Kitchener 
Cambridge is gearing up for its annual Winterfest, a seasonal celebration filled with festive events that have become cherished traditions over the last two decades.
City of Cambridge
This year’s lineup features major holiday events, including the Cambridge Santa Claus Parade, the annual stop of the CPKC Holiday Train, and a variety of music, light, and family-friendly activities spanning November and December.
Here’s a look at the exciting events scheduled throughout the season.
Cambridge Santa Claus Parade 2025
The Cambridge Santa Claus Parade will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, beginning at 6 p.m. The nighttime event will follow its traditional route from Dunbar Road to Langs Drive, continuing a holiday tradition that spans more than 50 years.
This year, the parade is being organized by the City of Cambridge, which has taken over from the Cambridge Santa Claus Parade Committee that led the event from 1972 to 2024. The evening parade will bring together glowing floats, marching bands, and local groups, making it one of the most memorable events of the festive season.
CPKC Holiday Train
The CPKC Holiday Train will stop in Cambridge on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Malcolm Street Train Station (20 Malcolm Street). The train’s 2025 North American tour runs from November 19 to December 21, raising funds and food donations for local food banks.
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Event Schedule:
- 3:00 p.m. – Winterfest Preshow with Matt Campbell
- 4:00 p.m. – Train arrival
- 4:15–4:45 p.m. – Concert featuring JJ Wilde and Smash Mouth
- 4:55 p.m. – Train departure
Donations of heart-healthy food items or monetary contributions are encouraged.
Since its launch in 1999, the Holiday Train has collected more than 5.4 million pounds of food and raised over $26 million for food organizations across Canada and the United States. This year marks the 21st anniversary of its Cambridge stop.
Music and Lights in the Village
Held on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., this event will take place across Hespeler Village, including the Cambridge Public Library Hespeler Branch, Hespeler Town Hall, and St. Andrew’s Hespeler Presbyterian Church.
Activities include crafts, giveaways, musical performances, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The tree lighting will occur at 7:10 p.m. at Hespeler Towne Centre. Entertainment includes:
- Jacob Hespeler Secondary School Band at Cambridge Public Library Hespeler
- Jessie T at Cambridge Public Library Hespeler
- Mass choir performances at St. Andrew’s
- Girlfriends Choir at Hespeler Towne Centre
Food options such as Beavertails will be available on-site.
Preston Tree Lighting
The Preston Tree Lighting will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Central Park, with the tree illuminated at 7 p.m. The celebration includes live performances, community gathering spaces, and holiday light displays throughout the park.
Event Schedule:
- 6:00 p.m. – Live Musical Performance by Kendra Gabrielle, singer, songwriter, and music educator
- 7:00 p.m. – Tree Lighting Ceremony
- 7:15 p.m. – Pan Waves Steel Band Performance
Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night
Friday, December 5, 2025 – 6:50 p.m. at City Hall, Civic Square
Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night is scheduled for December 5th, with opening remarks at 6:50 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. countdown to start the downtown walk. Participants move through the streets (Route Map) while Phil Kline’s composition plays from speaker stations and personal devices, creating a shared musical experience. Interactive light installations and LED performers enhance the walk, and attendees are encouraged to wear glowing accessories to add to the illuminated atmosphere.
This year, Unsilent Night coincides with the opening night of the Cambridge Holiday Market, giving visitors access to local vendors from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event has been nominated for the 2025 Canadian Special Events Award for Best Event for a Municipality.
Candyland
Saturday, December 13, 2025 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Central Park
This children’s festival features a range of activities, including an ice slide, themed games, character visits, face painting, and multiple performances.
Scheduled acts include:
- Team T&J at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.
- Comedy in Motion with Bob Cates at 11 a.m.
- Panwaves Steelband at 1 p.m.
Visitors will also find a hot chocolate station, Beavertails concessions, sports activities, and photo-ready light installations.
Cambridge Holiday Market
The award-winning Cambridge Holiday Market returns December 5–7, 2025, across four floors of Cambridge City Hall and the Cambridge Centre for the Arts with more than 100 vendors. Last year, nearly 8,000 people attended to browse goods from more than 200 artisans, makers, and crafters.
Hours of operation:
- Friday, Dec. 5: 5:30–10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 6: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 7: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
On Saturday and Sunday, attendees can browse four floors of artisan goods, crafts, and seasonal foods while enjoying live entertainment and a cozy fire pit lounge. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Willy Melt will be mingling with visitors, and food trucks will be stationed outside to add to the festive atmosphere.
New Year’s Eve Party
The City will close out Winterfest with a free family New Year’s Eve celebration on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Preston Memorial Auditorium. Activities include public skating on two ice pads—one with a DJ light show—along with inflatable attractions, live entertainment, crafts, and games.
Skate and helmet rentals will be available in limited quantities, and wristbands will be distributed for one-hour skate sessions starting at 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
Winterfest offers a blend of beloved traditions and lively new experiences, ensuring that everyone in Cambridge can take part in the holiday cheer. From light displays to live music and bustling markets, the city’s winter celebrations make this festive season one to remember.
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