CALENDAR
Club scene
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
Churchill Arms, Celtic Christmas with The Gaes, Friday; Josh David, Thursday, free, 8:30 p.m., 355 Erb St. W., Waterloo, 519-746-2530 Commercial Tavern, Weber Country Christmas with Doug Dietrich, Friday; Weber Country Christmas, Saturday; open stage with Paul & Sue and Big George Lonsbury, Thursday, free, 8 to 11 p.m., 1303 Maryhill Rd., Maryhill, 519-648-3644 Descendants Beer and Beverage Co. Ltd., Jesse Webber, Friday (8 p.m.); Jenny Howes, Saturday (7 p.m.), free, 319 Victoria St. N., Kitchener, 226-241-3700 Duke and Duchess, Ugly Sweater Party, Craig & Juneyt, Friday; D & Scott C, Saturday, free, 9 p.m., 900 Jamieson Pkwy., Cambridge, 519-654-2224
Duke of Wellington, Dave Huber Band, Saturday; Romeo Sex Fighter, Sunday; Turk & The Hobbits, Monday; Chalkline, Tuesday; Mike Todd, Wednesday; Happy Pappy, Thursday, free, 9:30 p.m., 33 Erb St., Waterloo, 519-886-9370
Lancaster Smokehouse, John McKinley Band, Friday (8 to 11 p.m.); Peter Shaw Christmas Show, Saturday (6 to 8 p.m.); Matt Weidinger, Wednesday (6 to 9 p.m.), free, 574 Lancaster St. W., Kitchener, 519-743-4331 Manhattans Pizza Bistro Music Club, Carmen Spada Trio, Friday; Chicago Electric Blues, Saturday; Olivia Borkosky, Sunday; Brad Halls, Wednesday; Carmen Spada, Thursday, free, 7 p.m., 951 Gordon St. S., Guelph, 519-767-2440
Pops and Ruby’s, Sandy MacDonald, Wednesday, free, 8:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., 200 Preston Pkwy., Cambridge, 519-699-4985
Rhapsody Barrel Bar, Sean Pinchin, Saturday, free, 2 p.m., 179 King St. W., Kitchener, 226-647-3996
Shakespeare Arms, Powerglide, Friday; Sean Royle, Saturday, free, 9 p.m., 35 Harvard Rd., Guelph, 519-757-6003
Sip Club, Kent MacMillan, Friday; Why Now, Saturday, free, 8 p.m., 91 Wyndham St., Guelph, 519-265-1964
Stampede Corral, Brad James, FridaySaturday; James Cameron, Thursday, cover charge, 9:30 p.m., 248 Stirling Ave. S., Kitchener, 519-576-5660
The Boar’s Head Pub, Yeager, Friday; Chad McCoy, Saturday; Greg Ball, Thursday, free, 9 p.m., Queen’s Inn, 161 Ontario St., Stratford, 519-271-1400
The Boathouse, Hymnomancer, Thursday, free, 8 p.m., 57 Jubilee Dr., Kitchener, 519-749-8080 The Easy Pour Wine Bar, Peter Shaw, Friday; Tim Louis, Saturday; Juneyt, Tuesday; Kenny Munshaw, Thursday, free, 7 to 9 p.m., 1660 Blair Rd., Cambridge White Rabbit, Acoustic Meltdown with Shannon Lyon & Steve Wood, Saturday, free, 2 to 5 p.m., 47 King St. N., Waterloo, 519-404-0839 Williamsburg Arms, Derek O’Halloran, Saturday, free, 9:30 p.m., 1187 FisherHallman Rd., Kitchener, 519-745-6460
Concerts
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
Fourth Fridays, Oh Canada concert in celebration of Canada 150 and Guelph 190; D’eve Archer, free, 7 p.m. Guelph Civic Museum, 52 Norfolk St., Guelph, 519-836-1221 Tom Nagy’s Christmas, presented by the Grand River Jazz Society; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; tickets: www. ticketscene.ca/events/19663, $20, $10 under 30, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., The Jazz Room, Huether Hotel, 59 King St. N., Waterloo SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
Lorne Lofsky Trio, presented by the Grand River Jazz Society; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; tickets: www.ticketscene.ca/ events/19664, $16, $8 under 30, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., The Jazz Room, Huether Hotel, 59 King St. N., Waterloo
13th Annual Holiday Show, featuring Rob Szabo and Steve Strongman; 19-plus event; doors open at 7:30 p.m.; tickets available at Encore Records, Orange Monkey and www.ticketweb.ca/ event/steve-strongman-rob-szabo-starlight-tickets/7822295, $19 advance, $25 at the door, 8:30 p.m. Starlight Social Club, 47 King St. N., Waterloo WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27 Shout Sister! Choir: Singers Wanted, love to sing, but can’t read music? Join us for a practice with no obligation; new TLTILYZ HS^H`Z ^LSJVTL" Ä]L TVU[O sessions run Wednesdays in September through January and February through June; $160 per session (includes onetime set-up fee of $20), 1 to 3 p.m., Breslau Mennonite Church, 226 Woolwich St., Breslau, shoutsisterchoir.ca
Mostly Music, a casual afternoon of singing; if you can sing “Happy Birthday” you can sing with us; we sing popular songs and more and in December we sing Christmas carols; all are welcome; Wednesdays from September to June, free, 1:15 to 3 p.m., Breithaupt Centre, 350 Margaret Ave., Kitchener, 519-8841850 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29
Rebecca Binnendyk, presented by the Grand River Jazz Society; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; tickets: www.ticketscene.ca/ events/19665, $20, $10 under 30, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., The Jazz Room, Huether Hotel, 59 King St. N., Waterloo SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30
/VSPKH` )LULÄ[ *VUJLY[ join us for a night of food, drinks, and live T\ZPJ [V ILULÄ[ ;OL -VVK )HUR 6M Waterloo Region; doors open at 7 p.m., 19-plus event; featuring music by Alex Unger, Coming Clean, Antisocial Surf Club, Among Legends, Rawls Royce; www.facebook.com/ events/464200440641182, three non-perishables or $5 at the door, 7 to 11:30 p.m., Chainsaw, 28 King St. N., Waterloo, 905-964 8504
Phoenix Jazz Group, presented by the Grand River Jazz Society; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; tickets: www.ticketscene.ca/ events/19666, $16, $8 under 30, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., The Jazz Room, Huether Hotel, 59 King St. N., Waterloo SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve at Rhapsody Barrel Bar, three options to choose from: Dinner with Divines with two seatings (call to reserve) at 5 to 7 p.m. or 7 to 9 p.m. ($60); After Party with Romeo Sex Fighter (doors at 9 p.m., show at 10:30 p.m., $30); dinner and after party ($85); champagne and party favours at midnight included with options two and three; tickets available at Rhapsody or www.ticketscene.ca/events/19448, Rhapsody Barrel Bar, 179 King $30$85, St. W., Rufus Kitchener, and Guests, 226-647-3996 presented by the Grand 6:30 p.m.; River tickets: Jazz Society; www.ticketscene.ca/ doors open at events/19667, The Jazz Room, $40, Huether 8:30 to Hotel, 11:30 59 p.m., King St. New open N., Year’s at Waterloo 9 p.m.; Eve 19-plus with Sloan, event; doors tickets: www.ticketscene.ca/events/19381, $50, 9:30 p.m. Maxwell’s Concerts and Events, 226-240-7020 35 University Ave. E., Waterloo, MONDAY, Pete Temple JANUARY & The Cornerstones, 1 New p.m., Year’s The Boathouse, Day kick-off, 57 $10, Jubilee 3 to Dr., 7 Kitchener, 519-343-2211 FRIDAY, Tim Louis JANUARY and the 5 Ambassadors Annual by New the Year’s Grand Levee, River Jazz presented Society; doors www.kwjazzroom.com/event/timlouis/?instance_id=3634, open at 6:30 p.m. ; tickets: $20, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., The Jazz Room, Huether Hotel, 59 King St. N., Waterloo SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 KW Dixieland Jazz Club, featuring The Red Hot Ramble, $15, 2 to 5 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 530, 316 Marsland Dr., Waterloo Mark Kelso & The Jazz Exiles, Presented by the Grand River Jazz Society; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; tickets: www. kwjazzroom.com/event/mark-kelsothe-jazz-exiles/?instance_id=3635, $25, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., The Jazz Room, Huether Hotel, 59 King St. N., Waterloo FRIDAY, JANUARY 12
Confabulation, presented by the Grand River Jazz Society; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; tickets: www.kwjazzroom. com/ event/ confabulation -2/? instance_ id=3636, $20, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., The Jazz Room, Huether Hotel, 59 King St. N., Waterloo SATURDAY, JANUARY 13
Music in Lounge, featuring singersongwriter, Jesse Parent, free, 1 to 2 p.m., Kitchener Public Library, Central Branch, 85 Queen St. N., Kitchener, 519-743-7502 KW Dixieland Jazz Club, featuring The Ragweed Jazz Band, $15, 2 to 5 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 530, 316 Marsland Dr., Waterloo
Artie Roth Quartet, presented by the Grand River Jazz Society; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; tickets: www.kwjazzroom.com/event/artie-roth-quartet2/?instance_id=3637, $18, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., The Jazz Room, Huether Hotel, 59 King St. N., Waterloo SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 Karen Reed Women’s Sunday Fiddle Jam, HSS HTH[L\Y ^VTLU ÄKKSLYZ years and up, are invited to join former Fiddle Champion Karen Reed for a :\UKH` HM[LYUVVU ÄKKSL QHT" TPUPTHS experience required, come and play with like-minded women in a supportive HUK M\U ÄSSLK H[TVZWOLYL" MVY TVYL information and to register email studio@ karenreed.ca, $10, 1:15 to 3:15 p.m., Button Factory Arts, 25 Regina St. S., Waterloo, 519-571-8498
The Achromatics, presented by the Grand River Jazz Society; doors open at 3:30 p.m.; tickets: www.kwjazzroom. com/ event/ the-a chromatics /? instance_ id=3647, $20, 4 to 7 p.m., The Jazz Room, Huether Hotel, 59 King St. N., Waterloo SATURDAY, JANUARY 20
Winter Porch Party, chase away your winter blues; join us for toe-tapping, knee-slapping good time for all ages as we present local acoustic music and singer-songwriters, hosted by neighbourhood porch party organizers; kplca. evan ced. info/ signup/ event details? event id =25359& amp; back to= calendar& amp ;startdate=2018/01/01, free, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kitchener Public Library, Central Branch, 85 Queen St. N., Kitchener, 519-743-7502 KW Dixieland Jazz Club, featuring The Boots Gosling Jazz Band, $15, 2 to 5 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 530, 316 Marsland Dr., Waterloo
Lowest of the Low, doors open at 7:30 p.m.; 19-plus; tickets: www.ticketscene. ca/events/19685, $30, 8 to 11 p.m., Maxwell’s Concerts and Events, 35 University Ave. E., Waterloo, 226-240-7020
Art
ONGOING
Art District Gallery, join us for our latest exhibition featuring 15 local artists featuring special guest artists Danuta Tydor, Mary Alice Flood and Patti Lehman (to Jan. 31), free, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1369 King St. N., St. Jacobs, www.artdistrictgallery.org
Café O, Capturing the Spirit: a collection of sketches done on location by Roman Bienko (to Feb. 28); funded by Region of Waterloo Arts Fund; open Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, 901 Victoria St. N., Unit 9, Kitchener
Café Pyrus, Capturing the Spirit: Roman Bienko’s sketches drawn on location (to Dec. 30); funded by Region of Waterloo Arts Fund; café hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, 16 Charles St. E., Kitchener, 519-998-2624 Capacity 3 Gallery, Sedition: Shayam Korey Steckle (collage), to Dec. 22; free, 12 to 5 p.m., Boarding House Arts Bldg., 6 Dublin St., Guelph
Castle Kilbride, To Canada with love from Wilmot: In celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary, this exhibit will feature the events, people and products that put Wilmot Township on the national stage (to Jan. 7, 2018), $6.50, $5.50 senior/ student, $4.50 child, $19 family, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 60 Snyder’s Rd. W., Baden, 519-634-8444 ext. 256 Central Library Art Gallery, Painting Farm: Roland Hofer (to Dec. 30); free, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Kitchener Public Library, 85 Queen St. N. (lower level), Kitchener, 519-743-7502 City of Waterloo Museum, This All Belongs to You!: Celebrates all things Waterloo; the museum has dug deep into the collection and within our community to present 150 stories about Waterloo people, places and things (to Jan. 26), free, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 550 King St. N., Waterloo, 519-885-8828
Death Valley’s Little Brother, Capturing the Spirit: exhibition of sketches done on location by Roman Bienko (to Feb. 28); funded by Region of Waterloo Arts Fund; open Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to
midnight; Saturday; 9 a.m. to midnight; Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., free, 84 King St. N., Waterloo, 519-208-6211
Guelph Civic Museum, To The Gathering Place: featuring stories of those who have searched for new beginnings in Guelph, told through personal accounts, artifacts and images (to Jan. 7); Canadian, Eh! A History of the Nation’s Signs and Symbols (to Feb. 25); $5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 52 Norfolk St., Guelph, 519-836-1221 Idea Exchange | Design at Riverside Gallery, At My Table: Highlighting innovative international and Canadian product including an eco-section to consider a lighter footprint in the kitchen (to Jan. 21), free, 12 to 5 p.m., 7 Melville St. S., Cambridge Idea Exchange | Preston Gallery, Twinning: Marianne Burlew (to Jan. 21), free, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 435 King St. E., Cambridge, 519-653-3632 Idea Exchange | Queen’s Square
Gallery, The Whole Shebang: A Research Project (to Feb. 11); research and viewing hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.; Sunday and Monday by appointment; guided thematic tours: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m., free, 1 North Sq., Cambridge, 519-621-0460 ext. 157, ideaexchange.org/art/exhibition/wholeshebang-research-project
KWAG, Carry Forward: guest curated by Lisa Myers featuring the work of Maria Thereza Alves, Marjorie Beaucage, Deanna Bowen, Dana Claxton, Brenda Draney, John Hampton, Jamelie Hassan, Mike MacDonald, Nadia Myre, Krista Belle Stewart and Maika’i Tubbs (to Jan. 14); Storylines: The Long and the Short of It: artworks from the Permanent Collection (to March 11); free, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener, 519-579-5860 ext. 100
Schneider Haus, Treasuring History: In Memory of The Blayneys; Fire and Steel; Waterloo County House of Industry and Refuge (all on display to Dec. 24); gallery hours: Wednesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 to 5 p.m., Dec. 24 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $6, $5 senior/student, $4 child, $15 family plus HST, 466 Queen St. S., Kitchener, 519-742-7752, www.schneiderhaus.ca
The Gallery, Tiny Treasures: featuring artworks that are all 150 square inches and $150 each, by local artists (to Jan. 6); gallery hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., free, Frames by Verne, 299 Manitou Dr., Kitchener, 519-489-6038
The People’s Gallery, Celebrating The Season (to Jan. 4): featuring works by Susan Arness, Magda Bognar, Chow Man Choi, David Crow, Becky Dmitrienko, Peter Ferry, Frank Grisdale, Ron Hewson, Siebe Houtsma, Janet Illingworth-Cooper, April Jensen, Anne Kroisenbrunner, Don Routly, Jack MacAulay, Timothy Schmalz, Mary Murdoch, Alexis Tyrala, Christine Westover, Barry Wright and Roger Young, free, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 91 Caroline St. S., Waterloo, 519 7441103
Themuseum, Model Citizens: Awkward Family Photos with companion exhibit Whose Reality Is It? (to Jan. 7); Interplay: interactive exhibit exploring the history of electronic entertainment (to May 13); $8.95-$11.95, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 10 King St. W., Kitchener
UpTown Gallery, Light Up The Season: an all-members Christmas show and sale (to Jan. 13), free, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., 75 King St. S., Waterloo Wellington County Museum and Archives, The Grand River: Where the Smooth Waters Glide; Shand Dam: The Taming of The Grand (both to Jan. 13); open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends from 1 to 5 p.m.; www. wellington.ca/museum, admission by donation, 0536 Wellington County Rd. 18, Aboyne, 519-846-0916 ext. 5232
Dances
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
Top Guns Friday Night Dance, with DJ Darrel; music from 1950 to present; 35-plus, singles and couples welcome, snacks, prizes, dress code (no jeans); doors open at 7:30 p.m., dancing to 12:30 a.m., $10, 8 p.m. Conestoga Place, 110 Manitou Dr., Kitchener, 226-755-1461 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
Saturday Night Dance, with music by Rob Martine, free, 8 to 11 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 234, 57 Watson Pkwy. S., Guelph, 519-822-1565 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 Tri-Cities New Year Celebration, join hundreds of singles (couples) celebrating the new year 2017 in style, complete with a hot and cold buffet, party favours, balloon drop, $25, 7:30 p.m. to 1:30
a.m., Cambridge Newfoundland Club, 1500 Dunbar Rd., Cambridge, 519-807-5938 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31
New Year’s Eve Party, ring in 2018 with ’80s party featuring the music of Material Men; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; buffet at 6:30 p.m.; ticket includes buffet and three drink tickets; contact the club to get your tickets and reserve your seating, $75 plus tax, Schwaben Club, 1668 King St. E., Kitchener, 519-742-7979 Rainbow Rhythm Ballroom New Year’s Eve Gala, cocktails at 6 p.m., full service dinner with choice of prime rib, chicken or vegan at 7 p.m. sharp; ÅVVY ZOV^ [V MVSSV^ KPUULY" WYPaLZ WHY[` favours, cash bar, midnight dessert table with dancing until 1 a.m.; advanced tickets only; for more information call 519-744-4915 or visit sites.google.com/ site/rrballroomdance, $95 per person, to 1 a.m., Concordia Club, 429 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener, 519-744-4915
New Year’s Eve Ball, traditional dance; midnight buffet and champagne; reserve by contacting Jan at 519-505-0987 or Marian at 519-749-6357 or polishall2000@gmail. com, $90 per person, 6 to 2 p.m., Polski Dom 2000 — Polish Home 2000, 2711 Shantz Station Rd., Breslau New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance, in the Legion Maple Leaf Room; doors open at 6 p.m.; roast beef dinner at 7 p.m.; dancing at 8:30 p.m.; midnight buffet and music by Country Versatiles, $50, to 1 a.m., Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 229, 110 Metcalfe St., Elora, 519-846-9611 SouthWest Kitchener Optimist Club New Year’s Eve Fundraising Dinner
& Dance, cocktails at 6:30 p.m., roast beef dinner at 7, dancing from 8:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. with music by Johannes DJ Services; proceeds to be used to support the kids in our community; tickets available at community centre or contact swoptimist5437@gmail.com or 519-616-1261, $30, Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre, 150 Pioneer Dr., Kitchener, 519-616-1261
New Year’s Eve Party, with live music by Fossil Fuel; tickets available at the bar, $20, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 50, 524 Belmont Ave. W., Kitchener, 519-745-5101
New Year’s Dance Party, DJ Marg Minster plays oldies to new, Latin and country; socializing and cocktails at 7:30 p.m., buffet at 10:30 p.m., semi- formal, party favours; for tickets and information visit www.qmusicdances.com, email qmusicdances@gmail.com or call DJ Marg at 519-580-3808, $40 includes tax and gratuity, to 1 a.m., Conestoga Place, 110 Manitou Dr., Kitchener Denim & Glitter New Year’s Bash, with Broken Spoke; doors open at 8 p.m.; snacks, champagne, party favours and late-night buffet; tickets available at the pub, $70, 9 p.m. Churchill Arms, 355 Erb St. W., Waterloo, 519-746-2530
Classics
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
Choir Members Wanted, the Cambridge Kiwanis Boys Choir and Young Men’s Chorus invite new members (boys in grades three to 12) to join in January; application forms are available at ckboyschoir.ca or contacting 519-622-4897 or ckbc@rogers.com, contact the choirmaster for fees, Cambridge Kiwanis Boys’ Choir and Young Men’s Chorus, 36-10 Isherwood Ave., Cambridge SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
Handel’s Messiah, performed by the Guelph Chamber Choir; featuring soloists Meredith Hall (soprano); Daniel Taylor (countertenor); Neal Banerjee (tenor); and Alex Dobson (baritone); with Musica Viva Orchestra on period instruments; tickets: riverrun.ca/whats-on/ gcc-handel-messiah-2017, $5-$40, 7:30 p.m. River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich St., Guelph, 519-763-3000 MONDAY, JANUARY 1
Dreams of Vienna, performed by Guelph Symphony Orchestra; tickets: riverrun.ca/whats-on/gso-dreams-ofvienna-2018, $5-$51, 3 p.m. River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich St., Guelph, 519-763-3000 FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Mozart’s Jupiter, presented by the K-W Symphony; performances on Jan. 12 and 13; tickets and information at kwsymphony. ca/concerts/elgars-cello-concertomozarts-jupiter, $19-$82, 8 to 10 p.m., Centre In The Square, 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener, 519-745-4711 SUNDAY, JANUARY 14
Music in Lounge, featuring youth piano students who are at Royal Conservatory Grade 4 level and above will play for our audience on our Baby Grand piano, free, 12 to 1 p.m., Kitchener Public Library,
Central Branch, 85 Queen St. N., Kitchener, 519-743-7502
Chamber Music Society, AYR trio: Yehonatan Berick, violin; Rachel Mercer, cello); Angela Park, piano; doors open at 7 p.m.; tickets: www.ticketscene.ca/ events/19603, $35, $20 student, 8 to 10 p.m., Music Room, 57 Young St. W., Waterloo, 519-886-1673 THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 Chamber Music Society, featuring Andre LaPlante (piano); doors open at 7 p.m.; tickets: www.ticketscene.ca/ events/19604, $40, $25 student, 8 to 10 p.m., Music Room, 57 Young St. W., Waterloo, 519-886-1673
Arts events
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
Christmas at the Castle, from now until January 7, the castle is fully decorated in Victorian Christmas splendour, $6.50, $5.50 senior/student, $19 family, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Castle Kilbride, 60 Snyder’s Rd. W., Baden, 519-634-8444
The Polar Express Train Ride, join us today and tomorrow for a magical trip to the North Pole; train departs St. Jacob’s Village Station at 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m.; hot chocolate and treats served on board, each child gets a gift from Santa, interactive reading of “The Polar Express” and singing Christmas carols; tickets: waterloocentralrailway. com, $49.99-$69.99, Waterloo Central Railway, Railway Museum & Restoration Shop, 50 Isabelle St., St. Jacobs SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
Toys and Games, discover the fun of playing games by the stove and making a toy at the kitchen table; to Dec. 24; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $6, $5 senior/student, $4 child, $15 family plus HST, Schneider Haus, 466 Queen St. S., Kitchener, 519-742-7752 St. Jacobs and Aberfoyle Model Railway, showcasing Ontario steam and diesel railroading in the late 1950s; open Saturdays and holiday Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.; for more information visit stjacobsmodelrailway.com, $8, $7 senior/student, $5 child, age three and under free, St. Jacobs and Aberfoyle Model Railway, 1440 King St. N., building 3, St. Jacobs, 519-664-3737
Stage
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 Holiday Comedy Special, presented by Rusty Nail Comedy; featuring Tom O’Donnell, Tige Wright, Sandy MacFarlane and Courtney Gilmour; doors open at 7:45 p.m.; tickets at the door or www. ticketscene.ca/events/19939, $15, 8 p.m. The Registry Theatre, 122 Frederick St., Kitchener, 519-502-2206 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28
Theatre on the Edge, comedy improv show with suggestions from the audience, Thursdays; www.toteimprov.ca, $10, 8 to 9:30 p.m., Button Factory Arts, 25 Regina St. S., Waterloo SATURDAY, JANUARY 13
Ambition, presented by Beyond Borders; an evening of music, motivational speakers and great food; proceeds to Mount Sinai Hospital, Sick Kids Hospital, and support for Syrian refugee families; tickets: riverrun.ca/whats-on/ambition, $65, 7 p.m. River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich St., Guelph, 519-763-3000 ONGOING Charles Dickens Writes a Christmas
Carol, a Lost & Found Theatre production; a holiday tradition for all ages; matinée and evening performances to Dec. 23; tickets: app.arts-people.com/index. php?actions=4&p=3, $30, $19 student (plus $1 capital reserve fund fee), Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, 36 King St. W., Kitchener, 519-896-2253
Honk!, musical comedy for all ages (babes in arms and children under two years of age not permitted in theatre); performances to Dec. 24; for schedule and tickets, visit www.draytonentertainment.com/honk, $27-$46 plus HST, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 40 Benjamin Rd. E., St. Jacobs, 1-855-372-9866
King and Queens of Country, celebrating some of country music’s greatest pioneers including Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and more; matinée and evening performances to Dec. 24; tickets: www.draytonentertainment.com/kings-queens-country, $27-$46 plus HST, St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre, 11 Albert St., St. Jacobs, 1-855-372-9866 Beauty and the Beast, a Drayton Entertainment Production; an enchanted family musical; performances to Dec. 31; schedule and tickets: www.draytonentertainment.com/beauty-beastJHTIYPKNL I\` +\UÄLSK Theatre, 46 Grand Ave. S., Cambridge, 1-855-372-9866