Kingston Winter Break Activities

Check out this web page for the available activities and services during the University wide closure 

Join the QUIC team for a coffee shop meet up - happening December 28th and January 3rd from 2:00-4:00pm. Registration is required and a treat is provided! 

 

Register for December 28th here

Register for January 3rd here 

 

*Note this list is continuing to update as resources and events become available. Students are also encouraged to check out the Pulse newsletter being sent on December 15th for additional resources*

CAMPUS RESOURCES: 

From December 24th - January 3rd the university and a majority of its services are closed. While QUIC is closed for the university’s winter break, the ISA email will be checked periodically to ensure urgent student issues are addressed. 

NOTE, campus security and emergency services continues to operate 24/7 even while the university is closed. 

Campus Security: 

• In case of emergency: call the emergency report centre at 613-533-6111 
• Non emergencies: call 613-533-6080 

 

Community Support

Mental Health Supports: 

• TALK Kingston Line: Offers late-night listening and support daily from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am at 613-544-1771.
• Sexual Assault Centre Kingston: Provides a 24/7 crisis and support line (1-877-544-6434 or 613-544-6424) for survivors of sexual violence

• Graduate students can access 24/7 crisis support and counselling through Empower Me (1-833-628-5589).

Check out the Student Wellness Services website and their “Get Help Now” page for additional information.  

 

Social Events and Activities

Holiday Spirit: 

• 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 on Sat. December 13th and 20th 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!
• Marshlands Conservation Are

 

 

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 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!

 

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 

For example, check out "Holiday Magic" by Orchestra Kingston on December 13th, or various performances by choirs in December.