Rebecca Binnendyk
8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 29
The Jazz Room, 59 King St. N., Waterloo
Enjoy an upbeat performance by Ontario musician Rebecca Binnendyk. She mixes adult contemporary with jazz and pop and says she's influenced by artists like Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone, Caro Emerald and Etta James.
Nature Guelph Christmas Bird Count for Kids
8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 30
Guelph Lake Nature Centre, 7677 Conservation Road, Guelph
Have a little one who loves watching birds? Why not get them outside to see if they can spot a few more feathered friends. Nature Guelph will guide them through a bird count, how to identify birds and how to use binoculars. Please dress for the weather and all young birders will need to have an adult with them.
Final Fridays
All day, Friday, Dec. 29
Uptown Waterloo
Get special deals when you mention Final Fridays in some uptown Waterloo businesses. Check out the artwork in several shops including the Uptown Gallery and enjoy several events in the evening at local restaurants and bars. There's also Skate Night Date Night on the uptown rink — a romantic evening of skating, live music and warm drinks.
Weekly Fat Bike Ride
6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 29
The Hub Bicycle Shop, 22 Queen St. W., Cambridge
Whether you're a seasoned winter cyclist or someone who wants to do more cycling in the snow, this is your chance to get out with like-minded folks. Bring your own or rent a bike from the shop. You must have a helmet and lights. There is a fee to join the ride.
Light shows in Stratford's Market Square
7:30 p.m. nightly, Dec. 27 to Dec. 31
Stratford Market Square, area bordered by Downie Street, Market Place and Wellington Street
In the final days of 2017, enjoy a special and stunning light show choreographed to music. Organizers call it the "cherry on top of your holiday season." On New Year's Eve, there will be a family countdown at 7:30 p.m., then also another countdown at midnight to ring in the new year.
A view of skaters at Uptown Waterloo Square at night. (Brian St. Denis/CBC)
BONUS: New Years Eve
Various locations
There are several family events happening in Waterloo region and area to celebrate the end of 2017 and ring in 2018. Plus lots of restaurants and bars will be doing their own countdowns. However you celebrate, be sure to do it safely and do not drink and drive.
Retro morning cartoons is the theme for this year's event in Kitchener's Carl Zehr Square right outside city hall. Everything kicks off at 6 p.m.
In uptown Waterloo the theme is space travel. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There will be skating, bouncy castles and a photo booth in Cambridge at Hespeler Memorial Arena.
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