Student AffairsQUIC frequently hosts downtown coffee shop meetups and other activities during the winter closure from December 24th - January 4th. More information, dates and registration is coming soon including activities from other offices.
Holiday Events with Downtown Kingston:
- Kingston holiday market: Take your time browsing handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t see anywhere else, and chat with the local makers who created them. It’s an easy way to get a head start on your list while supporting local creators (and maybe picking up a little something for yourself). Bring along friends and family and make a day of it.
- Santa Clause parade and Tree Lighting: The parade will take place on Saturday, November 21 at 5 pm, starting on Princess Street from Bath Road to Ontario Street.
- Check out 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!
- Santa Saturdays are also happening which includes photos and meeting with Santa from 12:00pm - 2:00pm in Springer Market Square.
Check out Christmas lights displays: Kingston is a truly magical place in the wintertime. The Springer Market Square is incredible with a massive Christmas tree.
Take a long leisurely walk through some of the Kingston neighbourhoods. Many houses in downtown Kingston put up incredible holiday displays!
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.
Outdoor activities:
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)
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!
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!
Escape Rooms (Improbable 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!
Kingston has plenty of live music and shows happening throughout the next month. Check out:
- The Kingston Spire
- The Grand Theatre
- The Isabel Bader Centre (which Queen's students have free access to!)