The weather is much colder now and there's a dusting of snow on the ground, but there's the usual hustle and bustle of this time of year.

There are two Santa Claus parades this weekend (Wellesley, which also has Christmas Tyme on Friday night, and St. Agatha — see our full list because next Thursday is also the tractor parade in Rockwood.

Christkindl Market

10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8

9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10

Kitchener City Hall, 200 King St. W., Kitchener

This German Christmas market takes over city hall, both inside and out. Vendors go into every available space in the rotunda and second floor, plus there are booths outside on King Street. There is entertainment including choirs, bands and dance groups, blacksmithing demos, a live nativity and the train room. Free to enter, free parking at city lots on Saturday and Sunday. If you've never been, it really is a sight to behold. Be sure to check out the trains, too!



Don't forget the annual Christmas Fantasy event coincides with the market. Head to Victoria Park Saturday night for the opening of the light display. The flick of the switch happens at 6 p.m. and there will be live music, arts and crafts, hot chocolate and Santa himself will stop by.

Old Tyme Christmas Carols with Onion Honey

7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8

Livingston Presbyterian Church, 44 Beck St., Baden

The band Onion Honey will delight the crowd with Christmas songs of days gone by. Preregistration is required. If you miss out on the concert, be sure to make time before Jan. 7 to visit Castle Kilbride for their annual Christmas displays. The museum's halls are decked for the holidays and this year, the Herner family of Baden has a village on display in the Belvedere Gallery.

Family Holiday Party

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9

Registry Theatre, 122 Frederick St., Kitchener

Enjoy some Christmas carol karaoke, yoga story time, dancing, face painting and holiday crafts at this party hosted by Lightning Banjo, a semi-pro theatre for young audiences company. Admission by donation at the door.

Cambridge Christmas Market

4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8

8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9

12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10

Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson St., Cambridge

This popular annual market has something for everyone — artisans and local businesses, family activities, live music and food trucks for when you need a bite to eat. Vendors are inside and outside and Saturday you can also hit up the farmers' market until 1 p.m. for extra treats for holiday parties.

Old Quebec Street in Guelph has a Christmas market this weekend. (Downtown Guelph/Facebook)

Christmas Village Market

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8 to Sunday, Dec. 10

Old Quebec Street Shoppes, 55 Wyndham St. N., Guelph

The mall in downtown Guelph has been transformed to get you in the spirit of the holidays. There are more than 30 vendors in red and white huts selling everything from handmade toys to candles, clothing to art. The mall gives you the joy of feeling like you're outside, but you get to stay toasty and warm inside.

Take a ride with Santa on some historic streetcars at the Halton County Radial Railway near Rockwood. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)

Holiday bonus

Ride Streetcars with Santa

1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9

Halton County Radial Railway, 13629 Guelph Line, Milton

This one is a bit of a drive but well worth it. My husband and I took our two children last year and they loved riding the different streetcars — there were three on the go — plus visiting with Santa. The museum is just a cool spot any time, but during the holidays, the volunteers deck the halls (err, rail line) with lights and displays. Sing some carols as you ride the streetcars through the trees. Admission lets you have unlimited rides. The museum is located about two concessions south of Rockwood.

Coming up

Niska Noel

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12

MCC Ontario, 55 Kent Ave.

Find one-of-a-kind and handcrafted gifts at this market featuring Niska Artisans. Everything from moccasins, jewellery, carvings and more made by Indigenous artisans who live in northeastern Ontario.