Kitchener 
Kitchener is expanding its Christkindl Market celebrations this December, marking the festival’s 30th anniversary with a new entertainment series featuring concerts, cultural performances and family activities.
Kitchener’s Christkindl Market
The Christkindl Market runs from December 3 to 13, 2026, combining free performances with several ticketed events. You can expect live music, holiday traditions and appearances by local choirs, dance groups and community performers.
The expanded programming marks a change for an event that began as a small, volunteer-run Christmas market in 1997 and now attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually.
What’s New for Christkindl Market’s 30th Anniversary?
The biggest addition is a 10-day entertainment program, with performances scheduled throughout the celebration.
Free events include The Golden Keys, Holiday Jukebox featuring Pulse X, the Christkindl Holiday Hoedown, Great Canadian Duelling Pianos and Jersey Nights, a tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
The City is also introducing ticketed experiences, including an Eagles tribute concert, an East Coast Christmas party, a disco show and family meals featuring holiday characters.
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said the expanded program recognizes the local performers who have contributed to Christkindl over the years.
“For 30 years, Christkindl has brought people together through the traditions, experiences and local talent that make the holiday season special in Kitchener,” Vrbanovic said.
Free Concerts and New Ticketed Experiences
You won’t need tickets for the free entertainment programming, which includes performances in the Musik Haus tent.
Those looking for something different can choose from the new ticketed events.
Families have two options: the Royal Pancake Breakfast on December 6, featuring Santa and characters from Frozen, and the Jingle Bell Brunch on December 13.
Music fans can attend Epic Eagles on December 7, followed by Signal Hill’s East Coast Christmas Kitchen Party on December 8.
The Disco All the Way party on December 9 will feature Disco Fever.
Tickets for the paid events went on sale at 10 a.m. on November 3.
Credit: Explore Watercloo Region
Steve Roth, Manager of Special Events for the City of Kitchener, said the anniversary program is intended to provide more opportunities to experience the festival.
“Whether you’re attending a free concert in the Musik Haus tent, taking part in a family brunch or coming together with family, friends and colleagues to see one of our fantastic headliners, there are more opportunities than ever to be part of the Christkindl experience.”
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
For families interested in shopping and children’s activities, December 5, 6, 12 or 13 offers the best combination of announced programming.
Couples and adults interested in live music can plan around the evening concerts, including several free performances.
Allow approximately two to three hours for browsing, food and entertainment, or longer if attending a scheduled show. This is a planning estimate rather than an official recommended duration.
Visitors travelling specifically for the Christmas market should avoid December 7 to 9, when the focus is evening entertainment rather than vendor shopping.
Is It Worth Travelling for, and What Will It Cost?
With free admission, artisan shopping and scheduled performances, Christkindl is a reasonable day-trip option for visitors from nearby communities, including the Greater Toronto Area.
The combination of market activities and family entertainment makes the weekend dates particularly useful for those travelling farther.
Admission is free, but food, drinks, purchases and ticketed performances cost extra.
Adult concerts cost $30 per person, while the family breakfast and brunch experiences cost $30 for adults and $15 for children. The Eagles, Signal Hill and disco concerts are restricted to ages 19 and older.
The event includes outdoor spaces and entertainment inside the Musik Haus tent. Dress for December weather, particularly if spending time browsing outdoors.
Christkindl Entertainment Series 2026: Trip Planning
What Can You See and Do?
- Explore the Christmas market: Browse handcrafted gifts, Christmas decorations, jewellery, pottery and other artisan products. The 2026 vendor list has not yet been finalized.
- Enjoy seasonal food and drinks: Look for hot chocolate, spiced glühwein and freshly prepared food. Previous markets have featured strudel, churros, waffles, baked goods and international street food.
- Watch free entertainment: Highlights include The Golden Keys, Holiday Jukebox featuring Pulse X, Great Canadian Dueling Pianos, the Christkindl Holiday Hoedown and Jersey Nights.
- Celebrate opening night: December 3 includes festive choirs, skating performances and the Christmas tree lighting at Carl Zehr Square.
- Visit Kidskindl: Free family activities are scheduled for December 5, 6, 12 and 13 at King and Ontario streets. Previous attractions have included games, cookie decorating, Santa visits and a petting zoo. The 2026 activity lineup is still being finalized.
- Attend ticketed events: The anniversary program includes Epic Eagles, Signal Hill’s East Coast Christmas Kitchen Party, Disco All the Way, a Royal Pancake Breakfast and Jingle Bell Brunch.
When is the market
December 3 to 13, 2026
Market shopping: December 3–6 and 10–13
Entertainment-only evenings: December 7–9, 6–11 p.m.
Market hours
Thu: 4–9 p.m.; Fri: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Christkindl Entertainment
The anniversary festivities begin with opening ceremonies at Carl Zehr Square on December 3.
Here are the announced entertainment highlights:
- December 3: 30th Anniversary Opening Ceremonies and The Golden Keys.
- December 4: Holiday Jukebox featuring Pulse X.
- December 5: Christkindl Holiday Hoedown featuring Darren Hancock, with line dancing from Urban Cowboy.
- December 6: Royal Pancake Breakfast with Santa, Elsa, Anna and Olaf. Ticketed event.
- December 7: Epic Eagles: A Very Merry “Take It Easy” Christmas. Ticketed event.
- December 8: Signal Hill: An East Coast Christmas Kitchen Party. Ticketed event.
- December 9: Disco All the Way featuring Disco Fever: North America’s Hottest Disco Show. Ticketed event.
- December 10: Great Canadian Dueling Pianos.
- December 11: The Golden Keys.
- December 12: Jersey Nights: A Tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
- December 13: Jingle Bell Brunch. Ticketed event.
The City says more entertainment will be added as the festival approaches.
How Much: Free; select ticketed experiences cost $15–$30
Where:
Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West, Kitchener
Free at City Hall garage on weekends, and at City-owned surface lots after 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Other times may incur charges.
ION LRT via Kitchener City Hall or Victoria Park stations; GRT routes 7, 8, 20 and 204 nearby.
