From new golf simulators and bowling experiences to the World Junior Championship pre-tournament game, there are sport activities and games for everyone during the holidays in Kingston.
Whether you’re a professional golfer or just looking for something new to try, the Tee Time at Back 9 Indoor Golf offers a realistic and immersive golfing experience. You can reserve a one-hour session for up to five people online.
Get in a quick practice session or stay for a full round of golf on a virtual course at Norm’s Golf & Social. From classic practice and target challenges to mini-games including Capture the Flag and Bullseye, there’s something for everyone’s interest. Get competitive and challenge your friends to a contest for the longest drive. Book a session online.
Save 50% from Monday to Thursday and 25% from Friday to Sunday off mini putt simulators at The Bunker over the holidays. Play a game on the 18-hole indoor dark-light mini-putt course or in a multi-sport simulator. Reservations are not required for mini putt. Reservations are required for the multi-sport simulators. Reserve a time online or call 613-344-3001.
Splitsville has 24 lanes of 10-pin bowling, a new arcade, and a full-service bar and lounge. Its fun and energetic atmosphere makes this a great spot to gather with friends to play some games this season. Reserve a bowling lane online. Wrap up your visit with the classic combo of cheesy pull-apart garlic bread paired with a beer at the bar and lounge. View menu details online.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a live DJ skate party or a sensory skate at the INVISTA Centre. More details can be found online. There are various locations offering public skating throughout the holidays in Kingston, including the INVISTA Centre, Memorial Centre, Centre 70, and Springer Market Square. View the public skating schedule online.
Bundle up and explore the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area. It’s the perfect place to go hiking and appreciate nature this season. Bring some bird feed and head to the chickadee feeding area for an opportunity to watch as they eat out of your hand. Learn more about the activities available at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area online.
Challenge yourself or your friends and take on the climbing walls at the Boiler Room Climbing Gym. This won’t be easy (unless you’re a pro), but it will be a fun time with friends. Are you a first-time climber? Find out what you need to know for your first visit online.
Treat your kids to a day at XTreme Trampoline Park over the holidays. There are lots of opportunities here to let off some steam, from jumping around on trampolines to going shot-for-shot in basketball or battling it out in a dodgeball game. Book tickets online.
Holiday hours: Dec 23, 27 – 30 & Jan 2 – 5, 10 am – 8 pm
Rejuvenate for the new year at Morro Yoga. Get your heart-pumping at a reformer pilates class or practice your deep breathing and stretching to boost strength, balance, and mobility at a yoga class in the hot room. Book a class online.
Join us in welcoming the World Junior teams at the Slush Puppie Place. Kingston is one of eleven cities hosting a pre-tournament camp before the World Junior Championships. Team USA and Team Slovakia take the ice on December 21 at 7 pm in a pre-tournament game. Book tickets online.
Catch the first hockey game of the new year on January 1 at 4 pm and watch the Kingston Frontenacs battle against the Brampton Steelheads. For those who need a few days to recover from the holidays, you can also catch the game against the Oshawa Generals on January 3 at 7 pm. Book tickets online.
Kick off 2025 in Kingston with skating in the square, hockey, live music, and unforgettable spa experiences.
Do you have an event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our Kingston events calendar for consideration. If you’re looking to submit a French-language event, please use our French submission form.
Feel the joy and experience holiday fun in Kingston this holiday season. From workshops, markets, and music to welcoming Santa and ringing in the New Year, there’s holiday spirit aplenty in Kingston this season.
1. The Holiday Market
2. Christmas Light Tour
3. Kingston Holiday Market
4. Festive Friday
5. The Nutcracker
6. All Things Christmas gifts & art sale
7. Candlelight Christmas Kingston Symphony
8. Holiday Evening Market
9. Nighttime Santa Claus parade
10. Elvis: a Christmas Special starring Pete Paquette
11. CFB/BFC Kingston Fall Craft Sale
12. Christmas with the Ennis Sisters
13. Snowman candy tray workshop
14. Workshop: Make your own charcuterie board
15. Good Lovelies Christmas concert
16. Candlelight: a holiday special featuring “The Nutcracker” and more
Juno-award winning trio the Ennis Sisters are coming to The Spire to perform their original songs and holiday classics, in addition to a little Irish step-dancing and humourous recitations.
Maureen, Karen, and Teresa Ennis’s soulful folk music highlights their deep connection to their hometown of St. John’s.. The sisters have released 14 albums and, as well as a Juno Award, have won a SOCAN award and multiple ECMAs and MusicNL awards.
The Juno nominee and three-time Canadian Blues Awards female vocalist of the year is spreading the holiday cheer at The Spire on December 6 at 7 pm. MIss Emily is also a longtime supporter of the Kingston Humane Society. Anyone who adopts a pet from the A
December 7 at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm – Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts
The Isabel Voices are ringing in the holiday season with a performance of John Rutter’s album Gloria!. The vocal group will be accompanied by a nine-piece brass ensemble, organ, and percussion who will all be illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. The combination of fast and slow songs in Gloria! creates a jubilant atmosphere—the perfect way to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.
In addition to Rutter’s joyous repertoire, the ensemble will perform Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols with Juno-nominated harpist Caroline Léonardelli.
Indulge in festive treats and a glass of bubbly from the cash bar before, during, or after the performances, which will take place on December 7 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. A silent auction will be held during the evening performance, enhancing the event’s elegant ambiance.
The Festive Celebration sold out last year and tickets are expected to sell quickly, so purchase them online today.
An East Coast Christmas is an energetic musical by the MacNeil family featuring instruments including accordion, guitar, piano, fiddle, and Celtic harp. Bring your dancing shoes because this Celtic performance will make you want to stomp to the music! Book tickets online to secure a spot at the Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas.
December 20 at 7:30 pm – Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts
This trio of songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, and harmonizers known for their unique mix of folk, old-time swing, soul, and bluegrass music are coming back to Kingston this December to spread the holiday cheer.
Good Lovelies will perform classic holiday songs and original music from their Juno-nominated album, “We Will Never Be the Same” at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.
With the performance taking place just a few days before Christmas, purchase your tickets today to amplify the holiday excitement.
December 20 & 21 at 7:30 pm and December 22 at 2:30 pm – The Spire
Join the award-winning Cantabile Choirs for their beloved annual concert and enjoy traditional carols and holiday music from around the world. The choirs who will be performing include Medio (Sunday matinee only), Grande, Youth Singers, Coro Profondo, and Coro Spirito.
Planning to bring the kids? The afternoon matinee performance is ideal for young families and those who prefer an earlier start.
You never know what you’ll find at Montreal Street Collective; they have used clothing, toys, household décor, and locally handcrafted items, including cards and candles. Visit their store and build a necklace or bracelet to give a loved one this Christmas. Choose from several new and old-fashioned charms to create the perfect gift.
Explore Kingston’s amazing used and vintage clothing stores, where you’ll be sure to find a unique outfit for a special occasion, from a holiday party to a wedding. From What’ll I Wear, a local favourite since 1995, to Kingston’s newest vintage clothing stores, Moxie & Mine and Thrifty Girl. Find bridal wear at Moxie & Mine and everything from warm sweaters to cocktail dresses at Thrifty Girl. Be sure to check out YGK Thrift, Reid’s Clothing, and ClosettCandyy Consignment for more great clothing selections, and Threads & CO Thrift Shop for shoes and vintage clothing. Out on the west end of the city? Check out The Revolving Door for vintage women’s clothing, and Talize for clothes, shoes, and vintage goods for all ages.
Kingston’s refilleries have terrific options for gifts and for your household. Check out Harlowe Green and The Keep Refillery. Put together a basket of handmade bath soaps, pick up some stocking stuffers, and bring in your own containers to stock up on everything from shampoo to laundry soap.
At Kingston’s antique and vintage stores, you can find a perfect piece of seasonal décor, a unique piece of jewelry for a last-minute gift, or even chairs for the extra company around your dinner table this holiday season.
In downtown Kingston, stop by Antique Alley for everything from mid-century modern furniture to fine china, vintage costume jewelry to novelty signs. Antique Emporium offers both vintage and new items, with a great selection of kitsch. The Carson House in the west end offers not only high-end furniture on consignment, but also new home décor, including a nice selection of recycled art glass pieces.
Kingston is the perfect place to explore to complete your holiday shopping list. Read on to discover an eclectic array of small businesses, including a family-owned business selling butter- and lime-infused olive oils and a pottery store boasting unique mugs and bowls.
Shop on us! Receive a $100 Visa gift card when you book an overnight stay between November 18 and December 22 with select hotels. Book a package online!
If you’re unsure what to get for a gourmand friend, visit Cooke’s Fine Foods and Coffee this holiday season.
Stepping inside this nineteenth-century building in the heart of downtown Kingston, you’re met with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and shelves of eclectic sweet treats, including tart jams and creamy chocolates from Europe. Cooke’s sells candies, chocolates, and cookies you can’t find at the grocery store. You can also purchase gourmet sauces, baking supplies, or gift baskets. Cooke’s curates beautiful arrangements, including a cheese lover’s basket, chocolate lover’s basket, and tea lover’s basket.
Card’s Bakery and Goods sells fluffy vanilla cupcakes topped with red and green frosting and soft banana or carrot bars for the sweet-treat lover in your life.
In addition to their seasonal cookies, cupcakes, and bars, Card’s also sells a variety of baking and kitchen supplies. For the cook in your life, pick up a spatula or an embroidered apron, as well as a bag of fresh gingerbread cookies they can dig into on Christmas morning.
Kingston has a variety of breweries selling classic light lagers and dark amber brews for the beer lovers in your life. Daft Brewing offers beers infused with blood orange, lemon balm, and lemon sour or raspberry lemon flavour. Their tall-canned beers are decorated with colourful art from local Kingston artists.
Head over to Riverhead Brewing Company west-end location and purchase one of their tall cans for that lager lover in your life this holiday season. Try the Tropical IPA, with citrus and tropical fruit notes or Feel the Glow, an amber beer with hints of caramel.
Spearhead Brewing Company sells a selection of beers and non-alcoholic beverages you can give this season. Grab a can of Spearhead’s famous Hawaiian Style Pale Ale or AKWA, a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage featuring hints of tropical fruit. For someone who enjoys a darker brew, try Skeleton Park’s Amber or Autumn Fyre.
Amanda’s House of Elegance offers claw clips, essential oil candles, and dainty rings and necklaces perfect for gifts. Buy your girlfriend a necklace with her initial dangling from the silver chain, a light blue retro Bluetooth speaker, or a Taylor Swift-themed coaster for her morning coffee.
Amanda’s also offers Christmas items such as sparkly pinecone candles and glass tree ornaments. Visit Amanda’s Princess Street location to explore their home accessories, candles, jewelry, and more.
Buy a cozy mystery or heartwarming romance novel for the book lover in your life at Novel Idea. The downtown bookstore sells the newest fiction and non-fiction releases, as well as titles by local Kingston authors. Finish your bookish gift off with Novel Idea’s pens or a journal.
Can’t find that fantasy novel your daughter or son put on their wish list? Novel Idea can place a special order, delivering the book to the store free of charge.
Minotaur boasts a plethora of puzzles and card games perfect for gifts. From classic playing cards to escape room puzzles to family night trivia to unique brain teasers, there’s something for everyone at Minotaur.
Their selection of games is always changing, so visit their downtown shop and see what games you can put under the tree this holiday season.
With its bright purple exterior, this shop selling eclectic home goods and accessories is hard to miss.
Lazy Daisies offers products straight from your daughter’s Pinterest board, such as pastel water bottles, sunglasses, keychains, home goods, and interesting candles that smell like fruity cereal or fresh laundry. They also boast a wide selection of stationery, like planners and notebooks, perfect for friends headed back to school in January.
From green mugs to cobalt blue plates with watercolour gradients, each item at this Kingston pottery store is meticulously crafted by local artist Marc Lemieux.
Black Dog Pottery has been selling their handmade functional and ornamental pottery for more than 25 years. Pick up a pair of wine cups to make a holiday toast or a jewel-toned porcelain serving tray for that friend who loves hosting charcuterie nights.
Step inside this thrift store to find some unique gift ideas. Montreal Street Collective has 10 clothing vendors in the shop every month who curate their own sections, so you’ll encounter new cozy sweaters, or sophisticated button-ups every time you step inside.
As well as clothes, Montreal Street Collective sells a variety of housewares and handmade goodies perfect for stocking suffers. If you want to create a sentimental gift, head over to the area of the store where you can make your own charm bracelets.
This clothing and accessory shop offers a diverse selection of collections to suit the unique interests of everyone on your list this holiday season.
Shopping for a Queen’s alumnus or student? Whit Kingston has its own Queen’s University collection that includes toques, crewnecks, and mugs. For music lovers, look at “The Hip” collection, boasting stickers and T-shirts honouring the famous Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip.
They even have a holiday collection with Christmas-themed candles, cozy slippers, and ornaments.
From Levi’s jeans to Kingston sweaters to Taylor Swift stationery, Whit Kingston is a treasure trove of holiday gift ideas.
The Visitor Information Centre offers Kingston T-shirts, sweatshirts, toques, and more for anyone who’d love a touch of Kingston charm under the tree this December.
Their selection of Kingston patches, stickers, and pins make the perfect stocking stuffers as well.
Pamper someone this season with an e-gift card from Glow Spa.
Glow Spa offers facials, massages, and a relaxing thermotherapy experience where customers step into a hot tub, sauna or steam room, move to a cold plunge, and rest before repeating the process for one, two, or three hours. Thermotherapy has a myriad of health benefits, including improved circulation and stress relief. Beyond their rejuvenating treatments, Glow Spa sells nourishing lip balms, soothing serums, and other skin care staples to add on to the e-gift card.
Pick up some mini sampler bottles of handmade lime-infused extra virgin olive oil or champagne white vinegar to tuck into Christmas stockings.
Kingston Olive Oil Company is a family-owned business specializing in small-batch olive oils and balsamic vinegars, ensuring the freshest quality products. As well as classic olive oils and vinegars, they also sell specialty products that you won’t find anywhere else, such as pink guava rose balsamic vinegar, and butter-infused EVOO.
At Kingston Olive Oil Company’s tasting bar, you can taste a selection of oils and vinegars before deciding on the perfect bottle.
Delight the foodie in your life with a gift of tickets for Kingston Food Tours.
Kingston Food Tours offers two walking tours year-round. Their “Classic Kingston” tour includes exclusive tasting experiences at local restaurants peppering the city’s downtown core. Customers gain insight into Kingston’s history while eating crispy tacos and handmade pastas. Their “Tapas Tour” stops at four restaurants where customers sample small tastings paired with an alcoholic beverage or mocktail.
Give an ornament of a significant Kingston site or structure, like the Wolfe Islander III or the old K&P train station. Since 1994, Downtown Kingston has released an annual holiday pewter collection. Kingston-themed ornaments are available for purchase at the Grand Theatre box office (218 Princess Street), Slush Puppie Place box office (1 The Tragically Hip Way), and the Visitor Information Centre (209 Ontario Street) throughout November and December. To get a discount on new ornaments, just show $25 worth of receipts from downtown purchases.
This year, Downtown Kingston offers five ornaments commemorating Kingston’s iconic landmarks (and one ferry). The first ornament to be released is of the old K&P train station (now home to the Visitor Information Centre), available for purchase starting Monday, November 18.
The ornament depicting 178 Ontario Street, home to Mio Gelato, will be released on November 25, and the Wolfe Islander III ornament comes out on December 2. The LaSalle Causeway ornament releases on December 9 and The HIP Sign, commemorating The Tragically Hip, will be available for purchase on December 16.
You can also purchase a selection from previous years’ releases online.
Enjoy live music, festive markets, cozy evenings, and world-class sports in Kingston as we wrap up 2024 and make our way into the new year!
Do you have an event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our Kingston events calendar for consideration. If you’re looking to submit a French-language event, please use our French submission form.
Click each image for information.
1. Christmas Light Trolley Tour
2. Kingston Holiday Market
3. Hockey Road to the World Jrs: Team USA vs. Team Slovakia
4. Paint nite: Santa and the twinkling lights
5. Free horse & wagon rides
6. Dead Root Revival
7. The Great Lake Swimmers
8. Candlelight holiday special featuring “The Nutcracker” and more
9. A Miss Emily Christmas
10. Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny
11. Outdoor holiday party for the animals
12. Night of wonder: songs of the holiday season
13. Golden Feather + Nice On
14. Kingston Frontenacs games
15. Santa’s Little Elves Market
16. Holiday craft workshops
17. O Christmas Tea: a British comedy
18. Musiikki Merch Market
19. Board game night
20. Escape room
21. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy
22. Trivia Tuesdays
23. The Homecoming: a Christmas story
24. K-Town Countdown
25. Santa Saturdays
Are you looking for more things to do, packaged experiences, and places to dine in Kingston?
The clop of hooves and creak of wooden carriages once resonated through Kingston’s limestone alleyways. While the equestrian channels are now obsolete, they stand as a reminder of the city’s long history.
The downtown film tour guides you through Springer Market Square, once bustling with canvas–topped trolleys transporting people and goods across the city, while the west-of-downtown literary tour takes you around Queen’s University’s campus. Long-standing homes in the University District are indented with wide arches originally designed for carriages.
Here are some other carriageways you may spot on your next jaunt around Kingston.
This building on Princess Street wasn’t always a fine dining establishment serving delicious Sunday brunch. Built in 1806, the space once operated as a horse stable.
The limestone stable withstood a devastating fire that swept through Kingston in 1840. After flames engulfed Kingston’s historical landmarks, all the city’s buildings were constructed from brick and stone in lieu of wood. Hence Kingston’s nickname, “the Limestone City.”
While the smell of mud and hay was replaced with the pleasant aroma of firewood and homemade marinades, Chez Piggy preserves the building’s history through its interior design. The restaurant resembles a cozy, turn-of-the-century tavern where men sporting baker’s boy caps, tool belts, and military uniforms drank beer after a long day of work.
With its exposed grey brick, brown furniture, warm lights, and a grand, curved staircase leading to the second floor of the restaurant, Chez Piggy transports customers hundreds of years in the past, while offering a delectable dining experience.
“Martello” not only refers to Kingston’s military towers but is an ode to the city’s rich heritage, serving as the name of a historic alleyway.
Today, Martello Alley resembles Rue du Trésor in Quebec’s old city, adorned with paintings, drawings, and postcards from local artists. However, when David and Wendy Dossett, the founders of the eclectic artisan alley, stumbled upon the limestone archway on Wellington Street, its condition was akin to its 19th–century state: a dark, dirty passageway for horse-drawn carriages.
In 1893, Kingston was home to 788 horses, meaning high and wide carriageways like Martello Alley were commonplace. When cars finally came to Kingston, horse-drawn carriages were phased out.
If you want to explore more of Kingston’s alleys, visit Antique Alley, a vintage shop bursting with unique home goods.
Rochleau Court
70-72 Princess Street
Tucked away behind the historic limestone buildings and alleys leading to Chez Piggy and The Toucan is Rochleau Court.
The historic area takes its name from François-Xavier Rocheleau, a prominent member of Kingston’s 19th-century elite. Rocheleau made his presence known both figuratively, cultivating a strong community by constructing several buildings in Kingston, including St. Joseph’s Church (392 Palace Road), and literally, etching his initials into the facade of his Princess Street home (70-72 Princess Street).
The Quebec native built his lavish house after moving to Kingston in 1790 with his wife and children. The building was later used in the 1840s by Alexander Campbell, a father of the Canadian Confederation.
Shop Kingston’s artisans and craftspeople this holiday season. Luckily, you can sample a wide range of unique, locally made products all in one place, at a few special markets and pop-up events this season.
Browse local, one-of-a-kind goods at Sun Harvest Greenhouses during their Holiday Makers Market. Meet new and returning vendors while taking in the beautiful holiday aromas of the greenhouses.
The annual Canadian Forces Base Kingston Fall Craft Sale returns for the 2024 season. This event will feature vendors with unique gifts and handmade items for all ages. All proceeds go towards the Military Veteran Program Plus (MVP+) and non-perishable items are being collected. Check out the event details on CFB Kingston’s Facebook event.
Nov. 21 (5 – 9 pm), 22 (10 am – 7 pm), 23 (10 am – 5 pm), 24 (10 am – 3 pm)
The Kingston Potters’ Guild has been part of the Kingston community for over 50 years. The Guild’s talented potters offer a variety of wares for sale to the public during the holiday season. Items on sale range from practical kitchen and dining items (mugs, platters, teapots, and more) to beautiful artistic pieces and holiday ornaments. Learn more about the sale on the Guild’s website.
Nov. 21 (5 – 9 pm), 22 (10 am – 6 pm), 23 (10 am – 5 pm), 24 (10 am – 3 pm)
Sponsored by the Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club, the Fall Metal Rocks Show and Sale features one-of-a-kind rocks, minerals, handcrafted jewelry, home décor, and gifts. Admission is free! Learn more about the event on the Tett Centre’s website.
Nov. 22 (4 – 8 pm), 23 (10 am – 4 pm), 24 (10 am – 2 pm)
The Kingston Symphony is here to make your holiday shopping a breeze with their All Things Christmas, Gifts & Art Sale. Discover a treasure trove of gifts, from beautiful jewelry and glassware to delightful candles and decorations. All the proceeds go to support the Kingston Symphony. Learn more about the sale on their website.
Enjoy three weekends of local makers at the Kingston Holiday Market. With a variety of local artisans participating each weekend, you can get all your holiday shopping done in one place. Have your choice of festive goods, from holiday-themed toys to timeless handmade apparel. More details about the market can be found on the Kingston Holiday Market’s website.
The Fat Goose Craft Fair is back for its 15th year at Grant Hall on Queen’s campus. You’ll find clothing, jewelry, art prints, food and drink, soaps, sculpture, and more. If it’s handmade with love locally, you can probably find it at Fat Goose.
Stop by the farm for some festive cheer, good food, great brews, and holiday gift items from more than 80 local artisans and food vendors over both weekends. Learn more about the holiday market by visiting the MacKinnon Brothers’ website.
The German Christmas Market is back in the Biergarten at Amadeus Café. Sip on a hot mug of Glühwein and munch on a pretzel while you explore an array of Christmas gifts and goods from local artisans. Follow Amadeus Café on Facebook for upcoming details.
Flint and Maple, a local Indigenous art business is hosting an Indigenous Holiday Market in the Modern Fuel space inside the Tett Centre this year. Come and shop hand-made items from Indigenous vendors, including painting, caribou tufting, quillwork, beadwork, pottery, and more.
Find the ingredients for your holiday meals by shopping for local veggies, meats, breads, and treats at this market presented by the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market. Purchase your last-minute artisan gifts and enjoy festive the festivities. After shopping, cozy up by the fire pit with complimentary cookies, warm apple cider, hot chocolate, and holiday music.
Nov. 7 (5 – 7 pm), Nov. 8 (10 am – 7 pm), Nov. 9 (10 am – 4 pm), Nov. 10 (11 am – 3 pm)
This family-friendly event showcases locally made fibre arts and one-of-a-kind gifts from small to large. All items are handmade by the group’s 100+ members spinning, weaving, felting, dyeing, and basket-making.
The Music Merch Market showcases the talents of Kingston’s local musicians and makers. Whether you are looking for a unique addition to your treasures or the ideal holiday gift, this market have you covered. And here’s the best part—every penny spent at the Music Merch Market goes directly to talented local artists, supporting them in their journey to grow and create.
One of Kingston’s finest furniture consignment shops is opening its doors for an exceptional artisan market! Drop by Carson House in Kingston’s west end for an array of over 15 local makers, a Christmas Choir performance, holiday treats and hot drinks, and draws for special prizes.
Stop by Kingston Gaming Nexus for a special market featuring a roster of local artisans! Walk through their indoor alley and browse the works of over 20 local artists specializing in unique gifts, art, and more.
From cheering on the local hockey team or taking in an exercise class to relaxing at a Kingston spa or enjoying live music, there’s so much to see and do in Kingston while you’re here for the 2024 Vanier Cup!
Looking for a great deal for your stay? Book one of our many hotel packages and receive exclusive offerings including $100 Visa gift cards, dining credits, vouchers, complimentary items, and more!
Make your way to Slush Puppie Place and catch one of two opportunities to see Kingston’s local OHL team in action. On November 22, watch the Kingston Frontenacs take on the Peterborough Petes, or join their game against the North Bay Battalion on November 24.
Take time to unwind during your weekend in Kingston. Enjoy a guided sauna experience, thermotherapy, rejuvenating facial, or soothing massage at one of our spas downtown.
3. Catch a concert
Every weekend the pubs and venues of Kingston come alive with music, from small jazz bands to singer songwriters to bands playing rock, country, pop, and more. Here are a few of the shows you can catch on the weekend:
Kingston’s independent cinema, The Screening Room, plays a variety of films, from new blockbusters and mid-budget movies to classics and independent films. Their concessions also offer movie classics like fresh popcorn and a fantastic mixture of local pop and craft beer, so you can get a taste of the city’s breweries while enjoying a movie. View upcoming shows on their website and book tickets.
The holiday season is here and with it come holiday markets. This year, several seasonal favourites make their return, including the Kingston Potters’ Guild Holiday Sale at the Tett Centre Nov. 21–23; All Things Christmas gifts & art sale at the Kingston Symphony Warehouse Nov. 22–24; the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market on Nov. 24, and more. Learn more about Kingston’s holiday markets in our 12+ holiday markets to visit in Kingston list.
Take a walk through Kingston’s downtown and learn about the city’s rich artistic history with a Creative Kingston Walking Tour. Discover the music venues where some of the biggest names in Canada’s music got their start, see behind-the-scenes of films shot here, and visit the places that inspired award-winning novels on the Music, Literary, and Film walking tours.
Starts at the Visitor Information Centre, 209 Ontario Street
Kingston Food Tours offers two guided food tours that include famous dishes at local restaurants, all presented with an insider’s perspective on our city’s history and culture. Learn about Kingston’s culinary legacy while enjoying local bites on the Classic Kingston Tour, or enjoy small tastings paired with an alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverage on a Tapas Tour.
Would you rather heat things up? Try Morro Yoga’s hot room yoga class, combines deep breathing with gentle stretching to boost strength, balance, and mobility.
Bonus:
See women’s flag football in action
Miklas McCarney Field, 246, 300 Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd.
Richardson Stadium, 366 Hargreaves Way
Watch some of the top teams in flag football from Ontario and Quebec compete in a two-day tournament! Check out the Canadian Collegiate Women’s Flag Showcase on November 23 at Miklas McCarney Field, and at Richardson Stadium on November 24 from 8:30 am–2 pm.
Football fundamentals for kids
Miklas McCarney Field, 246, 300 Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd.
Are your kids interested in football? Sign them up for the Football Canada 1st Down ‘Try Football’ Day on November 23 at Queen’s University’s Miklas-McCarney Field. Hosted from 11:30 am–1 pm, this free event encourages youth (ages 4–12) to get active and learn some of the fundamentals of the sport. Register for free online.
Kingston Frontenacs overage goaltender Nolan Lalonde has had a busy spring and summer. He won a national championship, and he celebrated a homecoming of sorts.
Last spring the former Saginaw Spirit goaltender’s name was added to an impressive list of local hockey players who have won the Memorial Cup, junior hockey’s most cherished trophy. Lalonde, an overage goaltender this season, was traded to the Frontenacs on June 21 for a couple of draft picks.
He joins other Memorial Cup champions from Kingston, including Gabe Vilardi and Aaron Luchuk of the Windsor Spitfires in 2017; Calgary born and Kingston-bred Taylor Hall also for the Spitfires in 2009; Scott Arniel, in 1980 and again in 1981 with Doug Gilmour for the Cornwall Royals; as well as Gary MacGregor, Bob Murray, and Gary Running, also for the 1972 Royals.
Kingston’s Don Cherry won the Cup in 1953 with the Barrie Flyers and goaltender Lorne Howes won it for the Flyers in 1951.
“It’s exciting and to play in my hometown and to give back to the city that gave me so much just growing up playing here and I’m super-proud to be from here,” Lalonde says. “It’s special putting that (Frontenacs) jersey on every time I get to do it.”
The Spirit won the 2024 Memorial Cup in dramatic fashion, defeating the London Knights 4–3 in the championship game on June 2, with the clinching goal scored with just 22 seconds remaining in the game.
In the deciding match, the Spirit went out to a 3–0 lead just past the halfway mark of the second period only to see the Knights storm back with a late second-period goal and a pair in the third period to tie the game. For the last 10 minutes of the third period the Spirit were able to hold off relentless pressure from the high-flying Knights, winning the game when the Spirit’s Josh Bloom scored in the dying seconds, creating a celebration Lalonde won’t soon forget.
“It was the coolest experience I think I’ve had playing hockey in a long time. We score with 22 seconds left to win the Memorial Cup – it doesn’t get better than that.”
The Spirit were the host team for the Memorial Cup last spring. Also appearing in the tournament were the Western Hockey League champions Moose Jaw Warriors and Quebec-Maritime Junior Hockey League champion Drummondville Voltigeurs.
Andrew Oke, the starting Spirit goalie and a good friend of Lalonde’s, played in the first six games of Saginaw’s playoff run before being injured: a four-game sweep over the Owen Sound Attack and the first two games of the Western Conference semi-final series against the Soo Greyhounds.
In relief, Lalonde played in a dozen games for the Spirit, compiling a five win-seven loss record, a goal against average of 2.79 and a save percentage of .893. The Spirit defeated Sault Ste. Marie in seven games but was eliminated from the playoffs by the Knights in six games in the OHL’s Western Conference final.
In his first game against the Greyhounds, Lalonde was selected the first star in a 7–2 win and received a second star and a pair of third-star selections over the remainder of the playoffs.
Oke was put back in the nets by Spirit coach Chris Lazary for game one of the Memorial Cup after recovering from his injury. He played all five games, sending Lalonde to the end of the Saginaw bench to watch from the sidelines.
Lalonde took the goalie change with a positive attitude.
“I’m competitive, I’d want to play every game,” he says. “I was just trying to be the best teammate I could in that scenario. I was trying to support Oke because at the end of the day. he’s one of my best friends on that team,” Lalonde says. “I was just trying to be the biggest cheerleader I could on the bench.”
Lalonde recently signed a free-agent contract with the National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets and recently attended the team’s training camp and got to play in a rookie tournament game.
“They were pretty happy, all the feedback I got was positive and they told me to come back here and have a good year,” Lalonde says.
Back in March, Lalonde appeared via video at the Kingston Canadians minor hockey banquet to present the Steve Carter Memorial Award for community service. He recalled how much he loved playing one season for the Kingston Canadians major pee wee AA team (now U13) for coach Carter.
In the video, he described how he wasn’t having much fun and developing the way he liked playing in Kingston’s AAA hockey organization the year before, so he dropped down to play AA for the 2015–16 season.
“Without that one season and playing for him and with that group of guys, I wouldn’t be where I am playing hockey today,” he said of Carter, a Kingston Police sergeant who unexpectedly passed away in May of 2021 at the age of 46.
Lalonde moved back up to AAA for his minor bantam (13-year-old) year and was eventually drafted in the third round, 49th overall by the Erie Otters in 2020.
“The impact [Carter] had on me kind of allowed me to finally find the reason I actually played because I loved the game.”
Lalonde is looking forward to his last season of junior hockey.
“It’s really fun so far and exciting – we have a really good team and it’s been really cool to be back home.”
As the temperature drops and leaves turn orange and red, the beloved Canadian television show Murdoch Mysteries returns to Kingston for the fourth time.
Murdoch Mysteries is shooting scenes for its 300th episode at St. George’s Cathedral, The Rosemount Inn, and at a house on Emily Street from October 2 to 5. For Julie Lacey, producer of Murdoch Mysteries, Kingston is the perfect place to shoot the longtime series, which takes place at the turn of the 20th century.
“Kingston has beautifully preserved its historic buildings and is one of the most stunning physical settings in the country. We’ve had the pleasure of setting a Murdoch episode in Kingston, but this season our executive producer Peter Mitchell and producer Jenny Hood are transforming Kingston into historic England for our 300th episode of the series,” Lacey says.
The Murdoch Mysteries team has ventured to Kingston’s historic Market Square, Kingston Penitentiary, Sydenham Ward, and Queen’s University to shoot various scenes of the Canadian classic. The show also filmed on the S.S. Keewatin at the Great Lakes Museum, for the season 7-episode Murdoch Ahoy.
Bringing the script, written by Paul Aitken, and vision, cultivated by Laurie Lynd, of the nautical episode to life, the show’s team transformed the passenger liner back into an opulent, early-20th century vessel teeming with prominent aristocrats.
Lacey’s favourite episodes of Murdoch Mysteries filmed in Kingston include season 15 episode The Things We Do For Love (part 2), and season 7 episode Midnight Train to Kingston. The former follows the notorious gang The Black Hand as they traverse Market Square, while the latter features Kingston Penitentiary, where Murdoch encounters his arch-nemesis James Gillies.
Lacey’s return to Kingston isn’t simply a professional venture—it’s a homecoming. Born and raised in Kingston, Lacey is intimately familiar with the arched limestone alleyways dotting the downtown core. She went to Queen’s University for her undergraduate degree, and her two sisters both work at the Kingston General Hospital.
“Personally, I love [that Kingston is] so close to the lake. And the Kingston community is such a welcoming [community],” Lacey says.
Lacey enjoys seeing Kingstonians flock to the set of Murdoch Mysteries to watch the series film. Many of them are proud to see the beauty of their hometown displayed on the big screen, she says.
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