Hanukkah begins on Sunday and it's the final weekend before Christmas, so it will be a busy time for many people in and around Waterloo region.

The temperatures will be above zero, so it may be a good weekend to get outdoors. There's also plenty of musical events this weekend, including the final concert for Boreal's Songs for a Snowy Season on Saturday afternoon and the Guelph Chamber Choir performing Handel's Messiah Saturday evening, both at the River Run Centre in Guelph.

There's also Keepin' It Classical with Marina Branković, & Marko Pejanović at The Walper Hotel in Kitchener Sunday evening while Juneyt and Craig McNair play at Descendants Beer and Beverage Co. in Kitchener Friday night. High Street is at Rhapsody Barrel Bar in Kitchener Saturday night and Safe As Houses will perform at Maxwell's in Waterloo on Saturday along with Luke Michielsen.

And Rawls Royce and Among Legends are teaming up for a third year for their benefit show for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. That show starts at 7 p.m. on Friday at Chainsaw in Waterloo.

Can the Kitchener Rangers make it 11 in a row? Cheer them on as they try to beat the Soo Greyhounds on home ice Friday night.

Winter Solstice Shinrin-Yoku Guided Walk

7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21

Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Dr., Kitchener

This gentle and mindful walk through the natural area will be led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Enjoy the act of "forest bathing" and welcome a new season. Registration required.

Read more about the benefits of forest bathing.

The menorah lighting in uptown Waterloo will take place Sunday night at the start of Hanukkah. (Gary Graves/CBC)

Hanukkah in the Square

5 p.m. start, Sunday, Dec. 22

Waterloo Public Square

All are invited to the lighting of the very tall menorah to mark the start of the holiday. There will also be Sufganiyot (jelly filled doughnuts) and potato latkes to sample, as well as items like a menorah, candles and dreidels for a donation.

If you plan to go, please also consider bringing an unused winter item for the clothing drive.

If you're in Guelph, there's also a celebration to mark the start of Hanukkah at city hall starting at 5:30 p.m.

Hand-Feeding Chickadees at Starkey Hill

10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22

Starkey Hill Conservation Area, 735 Arkell Rd., Puslinch

This beautiful trail just outside of Guelph is made even better with the chance of feeding chickadees by hand. Nature Guelph will provide the birdseed and some guidance on where on the trail is the best spot to see if the birds will come to you. If the birds are feeling shy, it's just a great place for a winter walk.

Elora Winter Solstice Celebration and Lantern Walk

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21

Meet at the corner of Metcalfe and Mill St. in Elora

Welcome winter with this lantern walk through Bissell Park. The evening also includes drumming, hot cider and cookies, writing wishes for the new year which are placed in the solstice fire and a yule ritual for those who are interested.

Bring your own mug for the cider and a donation to the food bank. Costumes and noisemakers are encouraged.

Last-minute markets

There's a last minute market Friday evening hosted by the Two Rivers Neighbourhood Group in Guelph.

There's a Christmas market at the Kitchener Market Saturday morning, with extra special holiday themed artisan vendors and music.

TWB Co-Operative Brewing in Kitchener is also hosting a market on Saturday.