The City of Cambridge’s rings in the holiday season with Winterfest, a full lineup of in-person events from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31.
Formerly known as Christmas in Cambridge, the series of festive events has been celebrating the season for two decades.
“We are excited to bring this well-loved festival back to Cambridge and celebrate together in-person, really for the first time in its full scale since 2019,” said deputy city manager Hardy Bromberg in a press telease. “The fact that we are now in our 19th year is a testament to its success.”
Kicking off the festival on Nov. 25 is Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night.
The one-night event attracts about 8,000 to see downtown transformed "into a magical, musical journey of illuminated local art installations."
“Connecting everyone together is what we are striving to do,” said Rachel Fraser, manager of recreation, culture and sport. “This year’s festival is a collaboration with our long-standing partners to offer a wide variety of fun filled experiences for all ages and interests.”
On Nov. 30, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will roll into Cambridge at the Malcolm Street CP station The city is hosting a pre show with live entertainment and a barbecue fundraiser with donations going to the Cambridge Food Bank.
From interactive light installations, exciting entertainment and a holiday market, recreation coordinator Leanne Bond said “visitors are sure to come away with incredible experiences and memories.”
In December, Winter Ice and Lights will bring an interactive experience to Central Park in Preston, keeping the park lit up all month long.
In Hespeler, Music and Lights in the Village will be held Dec. 2, and in Galt, the Cambridge Christmas Market will run December 10 and 11 at the David Durward Centre and the Cambridge Centre for the Arts.
At the end of the month, the festival wraps up with a New Year’s Eve party at Hespeler Arena. The family-friendly event includes skating, crafts, an inflatable obstacle course and early countdown to 2023.
For more information on the events, visit the city's website.
