Free; Donations are accepted on-site. Look for the Donation boxes and simply “tap” to support.
WHEN & WHERE
Date: November 28, 2026 – January 2, 2027
Lights are on 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm every evening
See the lights Monday – Thursday after 8 pm to avoid crowds.
The Park Inn will be open Saturdays and Sundays, Christmas week, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm, selling hot cider, hot chocolate and popcorn.
Venue & Address
Waterloo Park, 50 Young St W, Waterloo
Directions / Parking
ION Stop: Laurier/Waterloo Park
If driving, see below for the closest parking lots:
Please note, vehicular traffic is not permitted in the festival area of the park. Parking is available
at the following locations:
- Seagram Lot Sections D, E, F (on Seagram Drive beside ION station; 220 spots)
Park Inn lot, off Young St. (30 spots) - Central Lot (in Waterloo Park, beside the tennis courts and off Central St.; 24 spots)
- Museum Lot (by the Train Station corner of Erb and Father David Bauer Drive; 60 spots)
- Waterloo Recreation Complex on Father David Bauer Drive
Accessibility
The park is currently not barrier free and is not open to vehicular traffic. There are paved pathways that allow you to see about 80% of the displays. Entry through the gates near the ION Station and the Seagram Drive parking lot or via the Laurel Trail (if coming from the direction of Uptown Waterloo) is advised.
Cycling and Walking
The park is also accessible by bicycle and foot via the Laurel Trail, which connects to the Iron Horse Trail and the Spur Line Trail.
More to do
