Student AffairsThe QUIC World Link student team presents:
Guide to Winter Fun in Kingston 2023
Hello everyone! Our student team in the World Link Program at the International Centre wants to share our recommendations for winter fun in Kingston! There is so much to do in this fantastic town inside on a cold day or outside enjoying the snow. Take this holiday break to recharge yourselves for the upcoming semester and make some exciting new memories.
Join the QUIC (Queen’s University International Centre)
on December 28th and December 30th from 2:00-4:00pm at the Kingston Coffee House at 322 King Street downtown for a Holiday meet up and social! Please register using these links:
- Click here for December 28th
- Click here for December 30th
Sources:
Festive Fridays
Watch downtown come alive with festive holiday cheer and customer appreciation events at your favourite downtown businesses from 5 PM to 8 PM on December’s Festive Fridays. You won't want to miss sales, trolley rides, giveaways, live entertainment, horse drawn carriage rides and much more!
Christmas Lights Displays
- Kingston Downtown (Springer Market Square, Confederation Park and Princess Street)
Kingston is a truly magical place in the wintertime. The Springer Market Square is incredible with a massive Christmas tree. The Confederation Park is perfect for photo ops with festive lights. We also recommend you check out the Martello Alley at 203 Wellington Street downtown Kingston!
- Kingston Neighbourhoods
Take a long leisurely walk through some of the Kingston neighbourhoods. Many houses in downtown Kingston put up incredible holiday displays!
- Christmas Lights Trolley Tours
Enjoy an hour trip in a trolley to view all the beautiful Christmas lights in downtown Kingston, and in neighbourhoods such as the Sydenham Ward and Skeleton Park. Thursday to Sundays throughout December at 7:00pm, research “Friday Festivities in Kingston Ontario”, sometimes there is great deals on the price!
Enjoy the Outdoors:
Outdoor Skating- there are many free outdoor skating rinks in Kingston!
- Victoria Park
- City Park
- Springer Market Square (with music and fire pits)
Where to get skates:
- They are available to rent at Trailhead Kingston (262 Princess Street)
- Thrift Stores in Kingston
- Play it Again Sports (500 Gardiners Road)
Toboggining:
If there is snow covering the ground, people will be at a hill tobogganing! Locations will vary.
Walks/Hiking
- The Waterfront Trail right outside Queen’s campus!
- Lemoine Point Conservation Area make sure to bring birdseed for the birds, they will land in your hands!
- Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area check out their website, they may have snowshoes and cross-country ski’s available to rent!
- Marshlands Conservation Area
Indoor Activities
The Screening Room
Kingston’s Independent movie theatre showing a whole bunch of films throughout December, plus they have comfy seats and popcorn!
Landmark Cinemas
Showing the newest movie releases you can enjoy in comfy reclining seats!
Wonderland Board Game Cafe
Located at Gardiners Rd. (on a city bus route). Featuring fun neon signs, themed drinks, and hundreds of board games to choose from
Boiler Room Climbing Gym
Kingston’s climbing gym is suitable for beginners to advanced climbers. Equipment rentals are available.
Kingston Bowling
In the evening there’s glow in the dark bowling. Pro tip: wear white so you glow too! Shoe rentals are available. Bonus: there are also pool tables and arcade games!
Pool at the Grizz
Times can be booked at the Grizzly Grill. You can enjoy food, drinks, and a game of pool.
Escape Rooms (Improbable Escapes and Sherlock Escapes)
Escape rooms offer some fun mind-bending puzzles! Virtual and in person options are available.
Find the in-person locations downtown Kingston, walking distance from Campus!
Trampoline Park
You can bounce from wall to wall on massive trampolines.
Hockey Games
Check out the schedule for the local Kingston Frontenacs hockey team. Kingston is a proud hockey town with a long-standing tradition and passion for the sport!