Celebrate the magic of winter in Waterloo with Winterloo

Celebrate the magic of winter with Winterloo. In 2021, the city’s annual festival includes winter-themed activities for residents to enjoy from January 1 to 31, 2021 adapted to the current health regulations. There will also be additional listings of winter fun activities that can be enjoyed all season long. 

The event will take place online and in-person through passive programming across the city. Traditionally hosting winter-themed activities in uptown Waterloo, the event is adapted in 2021 to accommodate for the safety procedures of the COVID-19 pandemic. Launching in the new year, the event will offer a list of things to do around Waterloo to stay active and stop the winter blues during the cold winter months. 

“We’re excited to start off 2021 with a scaled-back version of Winterloo to support our community and help people through the cold winter months,” says Justin McFadden, City of Waterloo executive director of economic development. “The event supports many businesses in uptown and around the city, and still supports tourism through our adapted model. There will be tons of fun things to do so make sure to dress warm, be safe, and get outside!” 

Starting at the beginning of January, the Winterloo website will feature listings of winter activities for residents to enjoy, both in-person and at home. From January 23 to 31, residents will also be able to enjoy additional programs in the uptown including a scavenger hunt, snow and ice sculptures, and activity guides following the traditional Winterloo themes from years past. This year, Winterloo lets you choose your own adventure with things to see and do on your own schedule. 

The event will also bring back snow sculptor Matt Morris who will create snow sculptures in various locations for residents to visit. With creativity-inspiring at-home activities and family-friendly fun, there will be lots to do at Winterloo. Stay tuned for updates at winterloofestival.ca. 

About Winterloo

Winterloo is an annual, free, all-ages festival that is open to the public and run by the City of Waterloo’s arts and culture team (Create Waterloo). The event aims to break up the winter blues with a celebration of winter and community with indoor and outdoor winter-themed activities.

Media contact:

Shelly Reed
Communications consultant
shelly.reed@waterloo.ca

Event contact:

Josh Bean
Events specialist – arts and culture, economic development
josh.bean@waterloo.ca