The Holidays have arrived at Region of Waterloo Museums
Store windows and streets are filled with bright lights, colourful gift boxes, decorated trees and fresh garland. Snow has started to dust the ground in the Region and our historic sites are busy putting on their holiday finery.
Doon Heritage Village
Take in the sights and sounds of a 1914 Christmas in the Village with three magical experiences guaranteed to brighten your holiday season.
Lantern-Lit Stroll
December 2,3, 9, & 10, 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: $15.00 per person plus HST (under 2 years = FREE).
Treat your family and friends with a unique evening Lantern-Lit Stroll in Doon Heritage Village. Enjoy the sights and sounds of decorated historic homes and shops, crackling bonfires and Christmas carols. Indulge in freshly made Christmas goodies and warm apple cider as you stroll the night away in the unique ambiance of a lantern-lit historic village. Register here!
Country Christmas
December 4, 11 & 18, noon to 4 p.m.
Admission: Included with general admission
An experience like nowhere else, a 1914 Christmas in the country. Visit the decorated historic homes for unique holiday traditions, let your little ones meet Father Christmas, and enjoy a sing-along to your favourite Christmas carols. After your journey to a Christmas past, warm up in our feature gallery and experience our newest exhibit, Dibaajimowin: Stories from the past.
Starry Night
December 16 & 17, 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: $25 plus HST for adults, $12 plus HST per child. Children under two are free.
One of the Region’s most sought-after holiday events, The FRIENDS of Waterloo Region Museum's annual Christmas extravaganza Starry Night is back! Stroll down the paths and wander through the decorated shops and homes to experience the unique ambiance of a 1914 celebration. Enjoy sweet treats as you sip hot apple cider under the twinkling stars. The evening’s music, food, and good cheer will surely get you and your family in the holiday spirit. In addition, each ticket holder’s name will be placed in a draw to win a Family Gift Basket. This event is sure to sell out so register early. Register here!
McDougall Cottage
The halls are decked and the garlands are strung just in time to invite you for a warm Christmas in the cozy Cottage.
Christmas Tea by the Grand
December 10 & 11, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Admission: $25 per person plus HST
Find some time for calm this Christmas season by joining us at McDougall Cottage for a Christmas Tea. Enjoy McDougall Tea classics alongside a series of Christmas treats and as always our bottomless tea. Register here!
Schneider Haus National Historic Site
Enjoy a magical, candlelit evening outdoors at Schneider Haus.
Wintry Candle-Lit Stroll
December 10 & 17, 5:20 to 9 p.m.
Admission: $10 per person plus HST
Enjoy a magical, candlelit evening outdoors at Schneider Haus. Explore the grounds by candlelight, discover our twinkling forest, enjoy carolers singing on our front porch, peek into Santa's workshop, and find our silly elves hidden throughout the event! Don’t miss out on making your own reindeer food and taking homemade cookies to go! Register here!
Carolling at McDougall Cottage with Voci Cantanti
December 16, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
All are welcome to join Voci Cantanti for this evening of traditional carols. Bring your voice and join in, or just sit back and enjoy the sounds of the season.
The Cottage will be serving warm cider and some seasonal goodies.
Admission is by donation. Please RSVP on Eventbrite.
Note: This event will take place outside in the Cottage’s back garden, so dress for the weather! Should the weather not be in our favour, we’ll head inside.
Voci Cantanti came together prior to the pandemic, having been inspired to form after attending a Rescue Junction performance. Now under the direction of Amy Di Nino, Voci Cantanti performs a variety of genres and styles in many different languages, with a focus on connecting with the community through the power of the voice. Voci Cantanti members are; Carolyn Cresswell (soprano), Wilma Miyasaki (alto), Gary Greer (tenor) and Jon Cowie (bass).
There’s nothing like the smell of warm baked cookies in the air, fresh-cut pine and the crunch of the snow as you step back in time at our historic sites. We hope you’ll join us for one of these festive events and make Region of Waterloo Museums part of your holiday tradition.
Happy Holidays from all of us at the Region of Waterloo Museums
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