Cambridge Celebrates ‘Winterfest’ event lineup announced for 2021
Cambridge, Ontario. Nov. 4, 2021 – With a hybrid mix of online and in-person events, the City of Cambridge’s annual holiday season festival is set to bring festive cheer to the community from Nov 22, 2021 to Jan 2, 2022.
Cambridge Celebrates ‘Winterfest’ will feature many of the great seasonal events the community has come to know and love over the last 20 years. The three main events are: Winter Illumination, the Cambridge Christmas Market, and a New Year’s Eve skate.
“Winterfest offers an opportunity for all of us to engage safely in the holiday events we’ve come to know and love here in Cambridge,” said Mayor Kathryn McGarry. “I am excited for the opportunity for all of us to celebrate following the limitations of last year. Thanks to our team for working within public health guidelines to offer these key community events we’ve missed over the last little while.”
For the last two decades, Cambridge residents have embraced the holiday season with the City’s flagship, award-winning winter festival. Formerly known as Christmas in Cambridge, the new name is more reflective of the season.
The rebranding of the festival also comes as part of an overall brand rejuvenation for all events at the City under the over-arching umbrella brand of ‘Cambridge Celebrates.’ Residents can expect re-vamped and/or updated event names for most City events over the next year. Festival-goers are encouraged to share their Winterfest experience by tagging posts and pictures on social media with the hashtag #CbridgeCelebrates.
CP Rail’s annual Holiday Train will remain a virtual event for this year. Residents can stay up-to-date on event details on the CP Rail website.
Festival and event details are subject to change depending on public health regulations and gathering limits. For more information on Winterfest and volunteer opportunities, visit www.cambridgecelebrates.ca.
Winter Illumination
Back by popular demand, Winter Illumination is planned to be even brighter in its second year. The community is invited to experience the magic of the season with more than 20 festive light installations throughout the city, many created by local artists. Some returning displays include the Main Street boardwalk tunnel, Jacob’s Landing waterfall, Craig’s Crossing Pedestrian Bridge, Jacob’s Landing pergola, Central Park, Hespeler Town Hall, and the singing tree outside City Hall.
The event kicks off on December 1 with launch events from 6-8 p.m. at City Hall (50 Dickson St), Central Park (615 King St) and Hespeler Town Hall (11 Tannery St E). Each event will feature a food truck, live entertainment and buskers. Residents can enjoy light installations at all three locations as they’re first lit up for the start of the month-long event. In addition to the winter projection show at the Old Post Office a special show for Winter Illumination will be running on December 1 from 7-9:30 p.m. This year will also feature pop-up events on December 8 and 15 in Civic Square featuring live music and a food truck. Winter Illumination runs until January 2, 2022.
Cambridge Christmas Market (online & in-person)
The Cambridge Christmas Market showcases amazing products from more than 40 local artisans, crafters and makers, both online and in person. The online market will be open from November 22 to December 20 offering multiple delivery options. Residents can find unique local gifts from the comfort of their own home. Visit the City’s website beginning Nov. 22 to access the online market.
For those who enjoy an onsite shopping experience, the Cambridge Christmas Market will have a one-day, outdoor event outside City Hall on Saturday, Dec. 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The outdoor market will also feature live entertainment and food trucks. Residents attending the in-person market are reminded to follow all public heath guidelines and shop safely.
New Year’s Eve
The family-favourite New Year’s Eve skate is back in the lineup of events this year, offering in-person skating on Friday, Dec. 31 at Hespeler Arena from 4-8 p.m. Skating will run on two rinks and include dimmed lighting and top 40 music. Pre-registration is required and will open one week prior to the event (Friday, Dec. 24 at 7 a.m.). Proof of vaccination will be required for anyone entering the facility as per provincial regulations.
With the recent announcement from Region of Waterloo Public Health confirming cases of the Omicron variant among region residents, the community is being asked to reduce all non-essential contact with others. As a result, we made the difficult decision to cancel the Winterfest New Year’s Eve Skate event.
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