Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: Dec. 27 to 29

It's a bit of a quieter weekend for events in the area after what may have been a hectic few days of holidays this week and as people prepare to mark the new year.

It could be a good weekend to hit local trails including at Huron Natural Area in Kitchener, Laurel Creek Conservation Area in Waterloo, Starkey Hill or the arboretum in Guelph, the Avon Trail between St. Mary's and Conestogo or the Petersburg Regional Forest.

There are two performances of The Nutcracker at Centre in the Square on Saturday.

Both the Kitchener Rangers and the Guelph Storm are on the road this weekend. Guelph will face the Erie Otters Saturday evening. The Rangers are making the trek to Sudbury to take on the Wolves Sunday afternoon.

If you need to drive, here are some local gas prices:

K-W Titans x2

Friday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Aud, Kitchener

The K-W Titans basketball team are hosting two games this weekend. Friday night, the Windsor Express will be in town. Sunday afternoon, it's the Pontiac Pharaohs. 

Go a little early to take part in some of the pre-game activities beside the court. Stay after the games to get autographs from the players.

• K-W Titans website

Holiday Fun for the Whole Family

Saturday 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Centreville-Chicopee Community Centre

This free family event will include games, crafts, holiday treats and other fun activities with neighbours.

Registration is not required.

• Facebook event page

Check out local light displays

Take an evening stroll through some of these light displays:

• Winter Ice and Lights in Central Park (615 King St. E., Cambridge), open daily 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Wonders of Winter in Waterloo Park, open daily from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Donations are accepted near the nativity display.
• Sparkles in the Park in Riverside Park in Guelph, open daily from 5:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Entry is by donation. The carousel is open on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Gift of Lights at Bingemans in Kitchener is a ticketed event that runs 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and until 10 p.m. on Sunday. 

Sunshine Makers concert

Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Maxwell's in Waterloo

Sunshine Makers will perform with Moonbeam and Claire Voy with tunes that are meant to bring everyone a warm glow and positivity. Tickets required.

• Maxwell's event page

Rumple and Friends

Saturday at 2 p.m.

Guelph Public Library main branch

Enjoy a super silly magic show at the main branch of the library. This is geared to children in primary and junior grades. Registration is not required.

• Guelph Public Library event page