1. Student Life
  2. Quic Services
  3. Programs
  4. Kingston Winter Break Activities

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 

The pulse newsletter also has a list of resources and services - sent December 15th to all undergrad and grad students: 

1. Undergraduate Pulse 

2. Graduate Pulse 

 

 

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. 

 

THINGS TO KNOW ON CAMPUS: 

Several offices will be offering online services only, or will be closed, on Dec 22–23. Find more information:

 

Students living in Residence: Dining, Front Desk, and Mail Depot Operations

The last meal before the Winter Break will be breakfast (9:30 am to 1 pm) on December 20 at Leonard and Jean Royce dining halls. The Lazy Scholar will be open until 11 pm on December 19 and on December 20 until 1 pm.

All dining locations will reopen for regular hours of operation on January 5, 2026, with limited operations beginning on January 4.

View Hours at a Glance

Front Desk and Mail Depots

Front Desks will gradually close throughout December and will be closed from December 23 at 3 pm to January 3 at 7 am.

View Front Desk Hours 

 

Food Access Resources: 

Please note the AMS foodbank is closed - however, take a look at some of these community resources put together by the DSA.

 

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: 

Immigration Services Kingston is hosting a holiday dinner for international students on December 21st from 6:00-9:30pm. Location is the Next Church on 89 Colborne Street. RSVP now and learn more here. 

  • 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: 

 

 

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

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

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.