The holidays. Little faces aglow with wonder. Snow. Shopping. Singing. All that and more in the Kitchener-Waterloo region this December.

One of the joys of the season is taking in the dazzling light displays. Wonders of Winter at Waterloo Park kicks off with fireworks December 2. Over 100 displays with more than 100,000 bulbs light up the park until New Year’s Eve. Candyland at Central Park in Cambridge also opens on the 2nd with free family-friendly activities from 10 am to 5 pm including entertainment, interactive games and an ice slide. The light display runs until the new year and the skating is always free. Kitchener lights up the downtown at Victoria Park on Dec. 9 with live music, crafts and free hot chocolate.

The Gift of Lights at Bingemans offers a spectacular professional light presentation on a 2 kilometer drive through the park. More than 30 static and animated displays and a stunning 200’ plus light tunnel make for a light lovers delight. Brentwood Livery would be pleased to enhance your holiday experience with a stress-free, luxury chauffeured light tour. (Click here for more details)

Santa will be making appearances across the region over the coming weeks. Children of all ages can meet the jolly old elf at the Hespeler Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 2. On the 9th Santa and Mrs. Santa will preside at the The Waterloo Region Children’s Safety Village. There will be hot chocolate and cookies, sparkles and seasonal arts and crafts. Father Christmas will visit Westfield Heritage Village in Rockton on Dec. 2, 9, 16 as part of a seasonal experience that includes music, food samples and fireworks. Of course, Santa will popping up at various stores, restaurants and malls so there are lots of opportunities for good girls and boys to pass on their wishes.

Perhaps you prefer your Santa on rails. The Waterloo Central Railway out of St. Jacobs Village Station is taking fares for The Santa Train. Passengers enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and music before a non-stop train ride that guarantees each child some one on one time with the big guy. The railway also offers the Polar Express which includes hot chocolate and treats on board, singing, a gift from Santa and an interactive reading of the Polar Express story. The Santa Train runs Saturday and Sundays and the Polar Express Fridays and Saturdays until Dec. 23.

Music. The festive backbone of the season. Many gatherings will ring with it and every Church will sing of the Silent Night. There are so many opportunities to make or to take in the sounds of the season that we can only touch on a few.

There’s a different take on caroling in Cambridge on Dec. 7. Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night combines downloaded music, light installations and thousands of people on a stroll through the downtown. Many concerts are raising proceeds for causes and will not only entertain but embrace the season’s spirit of giving. Dec. 1 and 2 the Sounds of Christmas at the Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church supports KidsAbility. The NoteWorthy Singers Christmas Joy concert supports the Waterloo Knights of Columbus “New Toys For Needy Kids” campaign. It takes place on Dec. 7 at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church. Let It Be Christmas on Dec. 23 and 24 at Highview Community Church in Kitchener takes you on the long and winding road with Beatleized Christmas carols. This concert is free and in partnership with Supportive Housing of Waterloo. Free concerts are offered at Queens Square in Cambridge with A Children’s Choral Christmas on Dec. 3 and Festive Flutes, a concert of massed flutes, on Dec. 10.

The Centre in the Square will present a number of Seasonal performances this month including
A holiday themed youth Orchestra, a Yuletide Spectacular with the K-W Symphony Orchestra, The Nutcracker and the Messiah. The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra presents The Nutcracker on Dec. 1 at Forward Church in Cambridge.

If you wish to immerse yourself in the Christmas story The International Gospel Centre in Kitchener hosts A Christmas Journey on Dec. 7, 8, 9. This walking tour of the story of the birth of Jesus is free and includes a horse drawn carriage ride. Most Churches will be presenting special Christmas Eve services.

Shopping. Shopping. Shopping. The stores are bedecked with lights, the mall is abuzz and flyers fill the mailbox as retailers compete for your festive funds.

If you are looking for something a bit more low key and personal there are local Christmas craft markets, bazaars and bake sales all around the region every week or for a bit more bustle check out Kitchener’s take on the traditional European Christmas market. The Christkindl Market runs from Dec. 7-10 in the downtown with more than 100 vendors, live bands, choirs and dance groups, live nativity, model railway, puppet shows, kid’s workshops and, of course visits from Christkindl. The Cambridge Christmas Market also runs Dec. 7-10. City Hall and Market Square will bustle with vendors offering unique gifts and seasonal foods in a great shopping atmosphere.

Drayton Entertainment has shows in St. Jacobs and Cambridge this month and The Aud hosts games with the Kitchener Rangers and Titans. For something a little different check out the nighttime Owl Prowl at Rare on Dec. 14.

And so it ends. New Year’s Eve draws 2017 to a close and parties abound. Check out your local bar, restaurant or hall for the soiree that suits or toast with your loved ones at home. Cambridge and Waterloo offer free skating and family activities earlier on New Year’s Eve and downtown Kitchener will serve up activities for all ages and count down the new year at midnight.

Happy New Year. Keep it safe. If you wish to make your New Year festivities, or any event, not only safe and stress-free but unforgettably luxurious contact Brentwood Livery. We’ll get you there and back in style.

It’s never too soon to plan your next Unforgettable Experience.

Here are our current holiday promotions!

Create your own Ale Trail

Brew up a tasteful experience

Brentwood Livery and outstanding local craft breweries have collaborated to create your customized trip to savour. Tours, beer tasting, choice cuisine and luxury transportation combine in a bewitching brew.

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Beamsville Wine Tour

Explore Beamsville with a tour Designed For You

You will come for the wine, but you will leave with a new appreciation for the passion and history that goes into every bottle. Each winery is hand picked to provide a different experience that together will come together for an absolutely unforgettable day!

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Limo Progressive Dinner

Experience an evening like no other

Brentwood Livery and Charcoal Group have teamed up to create an evening of unforgettable memories: The Progressive Dinner. Indulge in a different course and beverage at a variety of locations!

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Golf

Swing up to the course in comfort.

Whether celebrating with your regular group or travelling with your co-workers to the company tournament, your day will be memorable with Brentwood Livery. We hope the golf is too!

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